TJ Thompson // Faith & Politics // EEW Magazine Online

In the tempestuous realm of American politics, where ideologies clash and voices rise in cacophonous debate, a faction of fervent religious supporters harbor an unyielding conviction: former President Donald Trump is chosen by God.

This belief, more than mere political endorsement, is a testament to the deep intertwining of faith and political allegiance, and it courses through the veins of Trump's Evangelical base with unrelenting force.

During a probing discussion on MSNBC about Trump's commanding win in the Iowa caucuses, anchor Lawrence O'Donnell reflected on the theological implications embraced by many religious conservatives. These supporters see Trump's potential re-election, not just as a political triumph but as a divine appointment to the highest office in the land.

O'Donnell shared the sentiments of a loyal Trump supporter who said, "Donald Trump was chosen by God to be the person he votes for tonight in Iowa," exemplifying the profound spiritual dimension imbued in their political choice.

This narrative of Trump's ordained return to the presidency is not a fringe sentiment whispered in hushed tones but a loud chorus that resounds among a significant segment of the Evangelical community. It is a conviction that poses "an insurmountable roadblock for other candidates," O'Donnell noted, singling out Nikki Haley's third-place finish behind Ron DeSantis as a stark example of the uphill battle Trump's opponents face.

Evangelical Trump supporters represent a unique and influential subset of the American electorate, characterized by their unwavering commitment to conservative Christian values and their alignment with the political agenda of the former President. These individuals are often members of the broader Evangelical movement, which emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, and the need for evangelism – sharing the Christian faith with others.

This group's support for Trump is rooted in the belief that he defends religious liberties, appoints conservative judges to the judiciary, and upholds policies that align with their moral convictions, such as opposition to abortion and support for Israel.

To understand the Evangelical Trump supporter, it is essential to delve into the sociopolitical fabric of this demographic. These supporters are often found in America's heartland, attending churches where the message of faith intersects with a call to political action. Though Evangelical Trump supporters are not monolithic in their perspectives, they share common threads that bind them. They view Trump as a bulwark against secularism and a champion of the values they hold dear.

Despite the cognitive dissonance some may feel, given Trump's personal history and behavior which at times seems at odds with Evangelical morals, many reconcile this by focusing on policy over personality, or by subscribing to the idea that God uses flawed individuals for divine purposes. In their eyes, Trump's presidency was marked by divine favor, a narrative that has persisted and even amplified with his recent victory in the Iowa caucuses. A Scripture that supports this idea that God, not voters, seats elected officials is Romans 13:1: “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”

The Evangelical Trump supporter who sees the former President as a protector of their values and an instrument of God's will in the political arena has theological rationalization for this deep-seated belief. O'Donnell recalled the words of the religious Trump supporter: "God sometimes makes strange choices.”

He then noted, “When I was a kid, the way they taught that in our Catholic theology, the phrase the nuns always used was ‘God moves in mysterious ways’”—a familiar phrase deeply ingrained in the teachings of many Christian denominations. This sentiment offers a divine defense, a heavenly shield against any who dare question Trump's suitability for office, for who can argue against the will of the Almighty?

In this light, the support for Trump transcends the man himself; it becomes an act of faith, a sacred duty decreed by divine will.

"And whether Donald Trump made them do this or whether they wanted to find their way to be for Donald Trump, they have arrived at the spot that they believe that God has decided he should not just win the Iowa caucus, he should be president again, that he is God’s chosen candidate," O'Donnell concluded.

The strength of this conviction among Trump's Evangelical supporters has profound implications for American democracy. It weaves an almost mythical narrative around Trump's political journey, framing his potential re-election as a cosmic battle, with victory signifying not just a return to power but the fulfillment of a celestial decree.

The unwavering belief in Trump as the chosen one by God is more than a political endorsement; it is an expression of faith that has cemented his status as a nearly messianic figure among his most devout followers.

As the 2024 race heats up, this divine mandate will undoubtedly continue to influence the political landscape, shaping not just the future of one man, but the soul of a nation.