'Anointed by God': The Christians who see Trump as their saviour

In the United States, a significant number of people view Donald Trump as a figure chosen by God to lead the nation. This belief has become a central theme among his supporters, who see him as a savior sent to rescue them from various challenges. During a rally in Florida, Trump proclaimed that God had spared his life for a purpose: to help restore America to its former glory. This notion of divine selection was a prominent aspect of his campaign, resonating with many Americans who felt a spiritual connection to his candidacy. Even before a life-threatening incident in Pennsylvania, millions of Americans were already convinced that their faith guided them to support Trump. Some supporters have drawn parallels between Trump and biblical figures, suggesting that he embodies a struggle between good and evil. For instance, TV evangelist Hank Kunneman described Trump as possessing a unique power that instills fear in those who oppose him. Additionally, actor Jim Caviezel, known for his role as Jesus in a popular film, humorously referred to Trump as 'the new Moses. ' This raises important questions about why so many individuals perceive Trump as a divine savior, especially considering his lack of overt religious devotion. Reverend Franklin Graham, a prominent evangelical leader and son of the renowned preacher Billy Graham, firmly believes that Trump was chosen by God for his mission. He recounts a near-fatal incident where a bullet narrowly missed Trump, attributing this to divine intervention. Graham argues that everyone has flaws and should not be judged too harshly for their past actions. He points to Trump's commitment to appointing anti-abortion judges as evidence of his integrity, viewing this as a significant victory for Christians. Graham asserts that Trump will safeguard religious freedoms, contrasting him with the Democratic Party, which he believes does not prioritize these values. Many Christians support Trump because they feel he will champion their beliefs and protect their rights in a society where they perceive a decline in religious influence. Furthermore, some of Trump's supporters believe that his administration will strengthen ties with Israel, a crucial aspect for many evangelical Christians. They hold the belief that certain events in Israel must occur for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. However, not all Christians share this perspective. Some are deeply concerned about Trump's behavior and the way he treats others. Reverend Monte Norwood, for instance, has expressed disappointment with Trump's actions and rhetoric, arguing that he has demeaned various groups, including immigrants and women. Norwood believes that overlooking Trump's character is hypocritical and contrary to the teachings of Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of helping those in need, as exemplified by Jesus' teachings. Research conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) indicates that white Christians have historically leaned towards the Republican Party, while non-white Christians and those without religious affiliation tend to support Democrats. This trend has persisted over the years, with a significant decline in the number of Americans identifying as Christians. In the early 1990s, around 90% of adults in the U. S. identified as Christians, but that figure has dropped to approximately 64% in recent years. This decline has created an opportunity for Trump, who has capitalized on the fears of Christians regarding their diminishing influence. He has promised to restore power to Christian churches, appealing to their desire for recognition and respect in a changing society. Nevertheless, not all Christians have been swayed by Trump's message. Some have voiced their concerns about his character and the implications of his presidency. Reverend Norwood, for example, has actively campaigned against a second Trump term, advocating for voter registration and mobilization efforts within the black community. He believes that true Christianity involves caring for the marginalized and addressing social injustices. Historically, voting patterns have shown that white Christian groups tend to support Republican candidates, while non-white Christians and religiously unaffiliated voters lean Democratic. This trend has been consistent for decades, particularly since the 1960s when the Democratic Party became associated with the civil rights movement. Recent polling data suggests that this pattern remains largely intact, with a significant majority of white evangelical Protestant voters supporting Trump over his opponents. However, there have been notable shifts in voting behavior among certain demographics, such as Muslim voters in Michigan, who have shown increased support for Republicans. Economic factors, including rising inflation, may have influenced these changes, drawing non-traditional Republican voters to Trump's side. Trump's appeal to traditionalist Christians is rooted in his promise to restore the nation's Christian character. His campaign has tapped into feelings of nostalgia and loss, resonating with those who long for a return to a more faith-centered society. Despite his political strength, Trump faces the challenge of a broader demographic shift in the U. S. , with an increasing number of individuals identifying as religiously unaffiliated. While the percentage of self-identified atheists remains lower than in many Western countries, the growth of those who do not associate with any faith is significant. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, who are increasingly distancing themselves from traditional religious practices. Additionally, high-profile scandals within religious institutions have contributed to this decline. A significant portion of American atheists and agnostics cite abuse scandals as a reason for leaving their childhood faith. For instance, the Catholic Church has faced scrutiny for its handling of abuse cases, leading to a loss of trust among many former members. Reverend Graham remains optimistic about the future, believing that while church attendance may not see an immediate increase, Trump's presidency will help protect the rights of people of faith. He argues that Trump will prevent legislation that could infringe upon religious freedoms, not only for Christians but for all individuals of faith. As Americans observe the unfolding political landscape, they are left to ponder the implications of a government influenced by religious beliefs, with some feeling hopeful and others expressing concern.