The Republican Party has always aimed to attract the evangelical Christian voting demographic, and Donald Trump is particularly keen on this group.

While the influence of Christianity has waned in America lately, a Gallup poll from March indicated that 68% of Americans still identify as Christians. In the 2020 election, 71% of white Americans who regularly attended church voted for Trump. In 2016, white evangelicals represented 20% of voters, largely favoring Trump over Hillary Clinton (77% compared to 16%).

Research from the Pew Research Center shows that 85% of white evangelicals support the GOP in 2024.

Recently, many evangelical voters have shifted from supporting specific candidates or parties towards the concept of Christian nationalism, which Christianity Today defines as the belief that the United States is fundamentally a Christian nation and that the government should operate accordingly.

However, God, Trump, and the Republican Party are not the same entity.

The ’11th Hour Faith Leaders Meeting’

On Monday, several pastors, including noted evangelical leader Franklin Graham, showed their support for Trump at a Christian outreach event labeled the “11th Hour Faith Leaders Meeting” held in Concord, North Carolina.

According to Dr. Ben Carson, faith chairman of Trump’s reelection campaign, “This election is about whether we remain a secular nation or affirm our identity as one nation under God.”

Trump connected his faith to his political ambitions, saying, “My faith took on new significance on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, where I felt as if I was touched by a divine hand. I believe that God has a purpose for me, and it is to make our country better than ever.”

This sentiment resonates with millions of Christians.

During the North Carolina gathering, Pastor Guillermo Maldonado from Miami, a long-time ally of Trump, expressed that this election transcends mere American politics.

“We are engaged in spiritual warfare,” Maldonado stated. “This conflict extends beyond left versus right; it is a battle between good and evil. There is a significant struggle affecting our nation, and we must reclaim it.”

Evangelicals and the Republican alignment

Many evangelicals believe that Christians should vote Republican to restore a time when faith was central to public life.

As a Christian interested in politics, the rhetoric concerning Christianity, politics, and Trump deeply troubles me.

A lot of evangelical Christians tend to be single-issue voters, often choosing candidates based on their stances on pro-life issues, which typically aligns with Republican candidates.

In the abortion debate, while Harris and Trump have differing views, neither can effect significant changes now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned. It’s possible that this former motivating issue for Christians may dissuade them from voting, representing a surprising shift for the pro-life movement.

Trump’s candidacy also raises challenging questions: What occurs when the Republican nominee is committed to pro-life values but also engages in questionable behavior, such as being a womanizer, a misogynist, or facing felony convictions?

This month, pastor Josh Howerton from Dallas urged his congregation to avoid seeking perfection in presidential candidates, highlighting that Christians should vote for who aligns most closely with their values.

“Every Christian with an open Bible and a functioning mind ought to critique both candidates before us and recognize the flaws present,” Howerton remarked. “Jesus is not on the ballot; it’s time to accept that.”

What should Christians consider?

Although I don’t agree with everything Howerton says, I share his views on voting for different reasons.

It’s not only that Christians must recognize that Jesus won’t be their choice at the polls or cease the fruitless quest for flawless political candidates. This is indeed the case. (It is well-known that our political figures are often flawed.)

What truly matters is that Christians should stop expecting politicians to fulfill roles that only God can fill, and vice versa. These functions should not be confused or interchanged.

I believe exercising the right to vote is a privilege. Many across the globe, including those of faith, yearn for this opportunity yet are denied it. We should cherish this right and engage thoughtfully in the voting process.

Nevertheless, I express this caution considering that evangelical Republicans often lean heavily towards Christian nationalism.

Nationalism is particularly relevant in Texas, the state I call home.

Back in the 1980s, the Moral Majority and other similar groups led many Christians to assume that God supports a specific political party, particularly regarding matters like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.

I regret to inform anyone who thinks otherwise, but God does not align Himself with the Republican or Democratic party. He is our Savior, not a politician.

To limit the God of the universe to the trivial disputes of American politics underestimates His many qualities as an all-knowing, all-powerful, and ever-present being. The Bible tells us He is above all, and His ways far exceed our understanding.

When the presidential candidates are disappointing, apathy towards politics can be tempting. Nonetheless, we have an obligation to engage with our nation’s electoral process. Unfortunately, too many Christians associate God with our political system, which is neither healthy nor appropriate.