Is the Trump presidency a religious cult? | Reza Aslan | Big Think

Summary

The transcript discusses the surprising support of white evangelicals for Donald Trump, despite his irreligious character and values that contradict core Christian beliefs. It highlights the racial dynamics within evangelical voting patterns and the influence of the prosperity gospel, where Trump's wealth is seen as a sign of divine favor. The speaker argues that Trump has transformed a significant portion of white evangelical Christianity into a dangerous cult, where his followers prioritize loyalty to him over traditional moral values. The potential consequences of this cult-like devotion amidst a faltering presidency raise serious concerns for the nation's future.

Takeaways

• 📊 Eighty-one percent of white evangelicals voted for Donald Trump, a record number surpassing support for George W. Bush.
• ❓ There is a significant disconnect between the core Christian values and the support for Trump, who is perceived as irreligious.
• 🌍 The voting patterns reveal a racial element: 67 percent of evangelicals of color supported Hillary Clinton.
• 💰 The prosperity gospel has influenced many white evangelicals, equating material wealth with divine favor.
• 🏛️ Trump’s promises of restoring power to white evangelical groups distinguished him from other candidates.
• 📜 The potential removal of the Johnson Amendment by Trump indicates a shift toward political engagement by churches.
• ⚖️ In one election cycle, white evangelicals shifted from valuing a politician's morality to being less concerned about it.
• 🔍 Atheists now perceive politician's morality as more important than many white evangelicals do.
• 👥 Some white evangelicals view Trump as a salvific figure, moving towards a cult-like following.
• ⚠️ The potential for catastrophic outcomes increases when a religious cult is faced with leadership failure and denial of reality.

Q & A

What percentage of white evangelicals voted for Donald Trump in the last election?

Eighty-one percent of white evangelicals voted for Donald Trump.

How does this percentage compare to previous elections?

This is a record high, surpassing the percentage of white evangelicals who voted for George W. Bush.

What significant difference is noted between white evangelicals and evangelicals of color regarding their voting preferences?

While 81% of white evangelicals voted for Trump, 67% of evangelicals of color supported Hillary Clinton, indicating a racial divide in voting behavior.

What is the 'prosperity gospel' and how does it relate to Trump’s support?

The prosperity gospel is a belief that God rewards faithfulness with material wealth. Many white evangelicals viewed Trump's wealth as a sign of God's blessings, which contributed to their support for him.

How did Trump uniquely appeal to white evangelical groups compared to previous Republican candidates?

Trump promised to restore secular power to white evangelical groups, explicitly stating that he would allow them to pursue their causes, unlike previous candidates who typically sought their support through spiritual validation.

What does the speaker suggest has happened to the moral standards of white evangelicals in politics?

The speaker notes a significant shift where white evangelicals have moved from valuing a politician's morality to being the least likely group to prioritize it, even less than atheists.

How does the speaker describe Trump’s influence on white evangelical Christianity?

The speaker argues that Trump has transformed a substantial portion of white evangelical Christianity into a dangerous cult-like following, where he is seen almost as a salvific figure.

What parallels are drawn between Trump’s status and that of religious figures?

The speaker cites instances where prominent evangelicals likened Trump to divine figures, with some even suggesting he sits at the right hand of God, a position reserved for Jesus Christ in evangelical belief.

What concerns does the speaker express about the potential consequences of Trump’s cult-like following?

The speaker fears that if Trump’s leadership deteriorates, as indicated by discussions of impeachment and investigations, his followers may double down on their support, leading to dangerous societal consequences.

What is the speaker’s overall assessment of the current political situation concerning Trump and his evangelical supporters?

The speaker believes that the combination of a deteriorating presidency and a cult-like following among white evangelicals places the country in a precarious and potentially dangerous position.