The Immoral Majority: Why Evangelicals Chose Political Power over Christian Values

Conservative commentator Howe censures the evangelical movement that helped elect Donald Trump president in this pointed debut. The son of a pastor, Howe became disillusioned with Christian power-grabbing actions during the 2016 elections; it was, he notes, “what happens when the people who believe they have the moral high ground find themselves on the low road.” Howe then explains why he believes evangelicals became enamored of Trump, specifically that they could look past his morally corrupt nature as long as he delivered politically conservative objectives. A major factor of the evangelical belief in Trump, he writes, is “vessel theology,” in which men who feel little agency see themselves as vessels of God to do His work on earth—thus connecting with other Biblical giants such as Judas, Paul, and Noah. In this way, Trump’s unconventional (or even sinful) behavior could be justified by the idea that “God can use anyone” to bring about change. Mixing political commentary, historical facts, and personal narrative, Howe offers a critical yet compassionate call to arms for fellow evangelicals to remember their religious obligations as upholders of high moral standards. He also predicts that, though Trump has appeased his religious base on some issues, the president will become less interested in faith-based gains after he achieves his political goals. Howe’s trenchant work will appeal to anyone concerned with the evangelical embrace of the Trump presidency. (Aug.)