Faith over Fear: Christian Post Trumpatic Stress

Over 80% of white evangelical Christians supported Donald Trump in both 2016 and 2020, despite his criminal record, history of bankruptcies, and alignment with greed. Religious leaders heavily influenced this support, framing Trump as a defender of Christian values while emphasizing single issues like abortion and ignoring broader principles like compassion and care for the marginalized.

Overlooked Values

Many Christians prioritized political alignment over values of love and inclusion, directly impacting vulnerable groups. Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in particular has fostered "Christian PTSD," a form of religious trauma driving LGBTQ+ youth away from the Church and contributing to high rates of depression and suicide.

• Data: LGBTQ+ youth from highly religious families are twice as likely to experience depression and suicidal thoughts compared to those in supportive environments (The Trevor Project, 2022).

Exodus from Faith

This hypocrisy has alienated young people, leading to an exodus from Christianity as they see a disconnect between the teachings of love and the Church’s political actions.

Trump’s anti-immigrant policies appealed to voters aiming to reinforce their position in the social hierarchy by pushing immigrants further down the “caste ladder.”

• Data: A 2020 Pew study revealed that 60% of white evangelicals view immigrants as a “burden,” ignoring biblical teachings about welcoming strangers. Latino communities have often felt excluded from religious spaces due to this rhetoric, despite their deep ties to faith.

Trump capitalized on economic fears while promoting policies like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017), which primarily benefited the wealthy and left little for middle- and lower-income families. Christian alignment with these policies often reflected personal financial gain over community welfare, further fueling perceptions of hypocrisy.

Trump’s proposed tariffs could significantly increase costs for everyday goods, disproportionately affecting low-income households. Key impacts include:

• Clothing: Up to 18% price hikes.
• Electronics: Laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles could rise by 25-45%.
• Groceries: Staples like coffee and beef may see notable price increases.

These tariffs could amplify inflation and economic inequality, leaving the majority of Americans worse off.

• Harvey Milk Elected (1977): First openly gay elected official in California, a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation.
• Bracero Program Ends (1964): Shaped U.S. immigration policy and impacted thousands of Mexican workers.
• Susan B. Anthony Votes Illegally (1872): A pivotal act in the women’s suffrage movement.

The Christian vote for Trump highlights a troubling divergence from core teachings of compassion and justice. This alignment has harmed marginalized groups, driven young people from the Church, and deepened societal divisions. Moving forward, Christians must reflect on the broader impact of their choices and strive to embody the values they preach.

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