Evangelicals And The Easter Holiday Season

David W. Marshall

By David W. Marshall

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – It is not hard to forget that in 2011 when the mission to kill Osama bin Laden was authorized, Barack Obama was president, and Donald Trump was still a private citizen. Yet, during a recent Trump rally in Michigan, U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain falsely claimed that Donald Trump “caught” Osama bin Laden.

This, of course, is not true. Still, it didn’t stop an elected official from presenting a twisted fact as being true (During his presidency, Trump authorized operations that led to the deaths of several high-level terrorists, including bin Laden’s son, Hamza). And yes, the seed was planted, and the lie could grow in the minds of certain voters. Whether it’s Michigan or any state with an upcoming primary and general election, certain buzzwords resonate with voters, therefore, candidates are quick to exploit them. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey faces a well-funded challenger and a crowded field in her gubernatorial primary.

“The fake news, big tech and blue state liberals stole the election from Donald Trump,” Ivey says at the start of one of her campaign ads. “But here in Alabama, we’re making sure that never happens.”

Ivey continues to note that the state “has not and will not send absentee ballots to everyone and their brother,” has “banned corrupt curbside voting,” and “our results will always be audited.”

“The left is probably offended,” she says at the ad’s conclusion. “So be it. As long as I’m governor, we’re going to protect your vote.” Ivey’s campaign ad is disturbing for several reasons. First, it is undisputable that there was no voter fraud associated with the last presidential election. The voter protection she is championing is actually voter suppression tactics meant to offset voting patterns by people of color. Secondly, it also goes against the oath of office taken by the governor. All members of the legislature, and all officers, executive and judicial, are sworn to” faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter, to the best of my ability. So help me, God.”

It says a lot about knowingly disingenuous or misleading elected officials, offering a deliberate distortion of the truth for political gain. They know that campaigning and governing by deceit contradicts their sworn oath of office, but it is a betrayal to the citizens who truly depend on officials to uphold the U.S. and state Constitutions in their entirety. The growing influence of social media and echo chambers proves how deceit as a campaign and governing strategy has become much more mainstream today than in previous generations. Unfortunately, lies and deceit are effective means of galvanizing specific groups, but why? Especially in the part of the country commonly referred to as the Bible Belt.

This year, the Easter season coincides with the midterm campaign season. While non-religious traditions are held during this time, Easter is a principal holiday for those of the Christian faith. It acknowledges the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death which represents the core of Christian beliefs. We have always known that race, politics, and religion are intertwined, so it is no surprise when elected officials spread lies, deceit, and misinformation to gain the support of white evangelical voters. But why are these tactics so effective with a large number of individuals representing this group?

Why do Christians who claim to be followers of Jesus fail to demonstrate the character of Jesus regarding social and political equity? While we have elected leaders who betray segments of their constituents by not upholding their oaths and defending the Constitution, we also see Christians (laypeople and leaders) who betray the mission and teaching of Jesus by succumbing/promoting political lies and debunked conspiracy theories. The story behind Holy Week also reminds us of the key part played by Judas Iscariot. As one of the 12 disciples, Judas was taught by Jesus and was a close follower. For 30 pieces of silver, he betrayed Jesus by turning him over to those who would crucify him. Today, we see the same Judas-type followers who compromise Christian teachings and character for their version of 30 pieces of silver.

To some, the 30 pieces of silver represent maintaining a conservative Supreme Court, idolizing Donald Trump and keeping him in power, maintaining racial supremacy, or all the above. To them, the ends justify the means. As bad as it seems in 2022, let’s hope history repeats itself. The Judas-type followers didn’t fully succeed during the Civil War, Reconstruction, or the civil rights eras. Hopefully, in 2022 more politically active evangelicals will develop self-awareness concerning the harm to themselves, their communities, and the nation. And during this Easter season, let’s not forget Judas Iscariot did not stop Jesus despite periods where it appeared to be a lost cause. Overall, the story did not end well for Judas.