The Republican Christian Pharisee Spirit

As it was four and eight years ago, so it seems to be again. I stand amazed as Christians once again seemingly begin the process to politically annihilate themselves.

Ironically, in 2008 and 2012 it was the Christian outsiders not partnering with the insiders…this time it is the Christian insiders not teaming-up with the outsiders. Even though both in and out are Republicans, and have more in common with each other than they do with the Democrats; it seems as the Pharisee spirit is alive and well and may derail the presidential nominee again.

In 2008, John McCain was too liberal. In 2012, Mitt Romney was too Mormon. In both instances, a NO VOTE for John and Mitt resulted in Barack Obama, a far left liberal who governs in opposition to most conservative Christian beliefs. WOW…not real bright on the part of Christian Republicans, who were too holier-than-thou to even cast a vote in said years.

Last election, ministers were so successful in discouraging a vote for a too Mormon Romney, that approximately 4,000,000 fewer conservatives voted for him than previously voted for McCain. Had that amount turned out for Mitt, he would have easily won the Presidency.

Today, it would seem that Trump is too much of an Outsider and not sanctimonious enough for many Christians. It will be interesting to see if Christians learn from their past mistakes, or if the Pharisee spirit prevails and they replicate the folly of the past.

On February 29, 2016, I heard David Green, the owner of Hobby Lobby, boldly proclaim that Donald Trump was not sanctimonious enough to garner his vote.No big deal, vote for whomever you want in the primaries. However, it was his add-on that made me shutter and prompted this post. Green said, and come election time, he will not vote for Trump. And I said to myself, that same ole Pharisee spirit is back again this election.

A NO vote for Trump is a YES vote for Clinton, and it is likely she will govern just as Obama has. Not to mention three Supreme Court Judges the next President will likely appoint. What a tragedy, the Church is in jeopardy of once again heaping greater government resistance upon itself.

I feel qualified to pen this post because I have written extensively on why people do what they do. If you want to to gain insights into yourself and others, read the In-Syncness for Ministers or Christians. A link for E-book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble is at www.insyncness.com/books

In conclusion, perhaps, a look at some factors will shed light on the situation and help dispel the Pharisee spirit. Trump says he has never smoked, drank or done drugs. Wonder how many ministers and Christians can say that? Trump has raised at least three apparently well mannered children who would appear to be the joy of any father. Wonder what percentage of minister’s kids are doing as well…or for that manner, what percentage of kids in the evangelical wing of the church are as clean cut and of equal caliber.

One characteristic of the Pharisee spirit is it makes people feel good about themselves, by blinding them to their flaws, and accentuating the flaws in others. Jesus said, “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:5