People are done with White Evangelicals. They have reached their limit and want nothing to do with this group any longer, and This Is Why: they are witnessing hypocrisy, inconsistency, selective mercy, and a thinly disguised sense of supremacy.
For eight long years, observers watched as White Evangelicals relentlessly demonized a Black President. This was a man known for his faithful marriage of over two decades, a dedicated father and husband, untouched by moral scandal or even a hint of infidelity. Despite this, they questioned his personal faith, challenged his birthplace, and attacked his character, all without valid reason or evidence. Scriptures were brandished to condemn him, and lazy racial stereotypes were employed in their criticisms. And through all of this, White Evangelicals never once acknowledged the possibility that God might have placed him in his position. Public prayers for him and his family were absent. Christian Universities remained unwelcoming. He was never given the benefit of the doubt. Forgiveness and mercy were not offered. Evangelists did not publicly thank God for his leadership, and pastors did not use their pulpits to show solidarity. No effort was made to affirm his humanity or extend the love of Jesus in any measurable way. Instead, violent opposition was the only response at every turn, devoid of the very grace that is claimed to be at the heart of their faith. Jesus was seemingly abandoned as condemnation was dispensed.
Then, a stark contrast emerged. Carte blanche was given to a white Republican man, a figure demonstrably steeped in depravity, entangled in numerous extramarital affairs, unapologetically vulgar, and possessing a long record of moral corruption that is frankly staggering. The shift in White Evangelicals was unmistakable, almost like witnessing a complete transformation, a being born anew. Suddenly, with this figure, religion was rediscovered. Absolution was readily offered. Everything was forgiven without any need for repentance or even admission of wrongdoing. An invisible, deeply buried heart was suddenly perceived. Sin became trivial, and compassion was no longer a prerequisite. Only Providence was visible in his actions.
And this is why those who have grown weary of White Evangelicals see everything with perfect clarity. The toxic root of this inconsistency is fully exposed. It becomes apparent that race and political affiliation have become their true gods. There’s a clear indication that perpetuating the love of God or embodying the spirit of Jesus are not the driving forces. The desire to love the marginalized, act with compassion, or care for neighbors—be they Muslim, gay, African, female, or poor—as oneself, seems absent. Instead, the overriding objective appears to be the creation of a deity in their own privileged image, demanding global subservience. It’s about a white, Republican Jesus, not the dark-skinned Jesus of Nazareth.
Unbeknownst to them, White Evangelicals are, in these actions, digging the grave of their own faith tradition. Aligning with cruelty is a costly bargain. While there may be perceived victories—a Supreme Court seat, fleeting moments of presidential influence, the temporary thrill of power—the losses are far greater. They have forfeited the attention of millions of wise, decent, kind-hearted, faithful individuals who clearly perceive this ugliness. Moral high ground and spiritual authority with an entire generation have been squandered. Any resemblance to Christlikeness has vanished. The essence of their faith has been lost, and ultimately, their very souls are at risk.
These words may be dismissed. The very act of embracing such malevolence reveals the extent of their detachment from reality. Yet, an attempt to reach out was necessary. It is, after all, what Jesus would do. Perhaps a reconsideration of his teachings is needed, if his message still holds any meaning.