figures... I know some evangelicals and this seems to be their major issue.

... a reason that many people oppose abortion is that they believe in a soul.

It doesn't matter that a fetus has no human-level brain activity for several weeks because those people think there's a "ghost in the machine" that's residing within.

Also seems to be the case.

they must really expect their God to perform a miracle, keeping the U.S. from sliding into ruination or revolt.

Everything else is then filtered out. It is like the parts of the bible they want to believe, the rest is then filtered out.

I once attended church weekly, the hypocrisy bothered me, but I was raised to go to church, then they tried to tell me I couldn't be a Christian if I didn't vote republican, I turned around and walked out.

Such as when they supported Reagan in 1980 despite his divorce, signing an abortion bill in California, etc.

Of course, Reagan later turned anti-abortion as President... likely for political reasons. It's akin to Nixon and his "Southern strategy," except with unborn as the subject.

I'm Baptist, so I think that counts.

Anyway, I don't understand the way these people think either. I don't think it has much to do with the religion. I think religion is a fig leaf for many of these people.

It's also saying he would work to remove the restrictions on churches. Making it so you could use your church as political pulpit and still get the exempt status. Along with weakening the separation of church and state laws. They don't seem to have a problem with the "assault" on Christmas done by the church incorporating pagan rituals in to it or businesses turning it in to for profit scheme.

I interpreted that pastor's reference to "religious liberty" as possibly encompassing that stuff.

Their "liberty" to cram religion down the throats of others... in public schools or elsewhere.

Evangelicals tend towards authoritarianism, and moreover, they tend to forgive authoritarian leaders. Check out writings by Jonathan Haitt, among others. Haitt's book is the "Rightous Mind". Very perceptive.

I'll look into that book.

So in Trump the see a man with lots of money who professes a christian faith and that reinforces their concept of devine blessing. It's rather pathetic how they can dismiss Trump's lack of character, humility, self control, or moral compass just because he says certain things they want to hear.

... and this isn't even all of them!

It’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to have eternal life (Luke 18:24-27)

Sell all and give to the poor to have treasure in heaven (Luke 18:18-23)

It’s difficult for the rich to enter heaven (Mark 10:23-25)

People who are concerned about earthly possessions and money are not depending on God’s provision (Luke 12:22-34)

We cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13)

What is exalted by men (wealth), is an abomination before God (Luke 16:14-15)

Do not store up treasure on earth (Matthew 6:19-21)

I spent many years in Evangelical churches and the more I studied the Bible, the more I came to realize that many of these people do not follow Christ, they follow a personality that preaches to them every Sunday. Pretty much boils down to being told what they want to hear and there is ALWAYS an out provided when something scriptural contradicts their agenda.

Personally I believe people like Paula White and Joel Olsteen are no better than Trump. Grifters and con artists the lot of 'em.

but...

"As Christians, we believe the left’s agenda is to marginalize Christianity to the sidelines, diminishing our influence and many of the faith traditions we cherish."

All I can say to that is by Anu can I have a pint of whatever he's had a few gallons of?