Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5-11 (NIV)
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Christianity, particularly Evangelical Christianity in its current form, has become far too dangerous to mince words, so I won’t.
Evangelical Christianity has become synonymous with right-wing Republican ideology. It no longer models Christ. The actions that are being taken by the current Republican controlled administration are antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus. Those who support the cruelty and hate of these actions in the name of Jesus are committing heresy. If you call yourself a Christian and support the evil that is consuming our government with hate under the under the guise of Christian love, you need to spend some time in the New Testament, because you have no idea what a Christian is. You are deluded.
It is increasingly difficult to ignore how many American evangelicals have veered from Jesus’s core teachings. Rather than emphasizing humility and compassion, they have grown closely aligned with Republican ideology. This carries serious consequences, shaping both the Church’s public reputation and the spiritual journeys of countless individuals. Surveys and historical data affirm that a movement once marked by mercy is now often more defined by partisan conflict than by the Gospel.
Historically, early Christians were recognized for their remarkable generosity, freely sharing resources to meet others’ needs (Acts 2:44–45). Though imperfect, they endeavored to emulate Jesus, who prioritized people over political structures. Modern evangelicalism, however, often pursues worldly influence. According to Pew Research Center, most white evangelicals routinely back Republican candidates, sometimes with little critique [https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/08/29/white-evangelicals-see-trump-as-fighting-for-their-beliefs/]. While voting is a right, it becomes problematic when political loyalty overshadows loyalty to Christ.
The roots of this alignment run deep. In the late 20th century, movements like the Moral Majority rallied evangelicals around culture-war issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and prayer in schools. These topics overshadowed broader biblical mandates to serve the poor and uphold justice. Over time, a faith identity deeply entwined with partisan goals displaced the radical, boundary-crossing love Jesus exemplified.
Prominent evangelical figures today frequently echo conservative talking points. When believers see faith primarily as a path to influence, they risk neglecting Jesus’s directives to aid the downtrodden. Congregations may adopt stances that alienate refugees, dismiss systemic inequities, or demonize people with different experiences. Younger Christians notice these contradictions. Barna Group research shows that many millennials and Gen Z leave churches they view as politically driven rather than Christ-centered [https://www.barna.com/research/churchless-millennials/]. Outsiders, meanwhile, see a movement seemingly more focused on power than on fostering hope.
Romans 12:2 cautions believers not to conform to worldly patterns. Yet evangelical discourse often mirrors the contentious tone of American politics, even endorsing policies that marginalize immigrants or ignore racism, actions that defy Jesus’s mandate in Matthew 25:35–40 to love our neighbors. When Church leaders gloss over wrongdoing for the sake of securing political influence, the resulting hypocrisy saps credibility, and observers see the disconnect between proclaimed values and real-world alliances.
Not all evangelicals fit this mold. Many labor quietly in shelters, mentor at-risk youth, and support local outreach programs, reflecting Jesus’s compassion for the vulnerable. Yet these good works are frequently overshadowed by more outspoken voices that treat the Gospel as a partisan tool. As a result, the line between genuine Christian faith and political religion blurs, tarnishing the larger reputation of evangelicalism.
Calls for change from within often meet resistance. Questioning deeply held alignments can lead to accusations of disloyalty or liberalism. This climate stifles frank conversations, making it difficult for believers to weigh political stances against the clear teachings of Christ. In such an echo chamber, certain ideological positions become virtually untouchable, even when they conflict with biblical imperatives like humility, mercy, and justice.
To confront this crisis, evangelicals must reacquaint themselves with the broader witness of Scripture. The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7 elevates mercy, peacemaking, and selflessness, virtues that cannot be fully contained within partisan labels. Authentic faith requires holding political allies accountable whenever they stray from Christ’s command to love one another. This posture demands repentance, particularly for those who disregarded injustice or rationalized corruption to safeguard influence. Historically, the Church has gained credibility when it acknowledged failings, whether in its complicity with slavery, segregation, or moral failings among its leaders.
Fostering renewal also involves prioritizing service over self-interest. Instead of pouring resources into contentious political battles, believers might channel energy into local ministries that heal divisions, feed the hungry, and uplift marginalized communities. Tangible acts of compassion do far more to embody the heart of Christianity than public alliances with power brokers. These efforts underscore that the Gospel aims to transform lives through sacrificial love, not political triumph.
Such an approach may cause evangelicals to lose some political privileges, but it can restore moral authority. When believers criticize any party that contravenes the teachings of Christ, they regain respect among those disenchanted by hypocrisy. Younger generations in particular are searching for an honest, empathetic faith that transcends culture wars. Nonbelievers, too, often respond to tangible demonstrations of love more than mere rhetoric.
The choice confronting evangelicals is whether they will remain tethered to partisan ideologies or return to the radical model Christ set forth. The Church, birthed by spiritual awakening, could devolve into just another political faction unless it reclaims a higher calling. Society wonders if believers will be known by their love and humility or by unyielding loyalty to a party. The stakes are high: the Church’s witness hinges on devotion to Jesus over all else.
Despite the gravity of the moment, hope remains. Throughout history, Christians have renewed their commitments whenever they confronted idolatries and chose to realign with the Gospel. Today, some evangelicals advocate for immigrants, call out racism, and serve neglected communities, recalling the early believers’ focus on hospitality and shared sacrifice. By turning from partisan entanglements and embracing the broad scope of God’s kingdom, a kingdom in which every individual bears divine worth, the Church can step outside bitter political strife and into a mission of love that transcends human divisions.
Ultimately, the future of evangelical witness depends on this willingness to refocus on Jesus’s words and deeds. If believers resist the lure of partisan loyalties and prioritize genuine acts of service, they can once again shine as a beacon of hope. Such a shift may require sacrifice, but it will safeguard the Gospel’s integrity, remind the world of Christianity’s life-giving call, and draw seekers toward the faith’s true foundation.
True renewal may demand a season of self-reflection, where leaders publicly acknowledge how politics overshadowed the Gospel. It might require uncomfortable conversations that challenge habitual thinking. Yet in surrendering the idol of political power, the Church can reclaim its birthright as a transformative force in society, fueled by the simplicity of Christ’s command to love God and neighbor above all else.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this editorial are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Polk County Publishing or its affiliates. In the interest of transparency, I am politically Left Libertarian
