Here is a simple and proven three-step guide for politicians seeking the support of hordes of white professing Christians. It is very effective.
First, create enemies out of vulnerable people. Undocumented (and even some documented) immigrants and transgender persons are the convenient targets now.
Demean them as being a threat to “our way” of life. Dehumanize them as “illegals” or “men pretending to be women.”
Insecure persons tend to face their insecurities by treating others as less deserving of human dignity. And the political realm offers some power for acting out such insecurities.
Second, recruit readily available, authoritative ministers who consider Jesus to be weak and useless (other than afterlife benefits) to join the cause.
Attention-seeking preachers who display weekly, self-serving manipulation before TV cameras are especially helpful.
There is little chance of conscience pricking their flocks when Jesus’ life and teachings are misconstrued or ignored — including what he deemed the greatest commandment along with a slew of parables.
Christian ethics is reduced to oversimplifications of a couple of favored issues like abortion and gender identity — ignoring both the complexities and resulting harm.
Third and finally, wrap the selectively-used Bible in a big flag and this overall political cause in fear-drenched lies and catchy slogans — promising privilege and protection in exchange for unquestioned loyalty and moral blindness.
That’s all it takes.
It worked in the past — with some continuation— by targeting Indigenous people, African slaves and their descendants, other racial minorities, persons in poverty, gay and lesbian individuals and couples, and equality-seeking women.
This formula has a proven and consistent track record. Just look for those Jesus called “the least of these” and give them hell.
For some odd reason, many white Americans who profess to be Christian find such an approach very appealing.
This simple three-step method, when executed well, is both fool-proof and fool revealing.
John D. Pierce is director of the Jesus Worldview Initiative (jesusworldview.org), part of Belmont University’s Rev. Charlie Curb Center for Faith Leadership. Join us for the first Jesus Worldview Conference, October 13-15, in Nashville.