This paper analyzes how Evangelicals interpret and understand Trump and his policy in a way that suits their idea of the world. The first chapter will show how religion developed in America. America's history is crucial for understanding the uniqueness of the religious landscape and helps to comprehend where the evangelical mindset is coming from. After explaining the main ideas of Evangelism, the last chapter will introduce three high-ranking personalities associated with Trump and their influence in politics. The main argument is that these Evangelicals support Donald Trump and promote him because they are reading signals in his appearance, language, and actions that suit the biblical prophecy they believe in.
Because of certain events "[...] many evangelicals begin to feel that they are living in a world like the world of the Bible." For evangelical Christians, the bible is a road map that tells the future and shapes the way they view the present. They aim for a foreign policy that is affirming those prophecies. Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, who is representing the Republican Party, depends on their votes as white evangelical Protestants have become the most pro-Republican of all the major religious traditions and are considered the base or core of the contemporary party in elections.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1 Religion in America
- 1.2 Prophecy and Interpretations
- 2. The Evangelicals
- 2.1 Why Trump?
- 2.2 Trump's proof to be God's instrument
- 3. Evangelicals influence/advising Trump
- 3.1 Mike Pompeo
- 3.2 Robert Jeffress
- 3.3 Paula White
- 4. Evangelicals opposing Trump
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes how Evangelical Christians interpret and understand Donald Trump and his policies through the lens of biblical prophecy. It explores the historical context of religion in America, focusing on the development of Evangelical Protestantism and its unique perspective on the role of prophecy in shaping political views. The paper also examines the influence of prominent Evangelical figures on Trump's administration.
- The historical development of religion in America, particularly Evangelical Protestantism.
- The role of biblical prophecy in shaping Evangelical political views.
- The reasons behind Evangelical support for Donald Trump.
- The influence of key Evangelical figures on Trump's policies.
- The existence of Evangelicals who oppose Trump.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by establishing the context of Evangelical interpretations of current events through a biblical lens. It highlights the significant role of white Evangelical Protestants within the Republican party and introduces the paper's central argument: Evangelicals support Trump because they see his actions and words as fulfilling biblical prophecies. The chapter briefly previews the structure of the paper, outlining its progression from the historical development of religion in America to the influence of specific Evangelical figures on Trump's presidency.
1.1 Religion in America: This section delves into the historical development of religion in America, tracing its roots from the arrival of various European settlers to the present day. It highlights the influence of Puritanism on American society and politics, emphasizing the concept of a chosen people and its lasting impact. The chapter contrasts the differing interpretations of Jesus within Mainline Protestantism and Evangelical Protestantism, and introduces Black Protestantism as a separate development rooted in the experiences of African Americans. It concludes by contrasting the role of religious communities in American society with those in Europe.
1.2 Prophecy and Interpretations: This section explores the long history of biblical prophecy interpretations in Western thought, tracing its influence from the Black Death to the modern era. It details how interpretations of prophecy shaped colonial and revolutionary America, emphasizing the concept of America as a “New Canaan,” a promised land fulfilling specific religious prophecies. The section connects these historical interpretations to contemporary times, showing how events such as the Cold War and the creation of Israel have been viewed as fulfilling elements of biblical prophecy. This sets the stage for understanding how contemporary Evangelicals interpret current events.
2. The Evangelicals: This chapter focuses on the Evangelical perspective on Donald Trump and his presidency. It delves into the reasons behind Evangelical support for Trump, exploring the ways in which Evangelicals interpret Trump's actions and statements as confirmation of their prophetic beliefs. This section lays the groundwork for further analysis of specific individuals and their influence.
3. Evangelicals influence/advising Trump: This chapter examines the influence of prominent Evangelical figures within Trump’s administration. It introduces individuals such as Mike Pompeo, Robert Jeffress, and Paula White, providing insight into their roles and the nature of their relationships with the president. The analysis explores how their perspectives and influence shape the intersection of religion and politics in Trump's presidency.
4. Evangelicals opposing Trump: This chapter shifts focus to highlight the existence of Evangelicals who actively opposed Donald Trump's presidency. It acknowledges the diversity of opinion within the Evangelical community and counters the narrative of monolithic support for the president. This section underscores the complexity of the relationship between Evangelicalism and Trump's policies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Evangelical Protestantism, Biblical Prophecy, Donald Trump, American Politics, Religion in America, End Times, Religious Influence, Political Theology, Evangelical Advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions: Evangelical Interpretations of Donald Trump and His Policies
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper analyzes how Evangelical Christians interpret and understand Donald Trump and his policies through the lens of biblical prophecy. It explores the historical context of religion in America, focusing on the development of Evangelical Protestantism and its unique perspective on the role of prophecy in shaping political views. The paper also examines the influence of prominent Evangelical figures on Trump's administration.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the historical development of religion in America (particularly Evangelical Protestantism), the role of biblical prophecy in shaping Evangelical political views, the reasons behind Evangelical support for Donald Trump, the influence of key Evangelical figures on Trump's policies, and the existence of Evangelicals who oppose Trump.
What is covered in the Introduction?
The introduction sets the context of Evangelical interpretations of current events through a biblical lens. It highlights the significant role of white Evangelical Protestants within the Republican party and introduces the central argument: Evangelicals support Trump because they see his actions and words as fulfilling biblical prophecies. It also previews the paper's structure.
What does the chapter on "Religion in America" discuss?
This section delves into the historical development of religion in America, tracing its roots from the arrival of various European settlers to the present day. It highlights the influence of Puritanism, contrasts interpretations of Jesus within Mainline and Evangelical Protestantism, introduces Black Protestantism, and compares the role of religious communities in American and European societies.
What is the focus of the chapter on "Prophecy and Interpretations"?
This section explores the long history of biblical prophecy interpretations in Western thought, tracing its influence from the Black Death to the modern era. It details how interpretations of prophecy shaped colonial and revolutionary America, emphasizing the concept of America as a “New Canaan.” It connects historical interpretations to contemporary times, showing how events such as the Cold War and the creation of Israel have been viewed as fulfilling elements of biblical prophecy.
What is discussed in the chapter on "The Evangelicals"?
This chapter focuses on the Evangelical perspective on Donald Trump and his presidency. It delves into the reasons behind Evangelical support for Trump, exploring how Evangelicals interpret Trump's actions and statements as confirmation of their prophetic beliefs.
What does the chapter on "Evangelicals influence/advising Trump" cover?
This chapter examines the influence of prominent Evangelical figures within Trump’s administration, such as Mike Pompeo, Robert Jeffress, and Paula White. It provides insight into their roles and relationships with the president and explores how their perspectives shape the intersection of religion and politics in Trump's presidency.
What is the main point of the chapter on "Evangelicals opposing Trump"?
This chapter highlights the existence of Evangelicals who actively opposed Donald Trump's presidency. It acknowledges the diversity of opinion within the Evangelical community and counters the narrative of monolithic support for the president.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include Evangelical Protestantism, Biblical Prophecy, Donald Trump, American Politics, Religion in America, End Times, Religious Influence, Political Theology, and Evangelical Advisors.
What type of document is this?
This is a language preview providing a comprehensive overview of the paper, including the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
- Quote paper
- Stella Benedikt (Author), 2020, Donald Trump fulfilling prophecy. Evangelical interpretation of the presidential policy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1313329
