Jesus Christ and Donald Trump Are Incompatible

Opinion

by

Perspectives

Baptist News Global |  January 28, 2026

President Donald Trump speaks to journalists aboard Air Force One en route to South Korea on October 29. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

“Choose this day whom you will serve.” — Joshua 24:15

Few things in life (or faith) are absolute, crystal clear, unambiguous and black-and-white. However, one absolute truth is that Donald Trump and Jesus Christ are incompatible. Numerous examples follow:

  • Jesus Christ lived a life of love. Donald Trump lives a life of animosity.
  • Jesus Christ practiced forgiveness. Donald Trump practices revenge.
  • Jesus Christ told the truth. Donald Trump is a pathological liar.
  • Jesus Christ respected women. Donald Trump expresses contempt for women.
  • Jesus Christ commanded marital fidelity. Donald Trump is a serial adulterer.
  • Jesus Christ sought the kingdom of God. Donald Trump seeks the kingdom of Trump.
  • Jesus Christ had compassion for immigrants. Donald Trump practices cruelty toward immigrants.
  • Jesus Christ was a peacemaker. Donald Trump is a divider.
  • Jesus Christ brought out the best in people. Donald Trump brings out the worst in people.
  • Jesus Christ cared for the common good. Donald Trump cares only for himself.
  • Jesus Christ blessed marginalized people. Donald Trump harasses marginalized people.
  • Jesus Christ fed hungry people. Donald Trump snatches food away from hungry people.
  • Jesus Christ cared about people’s health. Donald Trump takes health care away from people.
  • Jesus Christ had good friends. Donald Trump has no apparent friends.
  • Jesus Christ was kind. Donald Trump is hateful.
  • Jesus Christ was humble. Donald Trump is egotistical and prideful.
  • Jesus Christ was driven by compassion. Donald Trump is driven by retribution.
  • Jesus Christ warned against materialism. Donald Trump is obsessed with materialism.
  • Jesus Christ held life-affirming values. Donald Trump holds no values other than his own self-interest.
  • Jesus Christ was dedicated to justice. Donald Trump is dedicated to power.
  • Jesus Christ healed people. Donald Trump has people shot in the streets by ICE.
  • Jesus Christ admired the beauty of nature. Donald Trump destroys nature.
  • Jesus Christ built people up. Donald Trump tears people down.
  • Jesus Christ served the poor. Donald Trump serves the rich.
  • Jesus Christ blessed children. Donald Trump ripped children from their parents and put them in cages.
  • Jesus Christ could be trusted. Donald Trump cannot be trusted.
  • Jesus Christ inspired people. Donald Trump frightens and disgusts people.
  • Jesus Christ exuded kindness. Donald Trump exudes bitterness.
  • Jesus Christ lived with integrity. Donald Trump is a convicted criminal.
  • Jesus Christ sought to be a servant. Donald Trump seeks to be an authoritarian autocrat.
  • Jesus Christ had high moral standards. Donald Trump lacks any moral standards.

Dozens of additional examples could be given. But the point is clear. The life and values of Jesus Christ and Donald Trump are diametrically opposed. Trump violates everything Jesus stood for, lived out and taught.

Every day, I see Christians tie themselves in knots trying to reconcile their faith in Jesus with their support of Trump. But it’s an impossible task. It’s past time to quit pretending you can love Jesus Christ and still affirm Donald Trump. You can’t.

So white American Christians — the vast majority of whom voted for Trump in the last three elections — have an existential decision to make. Like the people of Israel in Joshua 24, we too must “choose whom we will serve.” Will we serve Jesus Christ? Or will we serve Donald Trump? Because we can’t serve both. The two are completely and utterly incompatible.

The Rev. Martin Thielen is a retired minister (Southern Baptist and United Methodist), former megachurch pastor and bestselling author and creator of www.DoubtersParish.com.