Michael Brown is a Jewish believer in Jesus (he came to faith in 1971 as a heroin-shooting, LSD-using, hippie rock drummer) and he holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures from New York University. He's written more than 40 books, including wake-up calls to the Church of America, scholarly monographs and commentaries on biblical subjects, a series of volumes on answering Jewish objections to Jesus, and much-discussed books on today's hottest cultural issues. He has spoken throughout America and in more than 30 countries, and he hosts the nationally syndicated, daily talk radio show "The Line of Fire." He is the founder and president of FIRE School of Ministry in Concord, NC and serves as a visiting or adjunct professor at a number of seminaries. He and his wife Nancy have been married since 1976 and have two wonderful daughters and four incredible grandchildren. His heart beats to see a gospel-based moral and cultural revolution in this generation.
I had starting reading this book several times, but various medical issues always seemed to interrupt and prevent an ongoing analysis--which I very much wanted to do. Now that we are in the midst of the former president again running for the presidency, I felt a more urgent need. In doing so, I want to share three caveats for myself.
1. Up until I heard those infamous words about "grabbing..." I had little or no interest in following politics. Like many Americans, I had spent all of my life working to earn a living while also studying for possible promotional opportunities. Thus, in reading this book which referenced issues pre-Trump, I did learn from the book, some of which I was able, to some extent, accept what was being said--as he saw it.
2. I had long ago turned from the belief that the Bible was a factual word of God, for a number of reasons. I have always believed in this being a God-inspired set of both historical value as well as a compilation of those direct words from Jesus. It is a well-known fact that there were many documents available to individuals living in those times. And, that, those materials were then reviewed by many, some of which were ultimately included in the Bible that has generally been used for centuries. I had accepted Christ as my Savior when I was 13. I found the Bible hard to understand. But it was not until I learned from a dear friend who was a member of the Catholic Church, that she did not even own a Bible. Instead, at that time, it was the Priest who taught about the book. Since then, there were many issues I have found revelatory and which caused me to become in my own mind, a "doubting thomas..." Indeed, during my more than 50 years being in a protestant church, I can not remember at any time that the issues of our culture were ever addressed.
3. I had been the last child to a mother of four, when my father was killed in a mine accident. I watched as my mother worked day and night to provide food and shelter to us. It was quite understandable for me, in my opinion, to become a woman who became self-sufficient, and an individual who knew that she could be required to one day also take care of herself, and possibly others. I became interested in women's rights and indeed participated in ways by which women could be sure that they could be self-reliant. There were two instances in this book that I personally found offensive on behalf of women: "I’m not just talking about his silly attacks on Megyn Kelly (blood), Carly Fiorina (face)..."Frankly, Trump's statements, including the two Brown mentions are, in my mind and many others, not just silly attacks! especially coming from a presidential nominee!
And another omission of relevance to women's religious and personal freedom... While Brown alluded to King David and Bathsheba, I have never heard this discussed by any pastor... Indeed, as we now learn of, for instance, one Ohio 10-year-old child being raped by a relative, that the republicans refuse to recognize incest as an exception. It seems to me that by claiming that the Bible is fully God's Word, that this tale in itself could easily be construed by men/boys that rape of siblings is quite alright! And that lusting after another's wife, and murdering her husband, is also God's Word. Clearly, at a minimum, Calling the historical references within the Bible as God's Word can be misleading to, especially, new young Christians!
With these caveats about me, the reader, I began to read from an awareness that I, indeed, was a never-Trumper as defined in Dr. Brown's book. It is therefore incumbent upon me to verify upfront, that my analysis of the book, Donald Trump Is Not My Savior, is based upon several basic assumptions. For one, up until everything started to happen, I was not aware that I was anything but a Christian. And I was not aware that I was without religious freedom as the Evangelical Christians claimed. And, you are correct, there is a reference to christians being murdered. However, that is no different, it seems to me, than anybody else being murdered for one reason or another. It certainly did not actually change my religious freedom, rather my life would have been taken. There is little reference to anything else as being the cause for being willing to make a deal with Donald Trump. My thoughts are shared by others including Frank Shaeffer... Son of Francis Shaeffer, for evangelist around the time period of Billy Graham.
It all started when my sister told me that I had to sign up as a republican when I mentioned I wanted to vote. (Note that I had lived in a different state prior to this discussion) I was told that all Christians were republican! NOT! I initially signed up as an Independent, not wanting to be tied to anybody purely for the sake of party. When I saw the continued "Trump Effect," I chose to change to vote in support of the Democratic Party. I have not changed my opinion regarding that decision. Indeed, I found many issues in Brown's narrative about which I could speak knowledgeable. For instance, Brown's assertion that the past president doing the bidding of the Evangelical Christians to put conservative judges on the Supreme Court and other courts was given high praise... Apparently, he had NO problem with the republican party STOPPING Obama from placing now, AG Garland, on the Supreme Court. In fact, it became apparent that republicans routinely tried to hold or stop anything that President Obama tried to get through Congress. Considering that Brown admits that he watches little television and that, in his view, it was biased, it seems to me that the breadth of Dr. Brown's actual knowledge may very well be lacking, and, in turn, detrimental to his book's conclusions.
To create the book that is now titled Donald Trump Is Not My Savior, AND get it published quickly which he felt a need to do, Brown actually took a series of previously written articles, created a front and back to those and added an index of footnotes. Actually, it turned out well and is easily useful. Want to know how Dr. Brown felt about this or that, then check the chapter titles and go directly to that article. You will find, however, that, perhaps, many issues that you may have been concerned about, during the Trump years may not be covered. For instance, While Trump published a book called The Art of the Deal, it was ghostwritten and that man later regretted his taking on this project. It is not known whether that was on purpose or just an attempt to deal with those issues that concerned him most. I will say that Brown has been vocal--indeed very vocal--about his ongoing concern about Trump as president for the nation. He even wrote trying to Trump questioning that Trump said his favorite book was the Bible, yet he, as well as most of the country clearly saw that he didn't even know what the Bible said...
Dr. Brown is an excellent communicator. But he made one basic mistake I've seen before, at least from my review experience--and probably will be seen by many others. Dr. Brown wrote as if we all knew what he was talking about! Let's hope that he really didn't expect us to stop and research the background of all of the "negative" statements for which he provided no justification. So, that, whenever he started to justify his decisions, it was based upon his assumption that surely his readers would feel the same as he. Let me be very specific as Dr. Brown provides a set of apparent concerns or beliefs that are the base foundation for Evangelical Christians.
Dr. Brown points out that one conflict for Evangelical Christians was deciding to accept the bad with the good of Mr. Trump...or... vote for Hillary Clinton. Now, I've never been especially impressed with Hillary. But, let's face it! She's a woman! A woman who would understand what women wanted to have dealt with in the country... I am a woman. I saw that on the day of the inauguration, that thousands and thousands of women went to Washington to protest Trump's selection! There us no doubt in my mind, given the large turnout about the Trump presidency (as well as the massive turmoil now taking place re women's health issues) that women in America, as a majority do not support Trump nor banning abortion.
So expecting us to understand why voting for Trump over Clinton was, certainly, not as inevitable as Dr. Brown thought that it should be... Indeed, for me, this just confirmed a, perhaps, long-time bias by conservatives regarding the role of women in the world. Proven, in my opinion, by the mass of marching women that day.
Taking this a step further. Dr. Brown pointed out that Hillary was Pro-Choice. Conservative Evangelical Christians are not. Nuf said? I think not! I am Pro-Choice, simply because I do not believe that the government, the president, the congress or any other official has the right to decide what a woman does about her body. Their are several religious issues that I would pinpoint. Years ago, the separation of church and state was formally adopted. Indeed, I believe that many immigrants were and are coming to America through the years based upon a desire to have freedom of religion as well as other freedoms. I fail to see why this group of Christians feel that they have already had Religious Freedom, just as all Americans do...as promised and protected by the Constitution.
Could it mean that what is actually being said is that conservatives are prejudiced against anybody who does not support their stated conservative values? We have watched as Donald Trump incited prejudice, hate and violence against anybody and everybody that opposed him...while treating the Evangelical group as special? Is that what this is really about? I will stop and just say that this book will not provide an answer.
What I do know, having seen what happened personally, heard the foul words and misinformation from Donald Trump, is that the Holy Trinity--God, the Father, Christ, the Son, and the Holy Spirit that lives within me KNOWS that did not support or condone the actions of this man. Dr. Brown, et.al., refers to a little known Biblical story when God used a little known man in the Bible to do something that was apparently wanted by God. I will quickly say that I believe that people can be chosen to act on His behalf. Indeed, I was involved in, what many would call, a miraculous happening years ago.
The key difference is that, in my opinion, if republicans and evangelical christians claim that abortion is a sin, then why, or why, does the same group refuse to do anything about REAL MURDERS. Specifically, while some want to say that a child is born at the point of sexual intercourse...then, why and how can this same group refuse to ban guns?!
My personal opinion has not faltered from the first I learned about the pro-choice versus pro-life argument. If Christians really cared--as opposed to using abortion as a political issue--then Christians would be working day and night to stop the murder of already-born children!!! Yet, they do not!
Let's stop there a minute... Freedom means, just that, freedom, right? Democracy means that we have freedom. Even God gave us freedom (our will to decide) Yet, here is one segment of America who wants to have the government restrict that freedom! By stating that they are after--wait for it--Religious Freedom... back to that later...
Moving on to the belief by Evangelical Christians that those who have "chosen" a different sexual orientation must be "controlled" by law, so that, they have no freedom whatsoever. Now, I will quickly point out that some issues need to be addressed and determined. Use of restrooms is one of those items to be considered. Discussion and negotiation does not, however, require that those individuals must lose their freedom to please Evangelical Christians. It has been clear to me, after knowing individuals who call have a different sexual orientation, that these individuals do not choose to be what they are. Let's face it, why would anybody choose to live a life in which they had been, often, beaten, killed or simply bullied because they had different sexual desires? It has been years since I have evaluated what I did know: God made us in His Image. God has a preordained plan for each of us, though still controlled by our own will. God asks us to love one another not to attempt to change them. If those are not sufficient to ensure that we accept all in His Love, then, merely a final. Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged. We simply do not know God's Mind. Yet, so many attempt to act in hateful ways for those who are different than they are... WWJD - What Would Jesus Do?
Let's get specific... If you hate somebody so badly that you want to not make a cake for a gay marriage, then that is your problem. As a service business owner, however, it is your responsibility to perform that request or simply to say, sorry I'm not able to do so. It does not make it necessary to have a law preventing those individuals from their basic freedoms...
The United States Bill of Rights - Original First 10
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
And that brings us back to one final political requirement. Ensure Evangelical Christians Religious Freedom. Frankly, Dr. Brown's continued reference to this was an amazing and confusing statement to explain why he was voting for Trump. Do we not, under the constitution, already have religious freedom? Do only Evangelical Christians not have religious freedom? Or, is it that nobody else other Evangelical Christians have the right to claim religious freedom? Could it be that as America has grown and prospered as a nation, that those with other beliefs wishing to come to our nation increased because of that same need for religious freedom... And, by desiring the same freedom, have resulted in a democracy that is made up of many different religions, all of whom worship their God, but in a different way. Is this not the basis upon which the United States was built--to provide all who seek it with Religious Freedom...
From where I sit, I learned that God asked us to go out and tell people about his son Jesus... That is our mission.
He also asked us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
God is Love. God Created Us in His Image...
The only difference is based upon the individual people with whom we are now living as Americans. God calls us to Love, Not Hate...
We are all, each one of God's Children, entitled to Religious Freedom, Freedom to be the People that God made us to be. Freedom to make mistakes and seek His help and support and guidance. Freedom FROM HATE, DISCRIMINATION, PREJUDICE, AND VIOLENCE AGAINST ANY ONE OF US...
I rest my case...In my opinion, I believe the conservative body of Evangelical Christians, together with the Republican Party, has acted against the Laws of the United States as well as the Laws of God: Specifically, those used to discriminate against all of our neighbors, those that are used to prevent the free will of each of us, and those that speak to judge instead of Love.
Note that it is not my intention to specify all that I found to be undefined, stated prejudicially, or lacking in proof or documentation. That is for possible readers to ascertain. The book serves as an excellent documentary of which I found extremely helpful, in knowing exactly why the Evangelical Christian chose, yes, chose to support Donald J. Trump as president.
As stated earlier, I learned about issues that I have not earlier learned about myself. However, I learned nothing that would, in my opinion, justify choosing Mr. Trump to serve as a United States President.
In fact, here's a final quote from Dr. Brown: "As for transforming the culture, that is the role of the church through the many facets of the gospel." You know, I've been an active church participant for well over 50 years. I have also watched how things have changed for the better--and for the worse during those years. Let me just say one thing, I have never seen or heard of any major attempts on the part of these Evangelical Christians" or the Republican Party, who now want to control our culture and our religious freedoms... We have already seen how that will happen: By changing our history classes to support what white supremacists want to have said. We have already seen that having lost Roe/Wade, that major medical situations are being forced on our doctors, parents and single women, all of who have no less rights than any Evangelical Christian! Or Republican! We have more gun murders (of especially children) than any other country in the world. We ourselves ARE those that are using drugs; otherwise, surely our police could ensure they are gone... (And please don't try to say that we need a WALL) Get real! The only reason drug lords come here is because Americans are using them. And IF THAT EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN GROUP HAS DONE ANYTHING TO STOP IT...IT SURELY HAS NOT BEEN ENOUGH! Human Trafficking increases; while Evangelicals cry for the unborn and ignore the millions who are abused, hungry, assaulted by incest or raped, given access to drugs and alcohol by parents or others...
I don't know about you, but having been governed by this MAGA group, I'd like to know exactly what in the world has happened to those who claim to be "christian..." Because Donald Trump Should Never Have Ever Been Supported Politically and I hold the Evangelical Christian group responsible. God Bless the people in America who are now working hard to ensure that the corruption of this group can do no further damage to our nation!
God Bless,
GABixler
One thing I've always lived by: God has his own timetable and really doesn't need us to make his decisions for Him. I learned that especially when I read The Late Great Planet Earth back in the 80s I think it was. The author was sure that the second coming was soon and even gave a date. The date passed... as have many others. Then I was reminded when, after I was Baptized with the Holy Spirit, I was told that gifts of the spirit weren't being given these days... Who knew? Especially when He'd already visited with me and shared His Great Encompassing Warmth and Love... And now, right now, He wants us to trust in Him, His Love. Abandon feelings incited of hate, prejudice, anger, violence, and recognize that this has all been disinformation by those seeking political power. Be Alert. Be Careful. Be Aware that even The Supreme Court has come under suspicion of corruption... Do your own research. Read books, but read books from different sides of the issue. Form Your Own Opinion. God Has Given Us Free Will! He has given us His Love. He will Guide you; lean on Him not on Those who do not speak Truth. God's Truth. Listen to News. Sure it may be slanted...but if you're not sure, do some online research and listen to those talking about what is happening right now. I recommend Frank Shaeffer. His inside involvement with the Evangelical Christian group has been a good counterbalance for me, as has been books written by those personally involved in politics during the last 6 years. One think I recommend... find Dino or other Christian videos and listen to them. Allow the calmness to bring you peace and then listen. You just might feel The Holy Spirit pulling you in the right direction for what you need to know... He is The Great I Am. and God Loves us Just as we Are... And, Know that Jesus says I Judge No One. So, why should we?
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