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Would Jesus Vote for Trump?
So, would Jesus vote for Trump? No doubt many, especially on The Left and the NeverTrumpkins who claim Christ, probably just spit out their double chocolaty chip crème frappuccino over the mere posing of that question, but best-selling authors, Doug Giles and Brandon Vallorani, wanted to know if Trump and his policies reflected Jesus and His teachings. What you're about to read is their findings on Trump's governance and how it squares with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Many pertinent policies are tackled, using the sieve of The Gospels, to examine Trump's presidency, heretofore. What you'll find here might shock you. It might anger you. It might bless you. One thing's for certain: we guarantee ... it'll definitely make you think. Inside you'll find ... Would Jesus ever choose someone, with less than stellar past, to be a leader? Would Jesus be cool with how Trump blasts CNN, The Left, and his feckless 'compadres' on The Right? What about Health Care? Would the Great Physician give Trump's opposition to ObamaCare the 'two thumbs up?' Oh, and here's a dicey topic: Immigration. Would the Son of Man be in opposition with President Trump's position on our southern border? Also, was Jesus just the socialist hippie that Leftists purport Him to be?
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Brandon Vallorani is a practiced entrepreneur, accomplished CEO, & author of The Wolves & the Mandolin: Celebrating Life’s Privileges In A Harsh World (ForbesBooks; 2017). More info can be found at BarndonVallorani.com. Doug Giles is behind ClashDaily.com, & author of Pussification: The Effeminization of the American Male. Doug's fine art can be seen at DougGiles.Art.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Brandon Vallorani is a practiced entrepreneur, accomplished CEO, & author of The Wolves & the Mandolin: Celebrating Life’s Privileges In A Harsh World (ForbesBooks; 2017). More info can be found at BarndonVallorani.com. Doug Giles is behind ClashDaily.com, & author of Pussification: The Effeminization of the American Male. Doug's fine art can be seen at DougGiles.Art.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
29 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 6, 2019
This might be the worst book I’ve read all year and I just finished one where a kid poops in a tuba. I got it because what I thought the premise was really interesting. Many have wondered how so-called Christians can justify voting for Trump, but more so, be so passionate about him. I’ve asked a few myself and never received an answer that made a whole lot of sense, at least based on the teachings of Christ.
Unfortunately, this is not a book that seriously looks to scripture in an objective manner regarding the issue. The authors are unabashed Trump worshippers that obviously set out to prove voting for Trump was not only consistent with being a Christian, but required. The Bible is not a book known for its consistency and they find stray scriptures or stories to support their arguments (usually not very persuasively), without referencing a single other part of Christ’s teachings that would counter it (and there are usually many, most of them rather obvious).
Now that we’ve cast aside the premise, I will review it for what it really is, which is another Trump propaganda book. Everything clearly negative about him is minimized, ignored or polished and anything debatable is presented as an unmitigated success. This should fail no matter your side of the political spectrum and is the stuff of dense hero worship.
The one thing that consistently shines through is the hypocrisy in the authors, which we find from writers and personalities from both the Far Right and the Far Left. They are happy to apply a standard to the other side, but not to themselves.
Example 1: They bemoan “No wonder we can’t have a conversation with these people...if we’re unreasonable and monstrous, it’s enough to denounce us. Debate becomes unnecessary.” Good point, but they spend most of the book doing exactly what they lament. Leaders on the Left are given “clever” insulting nicknames, people they disagree with are deemed idiots (“Being a democrat means having quadruple standards”), and the entire tone of the book is patronizing. After many points, they tell the reader (oddly, presumably someone on the Far Left) to “read that again” and “slowly”. Debate...yep, seems kind of unnecessary.
Example 2: They make the “that’s old shit” defense of some of Trump’s immorality issues. Referring to cheating on his pregnant wife with a porn star, they noted it happened over a decade ago which basically means it’s not relevant due to the Statue of Limitations running. Fair enough if you’re consistent, but they spend plenty of time criticizing Democratic figures for things that happened far longer than a decade ago.
Example 3: Clinton and Obama are thrashed for changing their opinions on gay marriage and their explanations about evolving in changing them is put in quotes. Yet, Trump is praised as a pro-life champion and his prior pro-choice positions aren’t mentioned, but this type of “evolving” is clearly okay.
Example 4: They implicitly make the argument that even though Trump may be a problematic candidate for moral reasons, he supports more Right values than the alternative. Yet, the Left is not entitled to the same standard. Bernie and others would clearly move the ball further forward on Climate Change, but owning multiple houses or riding in cars precludes them from consideration.
There’s also the common tactic of attributing to one side the feelings and actions of their most radical, unrepresentative members. Inaccurate, but sure makes arguing easier.
Example 1: Presenting a strawman about Democrats and most people on the Left’s concern about taxes. “Should we accept the modern attitude that being rich is some sort of sin?” Well, that is not what most on the Left think. I personally know anybody that believes that. I just have a big problem when I read headlines that indicate I paid more taxes last year than Jeff Bezos. I’d like to think I’m with the majority on that one.
And then there are the plain inaccurate or just plain silly or wacky proclamations:
Example 1: “The Establishment Clause was not an exercise in declaring the American government ‘religiously neutral.’” Well, it sure reads that way. And lots of Supreme Court support just that. The Founders were a diverse group of guys, and some surely hoped the Nation would continue to have a Christian flavor, but this statement is misleading at best.
Example 2: “The First Amendment is gone, and the Second Amendment is in grave danger.” No. And No. Talked about triggered!
Example 3: You will probably be relieved to know Jesus Christ would be on the side of you owning an AK-47! One spot in Luke is cited to support this. All the “turn the other cheek” stuff Jesus is kind of most known for is barely mentioned.
Example 4: “Donald Trump isn’t racist (Obviously).” Well, not obvious. Not to many millions. I won’t bother getting into the weeds on this one (the authors certainly don’t), but you are a bit blinded if you can’t at least put this one in the “debatable” category.
Example 5: Jesus wants the Wall! A valiant attempt at citing the Bible is given here, but this is where most true Christians will at least acknowledge Jesus wouldn't speak with the vitriol Trump and others do toward the people trying to cross the border. See See Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:1-2, Luke 3:11, Jeremiah 7:5-7, Jeremiah 22:3-5, etc.
There’s also the classic What Aboutisms we are used to from the Right. You could bring up the current and relevant situation in Syria where Trump abandoned the Kurds and next thing you know you are talking about Hillary’s emails. I’ve had this happen and I despise Hillary. It’s bizarre. They consistently make arguments that Jesus would vote for Trump because people on the Left are so awful, but it’s during these screeds that the authors are exposed as frauds in their analysis. They are talking about the Clintons, Obama, or whoever, but let’s apply those quotes to Trump (which, they aren’t):
Example 1: “Jesus wasn’t two-faced…” This is actually one of the most consistent attributes of Jesus Christ. Is Donald Trump two-faced? LOL. Added to this is “Whether you believe him or not, Trump has denied the claims of extra-curricular sexual expoits…” Well, wait a second. Whether we believe him or not kind of relate to whether he’s two-faced. Although they don’t come out and say it, it’s clear the authors believe the Stormy Daniels stuff happened, but they want us to take stock in a clear liars denial. Would that work if Osama Bin Laden denied it? How about when Bill Clinton did?
Example 2: “Christ was humble before God and they were arrogant dorks. They were into browbeating and Jesus was into burden lifting.” Trump, humble...before anyone? LOL. Trump not into browbeating? Check his twitter...any day will suffice.
Example 3: “The Lord didn’t leave a lot of grey area in the right and wrong use of political power. Don’t fleece the public or pad your own wallet…” Like having the G7 at your resort? Or...oh forget it.
I was about to write there was no original thought or points you haven’t heard before here, but that would be unfair. There is one very unique, amazing moment that stands out as pretty “original”. A few quotes in a row will really set the tone:
“Donald J Trump certainly has quite the history with the fairer sex. Can anyone question whether or not he loves women? After all, he’s been married to three of them, dating the next wife while still married to the previous one.” (I kept thinking this had to be in jest, but it doesn’t fit with the book as a whole or the section...I actually think this may be a genuine thought)
“‘‘You can grab ‘em by the pussy.’...don’t ignore the consensual implication, it actually says less about The Donald then about the women he is surrounded by”. WOW. I mean, no, it doesn’t. And these women aren’t running for POTUS. And, WOW. Consensual? If you think the takeaway from that Billy Bush brofest was consent...well, what’s the point?
That’s probably a good place to end. I’m tired of the Far Right and the Far Left. These guys add nothing to bridging the divisiveness the worst members of the tribes, who sadly get the most exposure, bring to the table. This one is for the echo chamber and nothing else. Not interested, smells really bad in there.
Unfortunately, this is not a book that seriously looks to scripture in an objective manner regarding the issue. The authors are unabashed Trump worshippers that obviously set out to prove voting for Trump was not only consistent with being a Christian, but required. The Bible is not a book known for its consistency and they find stray scriptures or stories to support their arguments (usually not very persuasively), without referencing a single other part of Christ’s teachings that would counter it (and there are usually many, most of them rather obvious).
Now that we’ve cast aside the premise, I will review it for what it really is, which is another Trump propaganda book. Everything clearly negative about him is minimized, ignored or polished and anything debatable is presented as an unmitigated success. This should fail no matter your side of the political spectrum and is the stuff of dense hero worship.
The one thing that consistently shines through is the hypocrisy in the authors, which we find from writers and personalities from both the Far Right and the Far Left. They are happy to apply a standard to the other side, but not to themselves.
Example 1: They bemoan “No wonder we can’t have a conversation with these people...if we’re unreasonable and monstrous, it’s enough to denounce us. Debate becomes unnecessary.” Good point, but they spend most of the book doing exactly what they lament. Leaders on the Left are given “clever” insulting nicknames, people they disagree with are deemed idiots (“Being a democrat means having quadruple standards”), and the entire tone of the book is patronizing. After many points, they tell the reader (oddly, presumably someone on the Far Left) to “read that again” and “slowly”. Debate...yep, seems kind of unnecessary.
Example 2: They make the “that’s old shit” defense of some of Trump’s immorality issues. Referring to cheating on his pregnant wife with a porn star, they noted it happened over a decade ago which basically means it’s not relevant due to the Statue of Limitations running. Fair enough if you’re consistent, but they spend plenty of time criticizing Democratic figures for things that happened far longer than a decade ago.
Example 3: Clinton and Obama are thrashed for changing their opinions on gay marriage and their explanations about evolving in changing them is put in quotes. Yet, Trump is praised as a pro-life champion and his prior pro-choice positions aren’t mentioned, but this type of “evolving” is clearly okay.
Example 4: They implicitly make the argument that even though Trump may be a problematic candidate for moral reasons, he supports more Right values than the alternative. Yet, the Left is not entitled to the same standard. Bernie and others would clearly move the ball further forward on Climate Change, but owning multiple houses or riding in cars precludes them from consideration.
There’s also the common tactic of attributing to one side the feelings and actions of their most radical, unrepresentative members. Inaccurate, but sure makes arguing easier.
Example 1: Presenting a strawman about Democrats and most people on the Left’s concern about taxes. “Should we accept the modern attitude that being rich is some sort of sin?” Well, that is not what most on the Left think. I personally know anybody that believes that. I just have a big problem when I read headlines that indicate I paid more taxes last year than Jeff Bezos. I’d like to think I’m with the majority on that one.
And then there are the plain inaccurate or just plain silly or wacky proclamations:
Example 1: “The Establishment Clause was not an exercise in declaring the American government ‘religiously neutral.’” Well, it sure reads that way. And lots of Supreme Court support just that. The Founders were a diverse group of guys, and some surely hoped the Nation would continue to have a Christian flavor, but this statement is misleading at best.
Example 2: “The First Amendment is gone, and the Second Amendment is in grave danger.” No. And No. Talked about triggered!
Example 3: You will probably be relieved to know Jesus Christ would be on the side of you owning an AK-47! One spot in Luke is cited to support this. All the “turn the other cheek” stuff Jesus is kind of most known for is barely mentioned.
Example 4: “Donald Trump isn’t racist (Obviously).” Well, not obvious. Not to many millions. I won’t bother getting into the weeds on this one (the authors certainly don’t), but you are a bit blinded if you can’t at least put this one in the “debatable” category.
Example 5: Jesus wants the Wall! A valiant attempt at citing the Bible is given here, but this is where most true Christians will at least acknowledge Jesus wouldn't speak with the vitriol Trump and others do toward the people trying to cross the border. See See Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:1-2, Luke 3:11, Jeremiah 7:5-7, Jeremiah 22:3-5, etc.
There’s also the classic What Aboutisms we are used to from the Right. You could bring up the current and relevant situation in Syria where Trump abandoned the Kurds and next thing you know you are talking about Hillary’s emails. I’ve had this happen and I despise Hillary. It’s bizarre. They consistently make arguments that Jesus would vote for Trump because people on the Left are so awful, but it’s during these screeds that the authors are exposed as frauds in their analysis. They are talking about the Clintons, Obama, or whoever, but let’s apply those quotes to Trump (which, they aren’t):
Example 1: “Jesus wasn’t two-faced…” This is actually one of the most consistent attributes of Jesus Christ. Is Donald Trump two-faced? LOL. Added to this is “Whether you believe him or not, Trump has denied the claims of extra-curricular sexual expoits…” Well, wait a second. Whether we believe him or not kind of relate to whether he’s two-faced. Although they don’t come out and say it, it’s clear the authors believe the Stormy Daniels stuff happened, but they want us to take stock in a clear liars denial. Would that work if Osama Bin Laden denied it? How about when Bill Clinton did?
Example 2: “Christ was humble before God and they were arrogant dorks. They were into browbeating and Jesus was into burden lifting.” Trump, humble...before anyone? LOL. Trump not into browbeating? Check his twitter...any day will suffice.
Example 3: “The Lord didn’t leave a lot of grey area in the right and wrong use of political power. Don’t fleece the public or pad your own wallet…” Like having the G7 at your resort? Or...oh forget it.
I was about to write there was no original thought or points you haven’t heard before here, but that would be unfair. There is one very unique, amazing moment that stands out as pretty “original”. A few quotes in a row will really set the tone:
“Donald J Trump certainly has quite the history with the fairer sex. Can anyone question whether or not he loves women? After all, he’s been married to three of them, dating the next wife while still married to the previous one.” (I kept thinking this had to be in jest, but it doesn’t fit with the book as a whole or the section...I actually think this may be a genuine thought)
“‘‘You can grab ‘em by the pussy.’...don’t ignore the consensual implication, it actually says less about The Donald then about the women he is surrounded by”. WOW. I mean, no, it doesn’t. And these women aren’t running for POTUS. And, WOW. Consensual? If you think the takeaway from that Billy Bush brofest was consent...well, what’s the point?
That’s probably a good place to end. I’m tired of the Far Right and the Far Left. These guys add nothing to bridging the divisiveness the worst members of the tribes, who sadly get the most exposure, bring to the table. This one is for the echo chamber and nothing else. Not interested, smells really bad in there.
September 26, 2019
As a lifelong Christian and patriotic American, the last (almost) three years have been an exercise in cognitive dissonance.
Things are looking up. Unemployment across the board is down. The Economy is up. The Stock Market is up. 401K's are up. Taxes are down--at least for those of us who do not live in New York or California. Prison reform is underway. Our borders are becoming secure.
And yet every day the media tears into our elected President with a vengeance. Many of us have stopped watching mainstream media, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, etc.
Even the level of vitriol spewed by members of Congress and a few Senators is beyond belief. There is NO civility. NO decorum. Our founding fathers would be rolling over in their graves.
Some Republicans are no better. The RINO's and NeverTrumpers and even some "pearl clutching" church ladies find the idea of supporting this President repulsive.
But maybe they should open the good book and investigate WWJD.
Theologian, author, artist, and broadcaster, Doug Giles and co-author entrepreneur and CEO Brendan Vallorani have penned a thorough examination of President Trump through the lens of the Bible (both Old and New Testaments,) Jesus's own words and teachings, and logic (shocking, right?)
I mean, if you've ever wondered why God would allow someone like Donald Trump--a base, billionaire playboy--to become President, check out the words of St. Paul:
For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.
~1 Colossians 1:26-29 NASB
Yes, God chooses the BASE to shame the wise. Don't believe the Apostle Paul? Okay, then look to the heroic men of the Old Testament. God's chosen leaders: Moses, Noah, Abraham, Samson, David and Solomon. Think they were without sin? Ha! Read your Bible. Or this book. Better yet--read both.
The authors thoroughly explore such topics as Trump's politically incorrect crassness, Jesus and the Southern Border, and what Jesus and Trump's enemies have in common.
How about how Jesus and Trump dovetail on abortion? What did Jesus say about the 2nd Amendment? Nationalism? Socialism? Climate Change? Government Health Care? How about marriage? The LGBTQ Movement? Israel? Women's Rights? And what about Terrorism? Think some of this is so modern, the Bible couldn't possibly address it? Think again.
There's even a chapter on the media's Pharisaical treatment of Melania.
The book concludes with chapters that address the trajectory our country is currently on and how a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. Now where have I heard that before?
Meticulously researched and documented with footnotes and references, this book takes the last three+ years and distills it in a concise, thorough, entertaining tome. Brandon Vallorani is on point and informative. Doug Giles is on point and, at times, downright funny.
This book can be enjoyed by all--from Joe Six Packs to theological scholars. It would also make a great gift for a special someone.
If you enjoy studying the Word of God and if you want more reasons to love our president, then this book is for you.
For everybody else, it just might make your head explode.
Things are looking up. Unemployment across the board is down. The Economy is up. The Stock Market is up. 401K's are up. Taxes are down--at least for those of us who do not live in New York or California. Prison reform is underway. Our borders are becoming secure.
And yet every day the media tears into our elected President with a vengeance. Many of us have stopped watching mainstream media, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, etc.
Even the level of vitriol spewed by members of Congress and a few Senators is beyond belief. There is NO civility. NO decorum. Our founding fathers would be rolling over in their graves.
Some Republicans are no better. The RINO's and NeverTrumpers and even some "pearl clutching" church ladies find the idea of supporting this President repulsive.
But maybe they should open the good book and investigate WWJD.
Theologian, author, artist, and broadcaster, Doug Giles and co-author entrepreneur and CEO Brendan Vallorani have penned a thorough examination of President Trump through the lens of the Bible (both Old and New Testaments,) Jesus's own words and teachings, and logic (shocking, right?)
I mean, if you've ever wondered why God would allow someone like Donald Trump--a base, billionaire playboy--to become President, check out the words of St. Paul:
For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.
~1 Colossians 1:26-29 NASB
Yes, God chooses the BASE to shame the wise. Don't believe the Apostle Paul? Okay, then look to the heroic men of the Old Testament. God's chosen leaders: Moses, Noah, Abraham, Samson, David and Solomon. Think they were without sin? Ha! Read your Bible. Or this book. Better yet--read both.
The authors thoroughly explore such topics as Trump's politically incorrect crassness, Jesus and the Southern Border, and what Jesus and Trump's enemies have in common.
How about how Jesus and Trump dovetail on abortion? What did Jesus say about the 2nd Amendment? Nationalism? Socialism? Climate Change? Government Health Care? How about marriage? The LGBTQ Movement? Israel? Women's Rights? And what about Terrorism? Think some of this is so modern, the Bible couldn't possibly address it? Think again.
There's even a chapter on the media's Pharisaical treatment of Melania.
The book concludes with chapters that address the trajectory our country is currently on and how a bad tree cannot produce good fruit. Now where have I heard that before?
Meticulously researched and documented with footnotes and references, this book takes the last three+ years and distills it in a concise, thorough, entertaining tome. Brandon Vallorani is on point and informative. Doug Giles is on point and, at times, downright funny.
This book can be enjoyed by all--from Joe Six Packs to theological scholars. It would also make a great gift for a special someone.
If you enjoy studying the Word of God and if you want more reasons to love our president, then this book is for you.
For everybody else, it just might make your head explode.
September 19, 2019
AWESOME! Bold - sometimes irreverant - but right on the spot.
Great reading. Sometimes a little bold for 73 year - old great grandma - but these guys are right on. I recommend it for all - even the people on the left. It might make them think!! They might even join the #Walk Away Movement!
Great reading. Sometimes a little bold for 73 year - old great grandma - but these guys are right on. I recommend it for all - even the people on the left. It might make them think!! They might even join the #Walk Away Movement!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews