http://www.npr.org/2016/02/18/467229313/pope-says-trump-is-not-christian
This article was written by Scott Detrow and published on February 18, 2016 on the NPR website. The article outlines the conflict between Donald Trump, the current front-runner for the Republican nomination for this years election, and Pope Francis. Pope Francis was responding to Trump's proposal for building a wall at the US-Mexico border when he said Trump "is not Christian." His direct quote was, "A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian." Trump responded by saying that the Pope is going to wish he had supported Trump when ISIS bombs the Vatican.
Personally, I believe that what the Pope is saying has great power, because he is questioning the morals of Donald Trump. While everyone might not identify with Christianity, most people can relate to wanting the person who is in charge of their country to have a good moral compass. If Trump is starting out saying he wants to put up walls rather than create relationship, this cannot be good for our world where international relationships are so important. I think that the Pope is asking people to question whether we would want someone in office who claims to be Christian, but does not act with the values of Christianity in mind.
This is an interesting article and definitely an encounter that has gained a lot of attention everywhere recently. I think you outlined the Pope's thoughts very well and I believe that this brings up discussion about how Trump's "claims of being Christian" should or should not influence his political status. How much influence does one's personal religious beliefs have on his or her political decisions despite what the First Amendment might outline. I think, like you said, the Pope is questioning Trump's morals is valid and important because good morals are good morals despite differing religious beliefs.
ReplyDeleteGlad that somebody brought this up. I think it raises the question of who gets to determine what "Christian" means. From a religious studies perspective, an academic perspective, we say that if someone calls him or herself a "Christian," that is how we understand them. From a faith perspective, it's different, however.
ReplyDeleteGlad that somebody brought this up. I think it raises the question of who gets to determine what "Christian" means. From a religious studies perspective, an academic perspective, we say that if someone calls him or herself a "Christian," that is how we understand them. From a faith perspective, it's different, however.
ReplyDeleteI think this is an interesting topic for multiple reasons. First, I think it is interesting that our supposedly secular country is stirred up about whether a potential future president is Christian. I definitely agree that a leader of the country should have good morals, where do morals come from? Traditionally, I believe that morals have been dictated by religious institutions. So, what morals should a secular government have? Second, I take issue with Trump declaring that ISIS will bomb the Vatican. It shows clearly the lack of understanding that Trump has of ISIS. The Qur'an states clearly that Christians should be respected (at least more than pagans) as Islam stems from Christianity, in its own way. ISIS is attempting to terrorize Western governments, not holy sites. Although, holy sites may be caught in the crossfire. Last, I saw an interesting response to the Pope on Facebook. It showed the walls surrounding the Vatican. While I don't think that it makes a statement specifically on Pope Francis, who did not order that the walls be built, I think it makes a statement on what the Pope at what point was. I believe that it points to a time where the Vatican represented something less faith and love and more political and restrictive. I think, though, that that was the role that religion played at that point in time. The question then becomes is this something that America needs at this point in time.
ReplyDeleteTo respond to Kristina's comment, I realize this is new information, but Secretary Kerry just announced today that ISIS "is responsible for genocide against groups in areas under its control including Yazidis, Christians and Shiite Muslims" (http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/17/politics/us-iraq-syria-genocide/index.html). That being said, I agree with your point that the Donald is mostly saying that in order to create tensions in this country that target Muslims as a whole. By creating this dissent, he is strengthening the support and loyalty of his followers, and is possibly even creating a new social movement that is somehow making xenophobia, racism, and Islamaphobia ok and socially acceptable to some extent.
ReplyDeleteThe Pope critiquing Trump isn't surprising, given Pope Francis' progressive tendencies, but that doesn't mean it's not impactful. Donald Trump is trying to portray himself as a man of God in order to steal the evangelical vote from Ted Cruz at this point, yet he injects his proclamation of faith with a hearty dose of egoism by saying that he has never felt the need to ask God for forgiveness, which is concerning since repentance is a crucial component of Christianity. Not to mention that this is coming from a man who incites violence against protestors at his rallies (and then lies about it, despite the fact that video cameras exist and caught him saying the words) and says that he would kill the families of Islamic terrorists. The Pope isn't trying to be divisive by calling him out - he's just calling it as he sees it. The Pope probably has more authority than any other Christian on Earth to pass judgement on the words and actions of someone and whether or not they are in accordance with the tenants of Christianity. He has concluded that Donald's values do not align.
Another interesting point to bring up is that the Pope did call Senator Bernie Sanders the "most Christian" candidate in the race. He says that he bases that claim on the fact that both Jesus and Bernie were both Jewish carpenters, but then he also stated that Bernie Sanders is a good choice for the presideny:
"“The synod experience also made us better realize that the true defenders are not those who uphold its letter, but its spirit; not ideas but people; not formulas but free availability of God’s love and forgiveness,” Pope Francis said. “I see in Senator Bernard Sanders a man of great integrity and moral conviction, who understands these principles and genuinely wants what’s best for all people.” - See more at: http://nationalreport.net/pope-francis-endorses-bernie-sanders-president/#sthash.LF3loPtq.dpuf"
#feelthebern :)