“The Biggest Anti-Christ on the Planet”: The Unsettling Religious Vision of MAGA Christian Nationalists

Gabriel RomanNov 29, 2023

Minute Read

Against the luxurious backdrop of Mar-a-Lago, a group of Christian nationalists gathered. They shared a vision of intertwining their religious beliefs with the governance of the United States. Their discussions, centered around the idea of a theocracy, were held at a gathering organized by the America First Policy Institute. Prominent figures such as Lance Wallnau and Jim Garlow also attended the event, showing their support for former President Trump.

The Theocratic Ambitions of Lance Wallnau and Jim Garlow

Lance Wallnau is known for his theocratic views, while Jim Garlow is a famous MAGA pastor. They were key attendees at the Mar-a-Lago event. They openly shared plans for establishing a theocracy in America. This is a governmental system where priests rule instead of politicians. This demonstrates a radical shift from traditional religious practices to a more political and governing role for their faith.

Jim Garlow’s Vision of Jesus’ Teachings

In his comments, Garlow stressed a broader interpretation of Jesus’ teachings. He claimed that Jesus’ message extended beyond spiritual realms, including the governmental and political sectors. Garlow’s views represent a significant change from conventional Christian doctrines, focusing on the totality of Jesus’ influence, including political governance.

Trump as the Champion for Christian Nationalists

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Currently, Trump faces 91 criminal charges, including fraud related to hush money payments. Despite this, these Christian nationalists see him as a messianic figure. Their belief in Trump as a divine instrument reflects a mix of religious enthusiasm and political allegiance, showing a unique aspect of Trump’s support base.

The Enthusiasm for Trump’s Potential Return to Power

The prospect of Trump’s return to the presidency has ignited excitement among his Christian nationalist supporters. They view a potential victory in 2024 as more than just a political win. They see it as a divine endorsement, with Wallnau expressing clear hope for Trump’s re-election as a sign of God’s favor.

Wallnau’s Dark Vision of a Trump Defeat

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When speaking about the potential implications of a 2024 Trump defeat, Wallnau predicted a dark future. He warned of divine wrath and criticized the current leadership’s decisions as a form of judgment. Wallnau’s comments reflect the intensity of the group’s political and religious convictions regarding this election.

Theocracy and Divine Blessing

Wallnau’s enthusiasm for a Trump presidency extends beyond politics into the realm of spiritual belief. He perceives Trump’s potential victory as a manifestation of divine blessing, connecting his political preferences with his religious faith. It is clear that these nationalists have strong beliefs about both religion and politics.

The MAGA Cult’s Distortion of Christian Values

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Critics argue that the Mar-a-Lago Christian nationalists do not represent true Christians. They label these individuals as “freaking psychopaths,” highlighting the extreme departure from traditional Christian values in their quest for political power. This radical shift is seen as an alarming distortion of the faith’s core principles.

The Potential Downfall of Christianity

Other users expressed concern that the actions of the Christian nationalists at Mar-a-Lago could lead to the fall of the Christian religion itself. By merging politics with faith, they risk “alienating broader Christian communities.” They also claim they “undermine the very foundations of Christianity.” The fear is that this could damage the religion’s integrity and appeal.

Anticipating the Reaction to a Trump Loss

Some people speculated about the potential reaction of Christian nationalists to a Trump defeat in 2024. Given their enthusiastic support and the upheaval following the last election, many are “really hopeful” to see their response, expecting an encore to the previous insurrection. This anticipation reflects the unpredictable nature of the group’s political actions.

Questioning the Christian Identity

Some users criticized the Christian identity claimed by attendees at Mar-a-Lago. One user said, “First of all, they are not Christians,” challenging their religious authenticity. This criticism reflects a disconnection between the group’s political actions and traditional Christian teachings. They suggested that the Christians’ political agenda overshadows their religious ethos.

Rejecting Trump as a Religious Figure

Other users firmly opposed Donald Trump’s elevation to a religious figure by some Christian nationalists. Critics label him a “false god” and claim that figures like “Detrumpski should be shunned.” This highlights the necessity of distinguishing between religious devotion and political support, suggesting that mixing the two can lead to dangerous idolatry.

The Role of Divine Intervention in Politics

Some were skeptical about divine intervention in political affairs, as claimed by some Christian nationalists. Critics argue, “God won’t show up, per the usual,” implying that believing in divine support for political outcomes is a human-made construct. This challenges the idea that political success or failure is a reflection of divine will, stressing the humanity of these instead.

The Satirical Contrast with a School District’s Legal Battle

One user compared the incident to contemporary events. They said, “This story is even funnier than the school district that lost their court case against a group that started an after-school “Satan” club. It’s mind-numbingly stupid to me that a group of Christians, national or otherwise, would carry water for the biggest anti-Christ on the planet.”

Doubts About Divine Preference for Trump

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Skeptics cast doubt on the belief that God prefers Trump’s presidency. One comment notes, “You’d think that if God really wanted Trump to be President, Trump would be President,” questioning the narrative of his divine favor. This skepticism shows that political leadership is determined by voters and circumstances, not divine order.

Constitutional Values versus Theocratic Ambitions

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The Christian nationalists’ aim for a theocracy is criticized for being fundamentally anti-constitutional and anti-American. Some users argue that their agenda is “actually anti-Christian.” They highlighted the contradiction between their religious ambitions and the Constitution’s principles of religious freedom and a representative government.

The Irony of Christian Nationalists’ Support for Trump

The irony of Christian nationalists supporting Trump, despite his various criminal allegations, is clear. Observers question how a group advocating for Christian values can support an individual whose actions are seen as contradictory to those teachings. They argue a significant disconnect exists between their proclaimed faith and their political endorsement.

The Impact on Religious Freedom and Diversity

The Christian nationalists’ push for a theocratic government at Mar-a-Lago raises significant concerns about religious freedom and diversity in America. Critics argue that such a move would “undermine the nation’s foundational principle of religious diversity.” By advocating for a government based on a singular religious perspective, critics claim they “risk marginalizing other faiths and beliefs.”

The Future

The Mar-a-Lago event shows America’s intricate and contentious interplay of religion and politics. The Christian nationalists’ agenda has received both support and backlash. It continues to fuel debates about the role of religion in American governance and the authenticity of religious identity in political discourse.