David French: If Trump Wins, Evangelicals Will See It As Divine Intervention | Amanpour and Company

As U.S. voters gear up for the election, in an increasingly divided country the confusion of faith with political identity can contribute to further polarization. It's something New York Times columnist David French has personally experienced. He was recently dismissed from a speaking engagement for the Presbyterian Church in America, after facing backlash for his criticism of Donald Trump. He joins the show to discuss his latest piece, "The Day My Old Church Canceled Me Was a Very Sad Day."
Originally aired on June 26, 2024
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Amanpour and Company features wide-ranging, in-depth conversations with global thought leaders and cultural influencers on the issues and trends impacting the world each day, from politics, business and technology to arts, science and sports. Christiane Amanpour leads the conversation on global and domestic news from London with contributions by prominent journalists Walter Isaacson, Michel Martin, Alicia Menendez and Hari Sreenivasan from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City.
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[@freeheeler09]

I still don’t understand how anyone who has read the Gospels could ever support Trump

[@user-vj4dd8pb8v]

Brainwashed by the 'Trump Cult'😢

[@LorenaBobbitCanHelp-pq5rf]

Christians are geared toward facism and ignoring them is the mistake the Germans made before WWII

[@EvangelismforGod]

I don’t understand either smh!

[@jake1776]

let me help you. We don't believe in murdering unborn babies.

[@ritamariekelley4077]

That question has kept me up many nights.

[@gailforbes7834]

This is why, sadly, many of us have left the church. Young people especially and many many others, it is not about Christ but to a church that does not follow his teachings.

[@msolomonii9825]

It's Mammon these reich-wing "prosperity-gospel" "evangelicals" worship today.

[@sjones2088]

And the church leaders will be held to account by God.

[@TheOleHermit]

Hypocrisy drove me away in 1968, at 17. That's when I started my personal sojourn for divine truth. But, only found mankind's fingerprints on every teaching. "If god didn't exist, then man would create one." IOW, it's all BS. Human beings are no different from every other being that has been evolving for over 8 billion years. Time is immortal, omnipotent, undeniable, the creator and destroyer of all matter in the Universe, from the Hydrogen atom to the orbiting planets of solar systems. Every heartbeat, breath, moment of birth, awareness, hunger, thirst, defecation, urination, education, masturbation, procreation, and decimation is dictated by Time. "Time waits for no one." "No one can turn back the hands of Time." "Time is of the essence." "Time to ____________." Ancient civilizations worshiped the Sun. But, that was only their clock, telling them when to sow and reap. Pray to Time, if you please. You will receive exactly the same reply as any other deity. Immortals are oblivious to mere mortal created woes and desires. We are on our own. Deal with it.

[@EvangelismforGod]

It makes me so angry that this is going on within the body of Christ. The Devil is using this false version of Christianity to destroy the church.

[@TheOleHermit]

@@EvangelismforGod Radicalized religious extremism is destroying the church. You folks of blind faith simply can't live up to your own hype and educated people see straight through it. The body of Christ died on a cross and he ain't never coming back... ever. The devil only exists within your indoctrinated mind. I'm so much happier being free from being judged by others, divine or otherwise. Morals? You ask. I'll challenge anyone else's high minded morals against my own, any day of the week. Go on. Preach to me, Sir.

[@hartubmoses6645]

Something is seriously wrong with people whom take out their hate and ills on children.

[@emilyfeagin2673]

That is the way bully roll

[@justpassingthrough...2492]

This more often than not coming from a distinct but loud minority of troll bullies, many of them teens or younger who are getting a kick out of shocking. Trump and his minions have made it OK to say grotesque things out loud and get away with it in our society. We may have to have a serious talk about the First Amendment and what we allow. Other democracies have done this. Start with getting Fox off the air or restricting them to non-politics.

[@pinchevulpes]

Trump is the beast. Made a golden calf of himself.

[@Mark-gg6uj]

Beast as in 666!

[@roberth2627]

he reminds me of a moloch from the film time machine 1960..

[@saneasthenextguy196]

The second commandment is about graven images.

[@msolomonii9825]

@@Mark-gg6uj It's what his comb-over is fighting to cover up, the 666 birthmark

[@themanifestorsmind]

Definitely the antichrist, and evangelicals have fallen under the strong delusion spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:11.

[@doniphandiatribes]

As a true leftist I love conservatives who are honest tolerant and anti Trump

[@imperialmotoring3789]

As a true American I love every American. Save America Deport Every Illegal Trump 2024

[@fakefriendocrat9324]

As a true Christian American I love everyone whether or not they are American.

[@imperialmotoring3789]

@@fakefriendocrat9324 Cool. So you love Putin?

[@DJJahT]

@@imperialmotoring3789 well you really don't, Trump tells you your fellow Americans are your enemy. Trump let in millions of "illegals", he did nothing to help the border and you never said a peep. Trump let the cartels move right in and buy property, the live in affluent neighborhoods and own land in Oklahoma now, you'd consider them Americans because they have money. Biden is working to close the border Trump and congress never closed, Trump's border was wide open his entire term. You are being played by charlatan Trump.

[@DJJahT]

Many Democrats are now the only conservatives we have left, there has been an ideological shift with Republicans embracing populism and being unamerican.

[@deadave100]

Science flies us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings. ByeDon 2024

[@CarlosArizona]

Can I use that? 😮

[@deadave100]

@@CarlosArizona Sure.. NP

[@Iwantalloftheinformation]

That's a good one, nice.🙂

[@PauloAdriano-zo2ng]

Although we still don't know exactly what happened on 9-11. There are way too many unknowns.

[@imperialmotoring3789]

Wow. Islamophobic much?

[@davidbible1469]

Thinking Divine intervention is true is scary. It relieves one of responsibility for one’s actions.

[@Iwantalloftheinformation]

Continued persecution in religion shows they have not changed much at all from thousands of years ago.

[@TheOleHermit]

@@MisterCurmudgeon Like King James, who wrote his own 'divinely inspired' Holy Bible to control his subjects?

[@c.a.savage5689]

​@@TheOleHermit l think that is unfair and you must be misinformed. It's a translation, not a rewriting of the original texts. The King James version was written during Shakespeare's lifetime. The language is beautiful and timeless.

[@TheOleHermit]

@@c.a.savage5689 Unfair? Weren't Kings the lords of their kingdoms, who had to be obeyed or be drawn and quartered? James simply put his kingdom's rules into a book, for everyone's reference. No excuses for ignorance. Latin can be translated to mean virtually anything. "Well, it literally says 'tree', but I believe they really meant a "cross". Mary, Queen of Scots, had her own 'translation', as did many other 'Christian' sects. If they are all accurate, then what's all the fighting been about? Never said anything about the 'beautiful' penmanship of ole English lore. They are masters of their own language, full of innuendo and double intent. Even today, English lyricists are the best in the world. Pink Floyd's deep insights of life are far more enlightening than your holy book. Check out "Time", "Us and Them", "Dark Side of the Moon", "The Machine" "The Wall (double album)".

[@12345patbet]

No. That is not true. Maybe for those who don’t read and understand the bible.

[@earthlingwithrocks9519]

Evangelical zombie apocalypse

[@auntymarushkafah]

They're pretty fat and sassy for Zombies, but yeah.

[@BRUCE_the_MOOSE_]

Hardly Christian behavior. Whatever happened to kindness, respect and tolerance if others?

[@godfreycarmichael]

I miss the days when the two parties could compromise. Politics did not utterly define people. There was room for discourse. Sometimes it was angry discourse but it did not devolve into the current insanity.

[@doug3819]

You are correct, Reagan, Tipp O'Neil, Clinton, kasich they worked with each other. Now, Romney, Manchin Kristen sinema,are hated because they don't hate the other side. It's sad.

[@PauloAdriano-zo2ng]

Maybe if this trend continues, the 2020s will rhyme with the 1850s. ☻😭☻😭☻😭

[@ThomasFromTN]

​@@PauloAdriano-zo2ngI would suggest that the days of when both parties could compromise is a pretty strained premise. Moreover I think that the trend of unwillingness to accommodate is precipitously driven by the white nationalist right. Moreover the strain of nationalism pointedly white nationalism perspective right-wing conservatism and everyone is in denial about that. The country's cultural dynamic is transforming and quote traditional Americans find that terrifying. It's time to get damned real about what the hell's going on.

[@neosapienz7885]

To be fair, we’re not dealing with mere politics anymore. It’s literally character, integrity, and values. Republicans, in general, lack those. I wish it weren’t true but the evidence is all there. It’s tied largely to Evangelical Dominionist Christians. People are rejecting Christianity in droves now, but those Christian Nationalists are setting things up where their minority can systemically oppress the secular majority.

[@godfreycarmichael]

@@ThomasFromTN Much of what is happening is driven by white middle-class fear of changing demographics. Great replacement paranoia runs deep in some Americans.

[@lindadodson1586]

I have friends (husband & wife) who are devout Christians and true Magabots. When Trump said "bull****" in a church, I privately messaged the husband for his opinion on that. His response was that "bull***" wasn't the worst word he could have used. And then...he deflected it to Biden having a potty mouth too. Trump scares me, but his followers scare me more.

[@lisakeane4386]

Having grown up with an Irish Catholic stepfather who is one of 12 “cradle Catholics” and 2 of which are nuns- cursing would be done everywhere but inside of any church or temple or mosque or anyplace considered a place of worship. The same would be true for any Protestant, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, etc etc. Respect and decorum- two words that cannot be applied to Donald Trump.

[@auntymarushkafah]

My sister "converted" (for the second time) AFTER she fell for trump. She was jewish for a while there, now she's a dominionist. Some girls really like him.

[@mairivannella7050]

Defenders of Trump love using “whataboutism” logic to smear Democrats, even if true, just as long as they make Trump look better.

[@monicadefreitas8776]

@@auntymarushkafah Ugh I’ll never understand the appeal. He’s the kind of man our moms warned us about.

[@weston.weston]

I am on the far left and am often put off by David French's conservative politics, but I felt deep empathy today as I heard him share his heartbreaking story of betrayal. If he knew me and knew my point of view, I would offer him an apology and extend a hand of friendship to him. I am sorry he was treated this way by other Christians, although I am not surprised.

[@balajiraju4157]

Lol...many are off put by far left racist ideology and people rather turn to far right then far left bcoz your hatred towards your own citizens

[@neosapienz7885]

@@balajiraju4157many on the far right refuse to accept the reality of institutionalized racism and classism in the US. The far left has a marketing problem, not an ideology problem.

[@ggstuber]

Having grown up amidst a more conservative Christian community I always marvel at the arrogance of many members of that community who were so convinced they knew the mind of God, they were so certain they were correct at interpreting when God intervened and when He didn’t. The piece most puzzling to me are those who attribute every little aspect of their personal lives to God, as though He is a puppeteer. These same folks have no hesitation looking on at world affairs and being so certain they know when God has/had a hand in what’s going on.

[@courtneyreid9862]

I love that when something bad happens (the car breaks down) it’s not god, and then when the car gets towed or repaired, that’s god’s hand at work… 😂

[@simonebest6013]

So true, Biden is an empty shell, basically brain dead. God NOT a factor!

[@Lennybird91]

On one hand I have to say, "well gee, welcome to the club what took you so long?" conservatives get a dose of reality when they're the ones ostracized for once. Nevertheless I appreciate that he stood up against peer pressure for the right thing. But he doesn't seem to realize that the church is partly what made it possible in the first place. That idolatry of the Reagan era paved the way to the modern maga movement.

[@phylis3917]

👏🏿

[@LuigiMordelAlaume]

Why is this man's church allowed tax exempt status when politics is clearly central to their beliefs??

[@DuffyGabi]

NPR is clearly political. No different.

[@neosapienz7885]

@@DuffyGabi so pointing out that one of the presidential candidates poses a clear and present danger to America is political?

[@c.a.savage5689]

This is not surprising. The ESSENCE of Organized Religion is : You're either on the bus, or you're not. It's a group think, a mind-set that does NOT tolerate questioning or dissent. When humanity recognizes that moral values, the Golden Rule, true goodness can exist WITHOUT Religion, humanity will have taken a giant step forward.

[@SeanusAurelius]

It hasn't worked out so well in officially atheist countries, has it though? Politics takes the place of God and you get fascists and communists and Jacobins and who knows what else.

[@kuistancfraine3488]

Amen, pardon the pun

[@AH-wr1ir]

Why are the press so afraid of calling out the religious influence in politics and how its values and ideas are so out of touch and, frankly, ridiculous in modern society?

[@AzEagletarian]

Study history. Trump is nothing but a whiny loser.

[@gcs7817]

The MSM is a bunch of lambs who are all afraid of DT… he successfully cowered them into submission in 2016

[@TheOleHermit]

Viewing ratings. There's no profit in alienating sheeple of blind faith. "Evangelicals are hypocrites, supporting the anti-Christ," doesn't play well with rural viewers.

[@ritamariekelley4077]

After Bill Clinton's Telecommunications Act, we were left with only a handful of media corporations for profit, not to inform. I personally think media helped elect Drumph.

[@TheOleHermit]

I provided an honest answer to this question, but see it has been deleted. Yet I'm still being notified by re[lies on this thread. Same thing happens whenever I express support for our elected POTUS. Obviously MAGA has infiltrated YT moderators and are censoring patriotism and truth. /smh

[@andyroo9381]

This interview was so interesting to listen to. I feel for this man, even though he is strong enough to shoulder this dilemma. I worked with a group of Republicans who completely turned on me. Hateful words, insulting names and racist remarks were hurled at me every day of the work week. It left me disheartened.

[@brother.teresa]

Hurt people, hurt people

[@ellencaamano7728]

​@@brother.teresaBS Mean, hardened creatures hurt others.

[@-Gramps]

How very sad. When did Christians decide to ignore the actual words & actions of Jesus & determine that ‘evangelical’ was a political term, rather than religious? About 2015?

[@janetkruth3813]

This isn't "politics" anymore. We left the arena of politics in 2015/216. If not then, definitely in 2020.

[@leesam7147]

it started with Regan and continued with Bushes

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

It may be that US Evangelicals have a strong faith, but it certainly isn't the Christian Faith.

[@sheilawade433]

Evangelicals aren't a monolith. Trump's Christian Nationalists are lockstep.

[@emilyfeagin2673]

It’s faith in the almighty dollar above all

[@darelvanderhoof6176]

Evangelicals have made themselves irrelevant, their political activity has backfired.

[@phylis3917]

He played them like a fiddle. Defendant/felon Trump ver good at it.

[@judykinsman3258]

How about the power of religion on our Supreme Court?

[@auntymarushkafah]

@@phylis3917 Carnival Barker. Donnie's the Colonel Tom Parker of politics.

[@vistabadboi]

When christians stated supporting Trump I walked away from the church

[@EvangelismforGod]

I’m so sorry to hear this. The devil was using Trump to destroy the church from within. And I will continue to speak out against this as long as I’m alive.

[@12345patbet]

Gosh, Christianity has Nothing to do with Trump. Leave Trump, not your belief

[@garybryson1900]

What makes Biden so Christian? His support of abortion, LGBTQ and war?

[@nightowl835]

@@EvangelismforGodYou nailed it right there. Agree with you and my heart breaks.

[@richardthiele8363]

I didn’t underestimate the antipathy of Republicans against Democrats before Trump‘s run for president. I heard and saw it all the time on right wing radio, Fox News, etc. David French seems to have a rosy view of the Reagan years stemming from his youthful enthusiasm for libertarianism. It doesn’t surprise me at all that evangelical Christians follow Trump now. What are these precious conservative values that the GOP used to stand for?

[@ritamariekelley4077]

Yes, like Eisenhower's. Nixon accused Ike of being a communist and why? Because Ike was a true Christian who believed it is our duty to help the vulnerable, you know, like Jesus said to do

[@judykinsman3258]

Well said!

[@emilyfeagin2673]

The hypocrisy is still the same

[@susans.2664]

Brilliant interview by Michel Martin. I especially appreciated your challenge at the end. Well done!

[@pnkbiankii]

She’s simply one of the best. Always appreciate her insight, methods and style. Brava!

[@Iwantalloftheinformation]

I don't remember who said it, not me. "the pilgrims came to America not only to avoid persecution but so that they we're free to persecute others." A throughway thread that goes back before we even became a country.

[@ggstuber]

Persecution of others who aren’t similar in thinking, culture, ‘tribal’ identity, etc. exists everywhere. Each people group has its unique bases for why their disdain of others exists. Wherever peoples migrate to, their biases and hatred travels with them UNLESS they somehow come to terms with it and work very hard to curb their hatred/persecution tendencies towards others. Love thy neighbor as thyself… perhaps the most important entreaty for the good of our survival.

[@c.a.savage5689]

True. When my French neighbors ask why Americans are the way they are, l always reply "Puritans".

[@kuistancfraine3488]

Yup & they started by stealing this land. F... Thou shalt not steal.

[@janetkruth3813]

Oh no! Not the Presbyterians! Tax them!

[@belladonnatook8851]

Tax *ALL* the churches! It's only fair.

[@PauloAdriano-zo2ng]

​@@belladonnatook8851 How about taxing the other religions in the U.S.? 🤔

[@belladonnatook8851]

@@PauloAdriano-zo2ng "ALL" places of worship!

[@PauloAdriano-zo2ng]

@@belladonnatook8851 How about wiccan crop circles and troll caves? Supposed Belladonna (deadly nightshade) is frequently used by witch covens. Do you belong to a witch's coven? 🤔☻🧙🏼‍♀️

[@SeanusAurelius]

The old "the wall between church and state should only work one way" thing.

[@RobinLuster-Hollenbeck]

Thank goodness for Amanpour and staff. We need more of fact based reports and interviews. I do wish we had a national report every night, regardless of subject. We need to be informed not indoctrinated. Information not opinions! All news is vital for our society regardless of what country, region or organizations. Thank you for staying true to your calling please know I am grateful.

[@hollybardoe4075]

I'm still a Christian but no longer attend church. This explains why.

[@imperialmotoring3789]

I don't blame God for what Biden did to our country. Shame on you.

[@neosapienz7885]

I’m in the same boat. The support of trump in evangelical circles is sinful.

[@emilyfeagin2673]

I don’t call myself Christian any more. Jesus Christ was a true Christian. There have been a few more. I can’t measure up to that

[@imperialmotoring3789]

@@emilyfeagin2673 I'm Catholic, not just a generic "Christian". Save America Deport Every Illegal Trump 2024

[@ellenmorell7382]

I too have been asked to leave the Presbyterian church. It was 30 years ago and the issue was homosexuality.

[@phylis3917]

30 years. We are in SF Bay Area. What’s the big deal 😅 ? Ordinary people are wanting for enlightenment and higher conscience ness.

[@ritamariekelley4077]

💙💚❤💚💛🧡💙

[@emilyfeagin2673]

I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t get the love and acceptance you deserved

[@deplant5998]

“I never thought face-eating leopards would eat MY face!”

[@PerryWagle]

Don't they mean something more like "Profane Intervention"?

[@louiselloyd1523]

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

[@jackshaftoe1715]

Are you old enough to remember that movie "Deliverance" ? Trumpers are those people...just sayin...🥴

[@alfredoordaz4908]

Thank you for this excellent video. It's very important and necessary to continue showing the ugly truth of Trump. I hope that more people, religious or not starts seeing the reality of what we're facing today in our country. I hope that all decent Americans get more involved in the elections. There is too much at stake in the next elections. Thank you again.

[@Darhan62]

Capitulation. Appeasement. Surrender. Avoid difficult discussions and be governed by fear? Allow intimidation to suppress dissent, or even debate? Not a path to a bright future. Churches that do this for the sake of "peace and unity" will ultimately collapse.

[@mamia9659]

This shows that as humans we are deeply flawed….

[@deborahanntaylor375]

The Presbyterian Church in America is a splinter group from the larger Presbyterian Church USA which is progressive denomination. Interesting that they should cancel Mr. French out of concern for the "peace and unity of the church."

[@emilyfeagin2673]

They don’t want to call it what it is. Not having the courage to rock the boat and make the lunatic fringe uncomfortable

[@charlesvorones3612]

French still wasn't asked whom he's voting for. Even with Republicans highly critical of Trump, and disgusted with MAGA, like this guy, it's still up in the air.

[@timstevens3025]

FYI, he has said he is supporting Joe Biden against Donald Trump

[@user-pp6fx7si4g]

Indeed they will. They will never realize their total and complete ignorance.

[@polly_sigh]

I sympathize with French, but I am amazed how he could not realize or identify intolerance in a group, even a church group better. There's this strange, weird kind of innocence about these conservatives. It's like until they suddenly get flak themselves, they are perfectly happy to just ignore anything they don't want to notice. I think this is partly due to the fact that once you identify strongly with a group, no matter what kind, you are so loath to let it go, or risk being ostracized by this group. I think losing my father at the tender age of 9, and experiencing suffering at such a young age, and also after that, feeling and thinking I am now different from most of my friends who have a mommy and a daddy, it led me to always be leery about groups or "fitting in". But I think that allows me to see and recognize suffering in others, and also to resist that kind of mindless giving over to a group you think you feel comfortable with. I'm always silently critiquing, not in a cruel way, anytime I'm in a group situation. Does that mean I always speak up? No. We're all cowards sometimes when it comes to addressing uncomfortable truths or having to confront someone about them. But it allows me to stand apart, just enough, to maybe notice things a little better. But I think it's good to be your own individual, to guard your own values and honor. You can still be in true community with others without giving up your own sense of morality and what is right and wrong.

[@filrabat1965]

Social conservatives are trapped in a bubble. All the way back as kids, they start with the assumption that "I and the normal people are nice", yet they pick on outsiders (incl teasing their different classmates). They don't even begin to see the hypocrisy. From there, it goes on to "We're good decent people. To be racist you must use the N-word or commit hate crimes. Or else wish ill on Blacks or refuse to help them when they're in trouble. Otherwise you're not racist". Same thing with sexism, "the weird kid", "unmanly (as in weak and timid) men", etc. These people need to be sent to an obviously artsy-bohemian neighborhood for about four years for the good of their souls.

[@michaelward1341]

You're making it too complicated. It's all about Trump. French doesn't care what they believe as long as they don't support Trump.

[@saneasthenextguy196]

God: "I used to only work with the best, but I had to lower my standards".

[@JohnAranita]

When I became Christian, I thought my fellow believers would embrace me wholly and unequivocally.

[@PauloAdriano-zo2ng]

Perhaps you should read a good book about the Thirty Years War in 17th century Europe. Supposedly, all the belligerents at the time called themselves Christians too.

[@ritamariekelley4077]

There are Christians and "Christuns."

[@c.a.savage5689]

"I like your Christ, but not your Christians." - Gandhi

[@ashleyann83100]

Great question at 12:54. Glad she made him address the fact that these fundamentalist and discriminatory tendencies have always been there - he had just never experienced them firsthand.

[@lefty2460]

I love her skepticism but honor his truth.

[@diannaashley6243]

Although I cannot speak for all churches, I can say that in the Evangelical realm for decades some of our pastors (perhaps because they too had been turning their cheek to the oppression that seems to permeate from the Far Right Extremist) but either way these leaders have been instilling doubt,in its congregation’s minds, , doubt in institutions, especially government institutions, public institutions, universities, etc.- Much of our public institutions were put in place for the least of thee 🕊️ Research shows the Republican party’s agenda is never to help support or help the least of thee, in fact, it’s quite the opposite ❤️‍🔥the pastors are learning they’re losing their flock and their flock’s tithes 😢 My daily prayer is for the Holy Spirit to work miracles in the hearts’ of the lost, and those who have lost their way 🕊️

[@lupemerrit]

Evangelicals and Trump make a perfect couple.

[@rambleon2838]

What has happened to the principal of separation of Church and State? The Founding Fathers must be turning in their graves seeing what has happened to their ideal.

[@kgblankinship]

People who live in metro New York, Boston, Seattle, LA, and the Bay Area take note.

[@ryvyr]

Raegan ruined everything. Leeja Miller has a detailed yet succinct video on it. Yet nostalgia is strong and deeply tangled with our psyches, so I do not always nor entirely blame people who hold to disconnected world views.

[@alphaomega8373]

But not see the weather thats hitting them.

[@shazzamm12]

David French is such a wonderfully decent human being.

[@scottnelson1713]

Makes one wonder if the people in these churches are actual disciples of Jesus Christ or not. John 13:34-35 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

[@EvangelismforGod]

I’ve been saying that myself for a very long.

[@c.a.savage5689]

"I like your Christ, not your Christians" - Gandhi

[@emilyfeagin2673]

I’m such a failure as a Christian I can tolerate Felon45 followers but I don’t love them

[@tristancelayeta6890]

Belief, in anything, is abandonment of reason and once one decides to believe rather than know or not know..., anything goes. Flamboyant ignorance remains ignorant

[@HalCBass]

Funny David you’re finally seeing your church people as they really are… No, I am not joking

[@ritamariekelley4077]

I am so sorry you've experienced those sadistic threats, and sorrier for your young daughter. True Christians would have compassion for you and would support you, as Jesus would have done. The disconnect from "Christun" militants between their beliefs and Jesus' words and actions is so baffling. Did they ever read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount? The Beatitudes? Our country is in deep trouble and was pre-Trump who somehow managed to lure so many Americans into his sick, sadistic, fascist cult. That being said, have you yet discovered the immense damage Reagan did to We, The People, the 99%? (I am not proud of allowing my corporate lawyer husband to convince me to vote Repug.) Reagan mocked poor people, calling them Welfare Queens, cutting aid to millions of vulnerable persons. Clinton, who moved the Dems to the right, "the New Kind of Democrat," took up Reagan's theme and cut more aid to the vulnerable. He lowered taxes for the rich, causing harm to the poor and middle classes. His "Reaganomics" essentially wiped out the Middle Class. His was a scandal-ridden 8 years, Iran-Contra, Savings & Loan debacle... When will We citizens hold our politicians accountable? I'm sick of this Corrupt duopoly that functions for the corporations and the 1%. That would be the justice Beatitude. Most of we, the 99% have hungered for justice that never seems to come.

[@SwisstedChef2018]

The angriest faction does not belong in Church period in no denomination

[@zachary12675]

I like how she's interviewing him - like she finds his shock/concern a little quaint given their racial difference

[@alcraw2551]

I like what. you. said but say more so I could get it. Thanks ❤

[@deborahanntaylor375]

While it is true that a significant percentage of evangelicals support Trump, it is misleading and inaccurate to imply by the headline that "all" Evangelicals fall into this camp. Example: Jimmy Carter is a Baptist and strongly opposed to Trump. Not to mention Rafael Warnock! The more accurate headline would be to use the term Christian Nationalists - or even Christian Nationalist Evangelicals.

[@cliftonbowers6376]

Dogma is the worlds number one killer

[@neosapienz7885]

Dogma and ego are closely tied when it comes to authoritarianism.

[@chrisnorlin57]

Politics is an extension of their faith? Or their faith is an appendage of their politics?

[@lynnwilliamson2382]

To be clear, the church about which Mr. French speaks is the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), NOT the Presbyerian Church USA (PCUSA).

[@_onesimpleidea]

Important topic and good interview. To David French: Nice job explaining. However, at 10:40 you said, "Not to the majority of the denomination. _Certainly_ not to the majority of the denomination ..." and later, "Yeah, I do believe strongly that it's a minority of churchgoers." The flabbergasting, nearly incomprehensible, but persistent support for Trump seems to indicate otherwise. Have you considered the possibility that you're getting blindsided again, on this?

[@jasonmartinez9051]

Evangelicals will see it as divine intervention???? Ohhhh, Gaaaaaawd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😫

[@Missy-Missy1111]

My best friend believes that Trump is an altruistic, compassionate, faithful, honest business Tycoon genius. 🙄 Also, she believes that the media edits or uses AI to make what he says look bad & negative. She even believes he is joking about being a dictator...

[@ChrisWilburn-bushey]

“She even believes he is joking about being a dictator.” Ah, yes, the “just kidding” excuse. Why does no one ever follow up? For instance, “what kind of person thinks that’s a funny joke?”

[@emilyfeagin2673]

Was she not aware of him when he was bankrupting casinos, assaulting women, bearing false witness against 5 young black men, or cheating contractors? It’s in print.

[@Missy-Missy1111]

@emilyfeagin2673 she thinks the women are lying, She thinks he only filed twice for bankruptcy. She see nothting wrong in filing bankruptcy. I will remind her of the people who get hurt when he filed for bankruptcy. I will also ask her about the The Central Park 5. She also thinks he is a "self made" billionaire. SMH

[@jeanettecrabb1713]

If Trump is elected Americans will find out what it's like to live in a 3rd world country.

[@auntymarushkafah]

If he's re-elected I'll believe in the apocalypse. I'm kind of undecided about it at this point.

[@auntymarushkafah]

If Donnie get's re-elected I'll start to believe in revelations. I'm on the fence at this point.

[@easy3]

This guy is deeply naive. American tragedy?😢

[@DanteDRobertson]

This guy lives in a bubble, because all politicians tells lies.

[@noronahahaha]

I am very shocked that French’s story does not actually involve evangelicals, as I was not aware that white nationalism/political zeal had reached into the PCOA or other non-evangelical denominations. I was associated with Presbyterian churches throughout my childhood, and I am a person of color. I also remember joining a Bible study group as a very stupid kid and I said a prayer out loud against bush and and I was chastised for bringing in politics into my religious communication (the group was non-denominational, but not evangelical). I understand that criticism now, so much so that I can’t understand the opposite.

[@seanoconnor5311]

Griswold's article on French didn't actually misquote him, nor quote out of context.

[@Occupied_South]

It will be divine intervention. That's a fact.

[@emilyfeagin2673]

There is no such thing

[@kosmokritikos9299]

This is also going on in the Catholic church, resulting in a lot of departures.

[@diedrebenson5950]

Absolutely mind boggling to me. This behavior is NOT Christianity. I will never understand how the reconcile what they can see and hear.

[@user-cz5lj2vx1f]

When MILLIONS of self-described "christians" act so hateful and seem to have the goal of taking over our government to ENFORCE THEIR RELIGION ON ALL through THE STATE---the ONLY way to may yur statement true is if a LOT MORE Christians STAND UP/SPEAK OUT against these "christian" Nationalists, supporting Trump.

[@judykinsman3258]

But it IS Christianity.

[@12345patbet]

@@judykinsman3258HOW? Jesus never became involved in politics

[@karenwhite9989]

Yes, just look back historically at the slave trade. NON-Christian christians were able to weaponize Christianity to gain untold generational wealth and then had the unmitigated gall to become angry when the practice was outlawed, hence, THE CIVIL WAR. So much wrong is done in the NAME OF THE MOST HIGH. Smh with a heavy heart.

[@seanoconnor5311]

​@@12345patbetHe sort of did, he rejected both sides. He didn't work with the Romans, but nor did he oppose them. "My kingdom is not of this world".

[@lyndadunn2777]

Church goers should not confuse the leaders God allows us to have compared to those He chooses.

[@zen-Tii]

He turns to his Christian brethren for succor and has the “find out” moment.🤫

[@milk_bath]

Some real Leopards Ate My Face right here. He created Trump.

[@MNP208]

You could correlate absolutely anything to divine intervention. 🙄

[@dennisyoung4631]

“… and then following, *the judgement of the country due to its long-entrenched evil.*

[@fairfaxcat1312]

Hey French. Who cares? You who switch churches, publications, law groups, and political parties every five minutes when you don’t succeed in changing their mission and message are not a victim. Journalists don’t make it about themselves.

[@viennehaake9149]

Disappointed in PCA.

[@MichaelHalsell]

People are sheep. Always looking for others to lead them.

[@swaziland-dd1vv]

it just goes to show how far evangelicals are from the Truth!! smh

[@JupiterPlanet333]

A country for the American PEOPLE, of the American PEOPLE, and by the American PEOPLE=vote for Joe Biden.

[@yootuub301]

I want Sarah Isgur to come out and strongly support David and oppose MAGA Christian Nationalists.

[@emilyfeagin2673]

And the rest of us will experience hell on earth

[@dribrom]

Nothing in the Bible would suggest it's divine intervention. Ask your self what would Jesus do? In John 17:14 we can read that Jesus sad he was not a part of this world. Meaning this political world. When Satan tempted Jesus he also sad no to rule all the Kingdoms in the world (Matthew 4:8). Also when the Jews tried to make him King he run away (John 6:15).

[@Soshin39]

So what does it mean if he loses? Again.

[@ddrews01]

I'm so sorry for all you and your family have goune through. It broke my heart to hear the things your family have had to endure. It is my belief we grow as people by listening to other opinions. We can agree to respectfully disagree, but learning another's reasoning for their opinions makes us stronger as a nation. It is our differences that makes us multifaceted. So scary that those that hate are the loudest voices so many follow. You show true courage in speaking out and I look forward to hearing more.

[@juliebraden]

12:06 David French: "the passivity of the majority is really enabling the minority.". "They just wanted the pain to stop" I'll add they wanted the chaos, that often arises wen there r disagreements, to stop. They wanted the disruption,-which they attributed to David French instead of Donald Trump, to stop In the name of peace & unity the church yielded to the zealots & excluded the moderate voice(s)?? As David said, the church capitulated to the angriest, loudest people. Doesn't it say in the Bible that the meek shall inherit the earth? DF: "The good people (of the church) did nothing(no additional work) to determine the voracity of the misleading & cruel commentary in the public square.." "All it takes for evil to exist is for good people to do nothing." quoted from a Holocaust survivor

[@emilyfeagin2673]

Is it passivity or is it fear? I’m am used to dealing with screaming lunatics ( I was a telemarketer). Most people can’t do that

[@biglebowski3961]

Is separation of church and state realistic at this point in our country?

[@geralldus]

To an outsider, this looks like a society gripped by fear, looking for salvation through myth and magic rather than facing reality. This does not bode well for the future and the many and complex challenges that you, as a society, and we as a species, will surely face.

[@bernardwylie9760]

“I underestimated how palpable the hatred of Democrats was”….and again, it is mostly irrational, reflexive hatred rooted in emotions, not actions against them. And it also not a two-way street. Democrats and the left do not hate them equally however frustrated, annoyed, etc. we get of them. This hatred of their fellow Americans by the evangelical right really has to be analyzed in deeper way. It’s incredibly un-Christian for folks who claim that is a the center of who they are, and we’re just rooting our judgment of that in the very same gospel that again, they proclaim is at the center of their lives. 🤷‍♂️

[@debbieg8951]

All I know is, I'm not looking for a "perfect" president who I agree with on every issue. And I certainly will NOT be voting for an individual president. Instead, I will be voting for an entire administration, 1000 people or more, who love our country, uphold democracy and the rule of law, exhibit decency and respect, oppose facism, work hard and get things done, and aren't just in it for attention, drama, and social media clicks. When I vote, I will be keeping in mind, not simply the blunders of ONE debate, but the facts of how our government actually works, the beauty of the checks and balances of our 3 branches of government, the fact that an elected president CANNOT be an all-powerful dictator (not yet anyway). I'll be keeping in mind which administration's policies promote civil rights and liberties for ALL citizens versus trying desperately to strip rights away from anyone who doesn't fit a certain mold or hold a certain religious belief. I'll be considering which administration or which party understands the importance of SEPARATION of church and state. I couldn't care less who "won" or "lost" one debate. One 90-minute snapshot in time does not negate everything that has happened over the past 8 years. I watch people's actions, their behavior, the way they treat one another. Talk is cheap. And LIES are despicable!!! Winning a war of words doesn't make someone right for the job. Why are we so shallow, superficial, and uneducated? The world is watching. I've been traveling throughout Europe for the past 2 months, and everyone with whom I've had any significant conversation that has turned to politics is just flabbergasted by our collective ignorance, arrogance, and blind party loyalty. And they're not wrong. We value drama over substance. Entertainment and sensationalism over rational thought. Social media clickbait over facts. Tribal loyalty over morality. We live in our insulated little echo chambers and value party over principle. That's what's truly embarrassing about us. The Europeans with whom I've had these conversations are encouraged to learn that there are actually millions of people like me in the U.S., we just don't get any media attention because the media likes to focus on what brings the most drama. I hope my comment encourages some of you are who are feeling hopeless. There are SO many good people who are going to do the right thing in November. People who love country over party affiliation. People who still love democracy and want to preserve it for future generations.

[@lyndadunn2777]

Please read Hosea 8:4 from our Holy Bible.

[@dalepetersen1166]

Being freaky to the right or freaky to the left is just a different kinds of freaky they shouldn't even call themselves conservatives or Liberals anymore

[@MamaJanella]

I wish the Church would stop trying to stuff Trump into a Jesus costume. Sigh ...

[@EnchiladaBoredom]

Brand, Tetramin Aquarium drops is there.

[@davidwilkie9551]

The truth, the truth and the truth is that divinity is just another aspect-version of true Totality, which from every POV is this parallel coexistence coincidence Now. The collective belief of any group is self-defining truth in context for that group because it's what they think they know, ..and so is the representation of everything that group candidacy true?, of course, and cannot be denied.., except by everyone not in the group... So how would a miracle be defined? What hypocrisy is so perfect it fools everyone into thinking the self delusion of some could be made real for everyone in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Dark Money propaganda is effective when the decline of standards is sufficient for lies to be preferred to Actuality. The existence of free will may only be a perception fantasy, but people act on their beliefs.

[@Raven_of_Doom]

The more religious, the more gullible.

[@auriciatamasweet3165]

Thank you so much for this interview. It has been so difficult for me to understand, and this provides important insights. Thank you, David French, for your openness and honesty.

[@williamw422]

"The good people did nothing." I've seen that all my life from religious people. That's what religion is about for them. Just hate certain people and pretend you are a loving person.

[@seanoconnor5311]

Do you love evangelicals?