Is the Trump presidency a religious cult? | Reza Aslan | Big Think

[@bigthink]

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[@nonyerbidness475]

Lol

[@necromaya]

@@militaryrecordmarktrue2946 you're a fuck-ing psycho..

[@gloriabowie5629]

There are some black evangelicals too,i know some.

[@santadejesusa199]

Trump is chosen by God

[@randolphpinkle4482]

@@santadejesusa199 Whoever told you that was not a Christian, but a fraud.

[@pterafirma]

He didn't turn them into a cult. They always were, and he merely recognized that.

[@jcarc5701]

Trump makes them feel good about their hatred. Some one asked me if as an atheist I am not afraid of going to hell. My answer was given the religious people I know there will be no room for me.

[@jenm9099]

Truth!!!

[@gloriapitts2297]

Well said. Trump election allowed the covers of the under belly of America to be fully exposed and the smell and rotteness is enough to kill u. Trump did not make these people act the way they r, this was already in them. They just needed someone to give them the ok to come out of the closet. What God do they really believe in? If any.

[@NickDe3]

Evangelicals by nature are cult-like. They follow the BITE model of influence when spreading their ideology. So it's only natural that they give rise to a cult of personality when someone like Trump comes along to manipulate them.

[@pantslizard]

Not true. Ronald Reagan's campaign manager recognized it (40 years ago) and successfully mobilized it. All republicans since then have courted them. Stop drinking the KoolAid.

[@zerocool6687]

Atheist here, I second this. It blows my mind that the same people who grill me about where my morality comes from will turn a blind eye to Trumps disgusting behaviours

[@silvercloud1641]

You mean Christians don't have a monopoly on morality, as they want you to believe? Maybe that's why a free country would have Freedom Of Religion, and All Are Equal under the constitution. "Self appointed judges judge." They all judge Clinton but have they seen the video "Don't Watch This Trump-Epstein Video Alone" posted by Stephen Colbert? Hypocrite morons.

[@mattsullins3818]

He only has a couple dozen rape allegations, and probably about a dozen fraud allegations; Jesus would approve (as long as you don’t read what the Bible says)

[@PETER394100]

@@silvercloud1641.....I’ve come to believe that “Freedom FROM Religion” is far more important than “Freedom OF Religion”.

[@MattsInTheBelfry]

Remember he does not exhibit the Fruits of the Spirit to know the Spirit is not within him.

[@MattsInTheBelfry]

@Johnny Michael You gatekeep by saying "real Christians"

[@Baseadilla]

"When Cult's are confronted with reality, they tend to double down" After the events at the Capital on Jan, 6th, this is chilling

[@robbyddurham1624]

you're right. They've been saying Jesus will be coming soon for 2k years. When you point out the bible saying two different things about something, they just keep digging in like a tick.

[@robbyddurham1624]

@BigBaby Jesus You'd think the religious right would recognize that, but they follow Trump religiously.

[@SkywalkerSamadhi]

I don't think the violence is over yet. People like the MyPillow guy are still stringing his base along, to the point that he is actually claiming specific dates (August 13th as of right now, July 10th, but when that date comes and goes he will just blame someone or something and come up with a new date which none of the believers will question). We've been calling Trump and his supporters a cult since the 2016 primaries, and have been proven right by their actions every step of the way. If you study other cult movements in history, especially American cult movements), you can actually compare this present Trump horror show with the examples in the past, checking boxes along the way. Skip ahead if you want to see where we are going. And then maybe get yourself a bunker stocked with food, supplies, and as much as I hate them, guns. This isn't a group that will hesitate to launch into violence. In fact they are chomping at the bit to release their anger and their fear. On a completely unrelated note: Does anyone know how one goes about buying and erecting a bunker to hide and protect a family of four??

[@anaibarangan4908]

Oh yeah, both sides are doing that, because it's really all about money and power struggling. Two cults at each other.

[@raybin6873]

@@SkywalkerSamadhi Bunker? Be wise to move out of country (it's f*kd)..try Canada.

[@guitarmike37308]

Thank you, Reza. You stated my thoughts exactly. I see nothing in what passes for Christianity in America, to embrace it as a faith. I don’t know what is worse; to watch a faith where to love God and your fellow human beings with all your might, to diverge into a cult of personality for an unashamed grifter or to see a once promising nation destroy itself. We are living in dangerous times and I fear for my adult children and their families.

[@varyolla435]

Unfortunately you illustrate the real problem here = "subjectivity". Whereas you criticize others who claim to be Christians accusing them of not following Christian tenets = they might say the same about you............and round and round you go. So the problem here is not that some supposedly fail to follow "incorrect" religious tenets. It rather is that = they follow religious tenets in the first place. Theism honestly if you objectively view what is out there = means whatever it wants based upon how the individual selectively chooses to interpret it as. That is why coincidentally the concept of separation of Church and State is paramount given that extreme subjectivity of belief which yields incongruent application and subsequent adverse impact to others. Laws and political systems should be premised solely upon fairness of application and what is best for the group writ large rather than whimsical beliefs. p.s. - the rubepublican base migrated to Trumputin because quite simply = he told them exactly what they wanted to hear. In this he was aided via what passes for conservative media today which in turn reflects ideological fanaticism. People who place supremacy upon what they want at the expense of others or what is best for the country will see resulting chaos every time. Societies like "group organisms" only work if everyone is on board. The rubepublican party today has "unplugged" from the Constitutional system and is following a pure _"ends justify the means"_ ideological war against the rest of America. So you are correct to be worried I'm afraid.

[@jennywright8883]

It is truly the strangest period in my 67 years on the planet.

[@dday9433]

Right there with you... although I imagine others in history going through such dramatic times felt the same.

[@justme-dm7sb]

I agree. I am in my mid 50s and I am amazed at the degree of hate mongering and lying. It is hard to listen to his rallies even. Of an hour and a half the first hour was about how horrible all of these other people are, how they need to be locked up and how they lie about everything. People that are not even in the political arena. Its sickening. I don't know how people can even listen to him talk. Its all hate this person, hate that person, hate the fake news. Kiss my ass and my ass only. Sickening......

[@portkembla1955]

It's like that around the World.

[@trukviet]

I'm 68. Ditto

[@DrLiz-xc9ol]

Agreed- I think I say the same thing everyday.....

[@stellabella8224]

These evangelical Churches need to be taxed like all businesses. Getting into politics should automatically take away their tax free statics.

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

Under the Johnson Amendment churches aren't taxed but can't endorse political candidates. You can't tax churches without getting rid of the amendment.

[@franksigwart9777]

Ok Jonesland

[@spookyvegan1402]

Stella Bella EXACTLY

[@mikedonigan6665]

But Jesus!

[@archiesimpson5172]

@@EuropeanQoheleth I think her point was that they already endorse political candidates.

[@MyMomo17]

My teenage son left his church because the Minister asked the congregation to all pray for Trump to win. That is wrong and not what our founding fathers had in mind.

[@oneprettycookie7446]

Right

[@chinookvalley]

The IRS could and should shut down any church who supports a political agenda or candidate.

[@dontmindme633]

We were asked to vote for trump at our very modern, non denominational church as well. My husband and I walked out. The weird thing was the pastor said he dreaded this sermon and was stalling giving it. Like he was being made to back trump from higher up the chain of command. And I think our (former) church belongs to a family of 247 churches across the nation. All being made to tout Trump as the Godly candidate.

[@MyMomo17]

@@dontmindme633 Is it 4 square ?

[@dontmindme633]

BlackMuddyRiver no it wasn’t

[@laurakathleen1000]

As an evangelical myself, I really have a hard time understanding why anyone claiming to be a Christian would support Trump. He has no morals, lies constantly, has no humility, etc. Anyone who has seriously studied the Bible would be able to see that he does the opposite of what Jesus taught.

[@varyolla435]

Apparently you are not a devotee of what I loosely term as "conservative news" in the US these days. If you were you will have noted an endless stream of hyperbolic claims and conspiracy-based paranoia. Tell a person they are a horse long enough and eventually they will go out and buy a saddle. lol!! Moral of the story: the conservative movement today in the US is dying. What is left of it becomes increasingly radicalized and detached from reality. Thus after years and years of their political leaders and pundits telling them the sky is falling and that the end is supposedly nigh for America = these people willingly latched onto an utterly amoral person who has spent his entire life telling lies and monetizing those lies to his advantage. He is a lifelong grifter and today "politics" is simply his latest grift. He tells people what they desperately want to hear and they believe him because they have been conditioned to. What is sad is he will leave the remnants of the conservative movement in tatters has he has always done with his businesses whereby he leaves others holding the bag while he laughs all the way to the bank. The evangelicals made a Faustian bargain and they lost their soul in the process. They have lost any credibility they once had to today be viewed merely as suckers and cultists. _"You reap what you sow"_ = never truer words were said.

[@lukeyznaga7627]

maybe you can't understand, because you are not really an evangelical and realize you cannot stay in a cult bible faith and are already having doubts. How can you stay in a Faith where IT PRODUCES people like MAGA Trump supporters? your faith is dying and most people don't even respect evangelicals anymore. Your people have become a Pariah in America.

[@isidoreaerys8745]

Guys, remember when Obama was president and we all wore Obama hats, and put Obama signs in our front yards, and went to Obama rallies even when it wasn’t an election year? Oh yeah, we didn’t. Because we WEREN’T IN A CULT.

[@randywest1185]

Horse feathers. That didn't happen.

[@randywest1185]

Or were you being sarcastic?

[@thomasword5762]

Remember when then KKK could carry their guns and people didn't say anything to them and when they asked you to join them and people didn't say no because they were afraid of them even though some may have had the same prejudices but they really wanted to handle them a different way other than the KKK way?

[@SN-sz7kw]

You’re describing things that are features of all elections. Even sports events. They are not necessarily indicative of cult behavior. I voted for Obama & I didn’t do any of those things. I also was never inspired by him to detach from mainstream news sources, commit acts of violence, or go to jail on his behalf. I also did not need to deny my core ethical values to vote for him.

[@dalethelander3781]

@@SN-sz7kw r/woooooosh

[@BrianJonson]

I have been a Christian all my life and this guy gets it. He understands the perniciousness of the prosperity gospel better than most Christians

[@rickb2432]

Don’t forget, especially since the Gilded Age, the common belief of mainstream Americans has been that if you just work hard enough that you too can be a billionaire. Of course nothing is further from reality. Evangelical christofascists have done a masterful job of winding this myth into their brand of theology.

[@BrianJonson]

@@rickb2432 great point

[@BrianJonson]

@Zoot Rollo good grief - what is wrong with you?

[@milkdud0]

He doesn't attend church and he held the bible upside down like holding the cross upside down

[@PendeltonWhiskey]

When I saw him holding that bible the thought that went through my mind was that it looked like it was burning his hand

[@jamiewhite1763]

18 months later and this video is the scariest thing I’ve seen for Halloween.

[@angsieverz4938]

LOL

[@WADESWAY4u]

Everyone here should watch Netflix's "The Family". A 5-Part Series on the Evangelical's Movement. It's eye-opening. I saw it twice. It shows them laying hands on Trump as "The Chosen One"

[@MOTIVATIONBYDAR]

@@WADESWAY4u It's actually not a five part series on the Evangelical movement. It discloses what used to be a secret organization disguised as a religious organization which is actually an organization that brokers power between politicians and other people of power around the world bypassing oversight since everything was done in secret.

[@Spiral.Dynamics]

It gets scarier when you add the pandemic in 2020.

[@isidoreaerys8745]

Stand back and stand by for November.

[@KnomChomper]

4 years later and this is more relevant than ever.

[@UnashamedCaliforniagirl]

It's scarier because people are more open about it.

[@jamesl9371]

Make the churches pay taxes and help the homeless and poor. That makes sense to me

[@johncaccioppo1142]

bubububut we have to help Satan punish the poor

[@g0679]

Even the homeless and poor that haven’t been contributing to your business pool? I wonder where that leaves Mormons.

[@VampiraVonGhoulscout]

*That* is what Jesus would have actually wanted. America seems to have forgotten their values about helping the less fortunate and the camel through the eye of the needle spiel.

[@johncaccioppo1142]

@@VampiraVonGhoulscout not forgotten... overwritten

[@johncaccioppo1142]

@OMINOID The problem is that churches bring people together while the rest of our society tears it apart. I believe this is by design, to first enslave us, then skim off the top of the most productive, narcissistic members via the donation plate, and finally to tell the lowest tier slave handlers what to think. I remember my friend telling me how his Catholic church had a guest speaker the week before 9/11 telling the congregation how dangerous muslims were!! Timing, much? Hate what they do all you want, people NEED that several hours of connection they get each week and they will fight to the death to preserve it. We have to be very careful about how we analyze this problem.

[@davidfariello3972]

It’s a collective narcissism.

[@rasharddavis5361]

Pray to your cult god obama to end coronavirus.

[@rs4028]

and their God is Donald Trump

[@joyhouse5934]

This explains everything 🤔 religion/race's is Dangerous mixes. Why economic crisis is happening around the world today. 🌎110 % using data on people to get power. Breaks me 100% freedom of all cultures information is needed in a election's around the world and cyber police force and cyber security online. This is not white people fault or 🇺🇸usa this down to security guards and new technology, intelligent. This is what happens when people make 🙄a perfect system you get crazy out of control crisis. Companies/ government should not no too much about they're people 110% Trump proves this . Power crazy people use information to control people. This is the same trick Hitler did can't believe people can't see this ??? . This is a nitemare of 21st century % brain washing 😑🙄😒racism/ cults / crazy religious put together is nitemare. This dangerous and trumps knows 🤔💯?

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@rasharddavis5361 Obama left office five years ago. What are you talking about?

[@erikbuchanan4648]

@@RideAcrossTheRiver its a common tactic people use when they know their arguments has no legs. They just arent smart enough to realize how transparent the switch and bait argument is. I have a friend that does the same thing but its always "well Hitler was much worse". Its on the same level as the I'm rubber and your glue tatic.

[@danielbain3189]

My mom is so big on Trump (shes a white evangelical) Every time I tell her about something immoral trump has done she says "well all I can say is God chose president trump because hes a moral man" like wtf

[@socalbeeguy8041]

She should have asked you how you felt when Obama was drone-striking women and children at Pakistani weddings, or if you are aware that Obama deported more Mexicans than his predecessors. No doubt Trump has done things I don't approve of either, but every time I hear people going nuts over something, it is usually something other Presidents have done and done worse.

[@jfgreen1123]

So Cal Bee Guy Yeah, grabbing women by the pussy doesn't matter at all!

[@socalbeeguy8041]

No, it really fucking doesn't. Amazing that you are so caught up in that. I'd rather have a leader that grabbed pussy than one who doesn't. What's wrong with you? Anyway, all he said was that when you're rich and famous they let you do it. And they DO! It takes two to tango, and they were ready to dance. Anyone who says the women didn't have a part of the responsibility is lying or dumb.

[@jfgreen1123]

So Cal Bee Guy ‪What you just wrote is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever read. Everyone who reads what you wrote is now dumber for having seen it.‬

[@socalbeeguy8041]

Not in the least. But you marked yourself as dumb just by trying to make an insult that doesn't apply and isn't original. Not sure if you are now dumber as you claim to be, I don't know you well.

[@vanquish421]

This video aged like fine wine.

[@monkeymouse]

Years ago when I was in college I wrote a paper analyzing the Third Reich as a "secular religion". It had Hitler as its Messiah, it had pageantry, it had rules and a prophetic sense of what the world should be, and who the enemy is that's keeping it from being what it should be--the whole nine.

[@billiey61]

your right ...I saw the exact same thing when Obama become president. Amen

[@billiey61]

Set the records straight,you are a leftist.. you hate America. You hate are religion. You hate are holidays..you think islam is good, and christens are evil. You think illegals should have more rights than the legal who came her properly. You think there is more than 2 genders. You think everyone is entitled to the same insurance. Boo hoo on you .get over your life..Trump won . Not because of russian collision. But because we are tired of your politically motivated socialist view of what you wanted america to be..trump 2020. Get over it snow flake.

[@billiey61]

@Pardeep Parmar least I'm not on the side of a bunch a whinners...and I wish they would hurry up and impeach him so you can quit whinning and finnally do work for the people....I mean American people. In case your small brain can't comprehend....lol

[@wallihaley5194]

@@billiey61, I guess you’re the one who needs to “get over it,” now. But no, leftists don’t hate religion, we just don’t want it to permeate government. The founding fathers believed in separation of church and state, with religious freedom for all, even Muslims. That’s literally what the first Amendment stands for as well as Article 3 of the Constitution which says there shall be no religious test for those running for office.

[@billiey61]

@@wallihaley5194 I believe religious freedom was ,they wanted to separated from the kings religion..

[@merissamakesstuff]

When I first saw your title I said "of course it's a cult!" Then i realized i said it out loud. Haha. I am a white Christian. I don't know if I am evangelical, as I have always gone to a non-denominational church that has not labeled itself as such. I think the prosperity gospel goes against what the Bible teaches and is dangerous. I agree with you, mostly. I have thought his following is a cult for years.

[@lordblazer]

you're not. evangelical churches are very explicit about being evangelical. is your church ruled by fear? if not then you aren't in one.

[@maraudergun282]

Trump was not elected by evangelicals, you idiots. I'm not even christian and I voted for Trump, because I believe in the constitution. If you don't read or believe in the constitution and individual rights, YOU might be the cult member. You people make me sick. Get over it, he's your president, and he loves freedom. You guys are just cult members who hate human liberty and democracy and God.

[@juliadixon4810]

@@maraudergun282 ever the canny businessman, social engineer, and bully, trump understands exactly how to manipulate certain elements for his gain. Racist, sexist white males are his people.

[@powderstone8187]

@@maraudergun282 Donald Trump loves elitism, vanity, privilege, power, and money. That is the objective truth of the matter. I think Trump, you, and people that support him are actually the ones that might "hate democracy and God." Furthermore, if you think Trump is godly, then you have either never read the Bible at all, or you've read parts of it and have deeply misunderstood what you've read in that Book.

[@merissamakesstuff]

@@lordblazer yes, I was evangelical. Most are not explicit. I was raised mostly in evangelical churches and not one ever called themselves that. I didn't even know what Pentecostal was till right before I left the religion. All Christian churches who tell people they are going to go to hell or can only get to heaven if they do/believe XYZ are ruled by fear. Even churches that believe you just die and don't wake up are ruled by fear.

[@Xeronimo74]

And the Evangelicals are hypocrites (surprise!) once again: they totally ignore all the scandals surrounding their new Messiah!

[@crimsonsymphony9249]

This dude basically predicted Jan 6th

[@guitard1280]

The lack of morality I think is attributable to the "I will be forgiven" belief.

[@yournamehere1886]

A repentant sinner, but mainly, a born again believer in Christ, trusts they'll be forgiven, according to The Bible, namely the book of 1John 1:9 says : "If we confess our sins, He (God, Jesus) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness".

[@DavidSmith-ck8fl]

Forgiveness requires a sincere contrition and sincere plea for forgiveness. Trump causes nihilism in his followers. Believing in nothing, the damned cannot offer sincerity.

[@trishalamb138]

@@yournamehere1886but, aren’t we then supposed to “go, and sin no more?”

[@BrokenSymetry]

People of the 21st century are besieged by religious fanatics on all fronts. Should our civilization ever advance into a post religion age, this period will be remembered as critical.

[@beboblessed]

BrokenSymetry If we even survive this weird religious period, that would be key.

[@573355415]

Thinking about now, Trump refuse to step down. This is becoming more scary

[@santadejesusa199]

Biden is not an official president yet.

[@BeeBeeCJr]

Agreed. These people are a disgusting, fascist cult. Now watch as he attempts to “martyr” himself.

[@marilynkennedy8236]

@@BeeBeeCJr I think what Reva Aslan is saying is right. It is connected to the prosperity gospel that is preached in so many churches . I have never heard of so much adulation being given to a president. M Kennedy.

[@BeeBeeCJr]

@@santadejesusa199 SHUT THE FUCK UP, YOU MORON DUMBASS. HE IS THE WINNER. HE IS THE WINNER OF THE PRESIDENTIAL TICKET. TRUMP LOST. THIS IS SIMPLE STUFF. GROW UP.

[@aarone1777]

We made it through the storm; now if we can again get people to be civil to one another again!

[@kltyo]

Once you believe you are saved by faith alone and not counting ethics, morality, and behaviors as important then you are already on a path bad decision making. Unfortunately both political extremes both left and right have demonstrated the same characteristics.

[@kayrosis5523]

So Trump is either the Messiah or the Antichrist and we're in the tribulation? Damn, I was hoping the Antichrist would be scary or sexy or... Competent... Instead we get a rotting old pumpkin that throws tantrums on Twitter

[@MrMeow-iq7kq]

even if he was Satan, christians would support him. anything to validate their beliefs and put it over everyone else.

[@matthewbittenbender9191]

Antichrist = Marmalade Messiah. Not that I put stock into soothsaying, but Nostradamus Did mention that the antichrist would be a very popular charismatic leader. The interpretations of his writings place Trump right at this point in time just as there are cataclysms, wars and massive human suffering around the world. Sounds like were pretty damn close if not already there.

[@pfflam]

Hm, anybody notice the address of the Kushner Family Real Estate Catastrophe? 666 Broadway? My guess is if it's twixt Messiah and Anti-Christ, the AC would be the one emblazoned with the number 666 . . . haha

[@MrMeow-iq7kq]

wasnt there some big stink about the number 666 being wrong and some kind of mistranslation anyhow? I try not to pay attention to those kinds of things... the numbers are going to appear somewhere eventually, regardless of rather or not its fitting.

[@matthewbittenbender9191]

pfflam Well I’m not religious I am aware of all the religious symbology And that shit is eerie as fuck. If Trump stands for everything that Jesus Christ stood against and Is converting cultist-like-followers, then it is too creepily coincidental to overlook especially for those that believe in the end times.

[@keithriley6597]

Absolutely yes. Jesus Christ warns us of him. Evangelicals aren't Christians.

[@amandaduke5814]

I believe so also

[@juanfrancisco8834]

Trump is the Antichrist read the book of Daniel KJV he is all over in there

[@susanpelsue2756]

Everyone is growing in Christ who don’t reject the Savior. President Trump has come a long way. If he were your friend or son, wouldn’t you be forgiving?

[@denisemayosky1955]

@Land Water and Clouds Deceived. And by the way, Obama ISN'T the Antichrist. Trump, however, is!

[@denisemayosky1955]

@@susanpelsue2756 He isn't. He's the leader of this country, who CLAIMS - and is backed up in his claims by the leaders of the Religious Right - to be a Christian. Yet his actions, words, and policies - WHILE IN OFFICE - say otherwise. If he were really a Christian who made a mistake and publicly repented of it, I would consider extending forgiveness to him. But he doesn't even ask; he doesn't even THINK he needs it. He's the Antichrist, he's playing you guys for fools, and you're happily going along with it!

[@East_notweast]

i feel like this video needs to be revisited after what happened on capitol hill

[@TheHumbleGeek]

When you mix religion/ideology and politics, people will suffer. Examples: Crusades, holocaust, Salem witch trials, crucifixion of christians in Rome.

[@mohdmohtashim9841]

this reminds me of the Voltaire quote " Religion was born when the first scoundrel met the first fool".

[@thstroyur]

That also describes politicians pretty well; in other words, "We're extremely good at doing something other than whatever we're supposed to"

[@mohdmohtashim9841]

Agreed.

[@mycount64]

Mohd Mohtashim amen

[@veilhaslifted1280]

Mohd Mohtashim I view it as selling their collective souls to gain the world.

[@briansinger5258]

The irony is off the charts. Trump may meet this criteria, but so have the last 4 war criminal presidents. And reza aslann.

[@ginsuma1402]

And just like that 81% of evangelicals bought their own ticket to hell

[@g0679]

Sin through the week, repent on Sunday. Buy a ticket to hell. I don’t see the difference.

[@mingonmongo1]

And the Devil said unto Him, "All these things I will give to You, if You will fall down and worship me..." -Matthew 4:9

[@d.j.cassidy1642]

They literally made a deal with the Devil. Trump promised them their political power in exchange of his own political power. How Satanic can this get?

[@ginsuma1402]

@@d.j.cassidy1642 Right it's even more surreal now 2 years later watching them deny he lost the election and going into sincere details about how they believe he will remain in office. These same people who feared Obama would bring marshall law, out of their own outlandish conspiracies have literally said they want trump to instate marshal law so he can stay in office. The irony is so insane I'm starting to think we were transferred to some alternate reality where a large number of the population in the US actually has the dumb.

[@mdavis6102]

@@mingonmongo1 Amen and Trump has this very strong DEMONIC spirit Evil. Anytime someone (example) can hold a rally And the curtains are blue....and than Trump will say I notice the BEAUTIFUL "red" curtain...don't you agree....and the people's response "Yes" ...knowing the curtains are " blue" that's a big problem...This is exactly what Trump does ....He gets control of their mind and he has power ...sound like something the Devil in hell would do...scary

[@o.aldenproductions.9858]

How was it again... it’s harder for a RICH man to enter kingdom of God than it is for a Camel to go through the eye of a needle

[@911EVERLASTINGGOSPEL]

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH JESUS! JESUS SAVES THE RICH AND THE POOR! ALL WHO FOLLOW AND LOVE HIM

[@lte6041]

@@911EVERLASTINGGOSPEL these are just stories. Just stories.

[@911EVERLASTINGGOSPEL]

@@lte6041 U a lie! EVERY WORD OF THE BIBLE IS TRUE!!!

[@911EVERLASTINGGOSPEL]

@@lte6041 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

[@911EVERLASTINGGOSPEL]

@@lte6041 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28

[@PendeltonWhiskey]

My mind is blown. What a great presentation, thank you for doing this, you've confirmed everything I've been thinking. I've been telling people for several years that Trump is a cult leader and then have them look at me like I'm crazy but thanks to you I'm now going to be able to be more persuasive

[@thesteelshark]

As someone who has personally dealt with people involved with cults, had a number of interactions with them, and done research of them... I can say the behavior of many, many, trump supporters very much remind me what of what i've seen in cults.

[@yaelrar.4460]

thesteelshark I would say the exact same thing of you liberals. You are definitely a brainwashed indoctrinated cult. And you use our schools for the training of your cult.

[@thesteelshark]

ever seen the movie jesus camp? that is indoctrination, and that is the intent of the fundamentalist christians. some of the same type of people who also strongly support trump.

[@Margatroid]

So Yaelra R. made a point, and you entirely ignored and avoided his point, and made another ideological statement. That's classic cultist behavior.

[@thesteelshark]

Margatroid to bad his claim is bogus, and mainly comes from people who hate public education, because it's not forcing Jesus on kids. The movie Jesus Camp is an example of what they are trying to push, and always have.

[@Margatroid]

You're a True Believer.

[@WADESWAY4u]

Everyone here should watch Netflix's "The Family". A 5-Part Series on the Evangelical's Movement. It's eye-opening. I saw it twice. It shows them laying hands on Trump as "The Chosen One"

[@powderstone8187]

I will add this to my watch list. Thank you. This whole thing is DISTURBING beyond total comprehension.

[@punkyagogo]

Reminds me of the documentary Jesus Camp where the camp counselors had kids praying and laying their hands on George W. Bush. Creepy.

[@donaldspaulding6973]

Scary show!

[@ashedrickmus.5479]

Wow, that is crazy!

[@keirfarnum6811]

Yeah, that whole laying hands on Trump thing has really gone to his head.

[@spacemonkeymadness]

I'm here in 2020 and this even more relevant. Total cult.

[@GreatDayEveryone]

100%

[@exrepublica9251]

total cult after 2020 too. i left before i drown with the rest of the sinking republicans

[@bamaretiredgruntscottb.6533]

@THE MAN WHO ENDED EVERYTHING Then you have no real understanding of what a cult it. But, just labeling people is what the internet is for, especially for professor's like yourself.

[@bamaretiredgruntscottb.6533]

@@GreatDayEveryone What a profound thought. Not that you give any real background of why you agree. Just that you follow. Enjoy it sheep.

[@osure27]

Wait til you get to 2021

[@dougpage2730]

When wealth becomes sacred, the rich become demigods, and the poor become heretics.

[@grams5861]

The documentary "The Family" explains how evangelicals began their influence into politics.

[@DeborahWalkerXOXO]

Tbh I'm a bit afraid to watch that. The levels of destruction ONE human can wreck is difficult for me, to see what people of wicked intent can do collectively, NOW, is a bit much. I honestly see what is happening with the orange man as similar to Nazism. Those people LOVED Hitler. These people LOVE this guy. I'm a Christian. Seeing people who say they believe in God doing this is too much for me. To see people take something pure and twist it for evil intent... it's very sad. I'm sorry to offload that on you.

[@grams5861]

The KZbin video "Why Trumps Agenda is Antti-Christ, by Now This". It takes me back to the Christian values we grew up with. I found it really touching.

[@DeborahWalkerXOXO]

@@grams5861 will check that out. I don't think he believes in anything. Not even himself.

[@DeborahWalkerXOXO]

@@grams5861 yeap, makes utter sense

[@grams5861]

I saw that video and reposted it.. It is hard to imagine that anyone that follows the teachings of Jesus can also follow Trump.

[@larsfrogner5649]

Watching on the evening of 01.06.21. This aged very well.

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

Unfortunately.

[@ravinhunter1016]

On 01-05-22 it seems more prophetic for dems reallly still pushing an insurrection but denying the violence for months else where before 01-06-21. Bit I do agree this should be revisited.

[@michaelpond813]

We were told that if we didn't vote trump we weren't Christians.

[@kirstencorby8465]

@@michaelpond813 How do you feel about that now?

[@DavidSmith-ck8fl]

Nothing good can come from this.

[@mommak9439]

Many of them already were a cult. He just gave them permission to take their hoods off. It is just amazing how many there are.

[@melodychipley2]

I am tired of this self-important person and all of his outrageous lies. Please lock him up.

[@alexishemeon]

"The only thing more dangerous than a cult leader is a martyr to a cult leader." Given the events of January 6th, this aged nicely.

[@stevensiferd7104]

Frighteningly so. BTW -- He actually said, "the only thing more dangerous than a cult leader is a martyred cult leader," but your version is equally correct.

[@xamhehehe7888]

Thing is January 6th wasn't that bad.... A few broken windows, trashed up offices, and maybe five lives dead. (By the police and not by the actual group) Now compare that to the George Floyd riots... Not even a comparison.

[@daviddrayton8312]

@@xamhehehe7888 Rosanne Boyland was crushed in a stampede of fellow rioters as they surged against the police. And Officer Brian D. Sicknick of the Capitol Police was attacked by the mob and died on Jan. 7 as a result.

[@SunofYork]

and for Ashley Rabbit

[@frenchjr25]

Watching this in August of 2020 and boy has it gotten far worse.

[@barbarahenninger6642]

Watching on Dec. 14, 2020, and he lost the election.

[@devinmathews7809]

Just wait 4 months buddy. Holy F

[@Joshtheigbo]

Wait until you get to 2021

[@suhanhwang9988]

@@Joshtheigbo They got promoted to Al-Queda, but Christian instead of Islam during January, right?

[@Rangerman9404]

2021, and it's worse still

[@doubleodub]

Wow....you completely predicted the future events of Trump's cult unraveling at the end of his single term.

[@hm5142]

I hope it unravels fast enough to save our country. At this point, it is a very close thing as to whether we survive as a democracy or not.

[@tomfrazier1103]

Trump's own personality & habits, and the true butthurt of the media made his Presidency "Unsustainable", as x"They" say.

[@callicordova4066]

May it unravel quickly before it is too late. However, the cult members will still be around and another "leader" will find them. Sadly, you can't fix stupid.

[@SouthernRebels94]

@@hm5142 as long we have this idiot in office as his Bidenism cult running around our country is gonna turn into a communist fascist country rule over by a dictator and this country is not a democracy learn the constitution while you are at it as the constitution tells us our country is a republic. If you hate our constitution and our country so much then why don't you just leave and take your Biden cult with you.

[@SouthernRebels94]

@@callicordova4066 yes Biden cult will still be around and yes you are right you can't fix stupid people as Trump and republicans has trade but Democrats are to stupid to realize they been lied to by the Democratic government.

[@michaelblosenhauer9887]

The only thing this guy got wrong is when he said that evangelicals went from a group that cared about a candidates morality to one that didn't. They never cared.

[@varyolla435]

In a manner of speaking true. They "cared" = so long as they were the ones determining what constitutes morality. If however others interject their own values and ethics then the very Constitutional system they so long claimed to believe in = is viewed as antithetical to their desired beliefs and hence is dispensed with as they showed the world. They believe in themselves and their ideological worldview = nothing more. Now they are pure _"ends justify the means"_ mentality.

[@rcwilliams8854]

Concise, accurate and brilliantly explained.

[@jonvalentine8109]

Just wrong in every important respect. The toxicity of Clinton was a huge factor for one. Trump was flawed but she was a satanic figure who would have brought ruin and war. Trump offered hope and change. So had the last guy but he failed to deliver almost completely. Maybe his opposite would.

[@jonvalentine8109]

@midniteryder Yeah I know: everyone who voted for Obama.

[@Camboge]

Isaiah 5:20 woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.... I think yes it's a cult now

[@AShasa35]

Loved the quote 'These evangelicals voted more 'white" then 'evangelical." Definitely a racist component there.

[@pagamenews]

I didn't know that Hillary Clinton was African-American.

[@TheWitchofCrows]

NPC 5139125 The parties switched sides.

[@plerpplerp5599]

People aren't interested in the truth anyway. They are looking for something to believe in.

[@varyolla435]

Sad but true. Many people are too wrapped up in their assumptions to consider actual facts and evidence. Also they fear to do so as their facile and poorly formed ideological beliefs might then collapse under the weight of evidence pointing in another direction. That would lead to their entire worldview collapsing in on itself. Moral of the story: for many today a _"comforting lie"_ is preferable to a hard truth. Also many of their ideological preconceptions are simply too ingrained into the life so that they have become inured within them. To assume otherwise becomes too horrible to contemplate. Cognitive dissonance rules supreme.

[@merrylstreak7118]

The Right Wing of fundamentalism is the most dangerous movement in the world today. It s certainly not Christian.

[@stgeorge28]

I have heard evangelical voters say they would pick Trump over Jesus. Should not that worry true Christians?

[@shadowwitch4796]

If I believed in the bible and its teachings it would worry me. the first commandment of their God is "thou shalt not have any other Gods before me. So they are on the path to their Hell.

[@stgeorge28]

matador5135 No they said it, look it up. It's camera.

[@stgeorge28]

matador5135 I agree, but these evangelicals said that. My sister claims to be catholic, she told me the other day she doesn't follow Jesus's teachings. All because she loves Trump. Mind boggling. Trust me, I was shocked when I heard these people say that. That's like a Muslim loving Eurdogen of Turkey over Allah. It's insane.

[@stgeorge28]

Rebecca Swanson You're never alone. Be strong, stick with what your lord taught you. The Almighty already gave you his message. Don't believe the bullshit from these demagogues.

[@johnclhugyugihjbvgbkj9729]

stgeorge28 It does, I am one.

[@hughminor9369]

Bye bye Trump and his kids. Person, woman, man, camera, tv.

[@ITIsFunnyDamnIT]

I wouldn't be saying bye bye trump yet. There is Nothing more dangerous than a desperate man in power willing to do anything not to lose that power. He's not out of office yet, and it's scary to think of what he might do in order to stay in the white house. He may have the highest levels of the military or CIA do a black ops that lead us into war and declare marshal law and than he can stay in office. I wouldn't put anything past him. Trump is a dangerous man and his followers are just as dangerous and radical and willing to do anything trump ask them to do. If trump were to get on tv right now and ask his supporters to get their guns and start killing anyone who they believe didn't vote for him to kill them, they would already be doing it,

[@hughminor9369]

@@ITIsFunnyDamnIT totally agree!!!!

[@josephinebrevig8748]

@@ITIsFunnyDamnIT totally with you Scary is an understatement.

[@BronzeSista]

Right bye bye "children of the corn" Trump followers

[@groverjuicy]

@@ITIsFunnyDamnIT you were so close it's not funny!

[@darrylpraine6612]

The evangelical support makes perfect sense to me. Trump is a grifter, and so are church leaders. They scratch each other's backs.

[@varyolla435]

He is a political version of = a "televangelist". He whips people up via demagoguery and then monetizes the response.

[@donaldreeves8249]

BIG FACTS! They’re a cult. This could be the best KZbin video on this subject.

[@mind2ill48]

I could have a 2 hour conversation about this and never understand how this phenomenon happened. But this as much is true, Manson served life in prison and Trump served as President.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Sinclair Lewis wrote about it in 1935. Perhaps you should read history of Nazi Germany.

[@shoshonesasquatch1642]

It's such a weird phenomenon that the farther into right wing politics the more symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia they exhibit

[@theobarber9077]

Actually this same KZbin Channel has a video about this called “how America got divorced from reality“ but fair warning it’s depressing as hell and sure to leave you felling hopeless

[@michaelpond813]

Trump committed treason and deserves prison for his being a traitor reprobate and sociopathic ol ho monger.

[@scottgrohs5940]

As soon as you show me one physical shred of evidence that the Bible is true and the Abrahamic god is real, then I will believe. The truest religious scriptures I have ever read are the Tripitaka.

[@littlemissymissy9507]

Well said, that man is a Demon from hell

[@angiekitchen4449]

Hahaha.

[@maraudergun282]

Yea ok. You are the cult member, you literally think Trump is a demon because you don't understand politics or economics, but let me guess that's Trumps fault too? friggin TDS

[@saturn1907]

Robert McCown “You know I don’t really like the current president” “woah watch out there buckaroo that’s a sin”

[@radthadd]

@midniteryder moron

[@ricoc.9203]

He is telling truth.

[@hollybardoe4075]

"Trump is a weak man's idea of a strong man; a stupid man's idea of a smart man; and a poor man's idea of a rich man."

[@Puschit1]

That ... is frighteningly accurate

[@Oysf5277]

Ok, I admit, you could be than me.

[@Oysf5277]

you are smarter than me.

[@rr-brown6445]

... a billionaire with a beautiful, healthy family is not rich, except in the mind of a poor man... okayyy...

[@utubepunk]

@@keagan87 Who said it was deep? It's an accurate quote regardless.

[@nafaidni]

2012 Evangelicals >But muh morality 2016 Trumpangelicals >LEAVE MORALITY OUT OF THIS! POLICIES NOW!

[@zoekrueger2057]

Who’s here after the attempted coup?

[@lordpicklenips3407]

*raises hand 🤚

[@starbright3509]

Da REVoLUTiOnZ!

[@gabrieljordan8015]

Same

[@ayafox1352]

Hm

[@imateapot51]

I was born a Catholic and attended a Catholic school for a few years. I am no longer religious and it is not because I became evil but my understanding of science can not be explained by religion. So many religions in the world and which one is correct if any? A former football player running for Senate stated that if we evolved from Apes why are there still apes? Did this player ever attend a class? So now you may have a Senator pushing for schools to confuse kids like myself years ago? Can any religious person explain why we have Neanderthal DNA? That we go back over a hundred thousand years? And near Homo Sapiens a lot longer? Religion is a cult.

[@varyolla435]

Politicians for the most part pander to their base so as to get elected. So even if they personally know better the fact they employ such sophomoric rationalization speaks volumes. As an aside. Religions were created to allow early man to codify belief in "God" - which was in turn created to rationalize what we could not otherwise understand. They were later exploited as a mechanism to unite groups of people and animate them towards some narrative - which of course those in control create. So religions are behavioral control paradigms in truth based upon ignorance-based assumptions dating to millennia ago. They were created to appeal to the then illiterate population who further lived in endemic poverty. Promising them "something better" down the line is a powerful lure for the needy. So as you noted today with improved education + social safety net programs = the "need" for religions lose much of their former attraction. 🤔

[@Edruezzi]

Some people finally have what they've always wanted: an authoritarian leader they can support with absolutely no mental exertion or exercise of the faculties of reason. We must realize that thinking is simply too much work for some people.

[@donnanhuggler8451]

This man is a religious scholar of the highest order. Absolutely credible and correct

[@powderstone8187]

@V. V Wow. Why are you so fragile and aggressive?

[@nehapatel6332]

@V. V he's amazing, unlike Donald J Turd

[@mdavis6102]

" GOD ALMIGHTY IS ALL and THE ONLY RELIGIOUS SCHOLAR ..."NO MAN HAS OR WILL EVER HAVE THE POWER OF GOD HE CREATED THE HEAVEN AND EARTH...AND EVERYTHING BELONGS TO HIM.

[@dr.OgataSerizawa]

@@mdavis6102 There is no ‘God’. You haven’t figured that out yet??

[@davidcunningham9282]

i generally find that the more religious the person is, the less convictions they have. they are primed to mindlessly follow like sheep so the whole Trump thing doesn't seem all that strange to me.

[@darksoul479]

david cunningham.. you literally read my mind.

[@callicordova4066]

Answer is YES.

[@karenfurr7604]

Thank you, Dr. Aslan, for this clear and precise description of the cult of trump.

[@buddyguy4723]

this is a man who ate human brain, are you sure you want to trust his judgment of this?

[@abdullahalmuhanna8483]

@@buddyguy4723 you got any proof for that? or are you just talking out of your ass?

[@buddyguy4723]

@@abdullahalmuhanna8483 good talk

[@mk1st]

How many gallons of Kool Aid does it take to swing an election?

[@Dear_Mr._Isaiah_Deringer]

Mark Furst not many. You dry it to powder, and compress it into a pill. Then you dare everyone to take the red pill.

[@toddwise8692]

wait you guys are missing the point...the kool-aid was what ended the cult, it's Hitler"s pistol in the bunker or a spy's cyanide pill. I think it would be better for everyone if they did drink it. When you guys figure out how much we need let me know and I;ll start a go fund me page.

[@rosemaryhill8804]

@Trans Am Hello? Trump is THE CULT LEADER - and you are one of his minions (demons) that troll the Truth. Get a life or wait til he hands you the Kool-Aid. Disgusting cultists.

[@rosemaryhill8804]

@@Dear_Mr._Isaiah_Deringer Trump worshipers would lay down their lives for him. That's weird.

[@bristolyates981]

@@rosemaryhill8804 Some people will, not all.

[@leealexander3507]

Cults and their leaders rarely end well. It's scary that a cult leader is president. I hadn't thought about the religious aspect or even considered it.

[@rasharddavis5361]

Yeah obama worshippers weren't a cult at all.

[@tcwarden758]

@@rasharddavis5361 Noticed how no one mentioned Obama. See the irony?

[@rasharddavis5361]

@@tcwarden758 No but i did.

[@Alexander-wq7qo]

@@rasharddavis5361 Trumpism is a death cult

[@Goliath1337]

@@rasharddavis5361 Good luck with the deflection strategy, see how it works out for you

[@Tsudkyk]

“Good men will do good, evil men will do evil things. For a good man to commit evil, that takes religion.”

[@varyolla435]

Absolutely. Religions are sociological dumpster fires. They given their inherent subjectivity act to countenance the worst of human impulses since of course any silly o destructive belief can be rationalized via claiming a supposedly religious tenet. Give the Bible or other religious text to 10 people = and you will get multiple interpretations of what it supposedly says. Human history is replete with examples of horrors committed in the name of some religion.

[@laughingtigress9931]

Teach children critical thinking skills rather than dogma. If their motivation to be good is the fear of hell then if their faith wavers so will their self control. Do these politicians really believe in the teachings of Jesus, or that he hands out 'get out of hell free' cards to those who claim to believe he existed? Children are being conditioned to believe without question. Teaching children to only love those in your group and non-Christians are somehow lesser in the eyes of God, the creator of all. It's directly in opposition to the teachings of their own savior. They spit on their God's creation, dividing the people, destroying the environment being abusive to children, hoarding resources. Hypocrisy of the most harmful kind. You will know them by their fruit, isn't that what the bible says about these pretenders. They are monetarily wealthy but spiritually bankrupt.

[@vonsuthoff]

@1911HeadBanger ... Yet in a massive Pugh poll, unaffiliated millenials had a better grasp of morality and fairness than did evangelicals. Go figure.

[@vonsuthoff]

God said... "Be as wise as the serpent, but as gentle as the dove."

[@vonsuthoff]

@1911HeadBanger ... Your understanding of the average millenial is like your knowledge of polls... based on one (1) poll! And truth is... If you took the time to actually research the polls, most were within just a few points of being correct. Did you forget that Clinton actually won the popular vote by three million votes!? The polls weren't about the electoral college... they were about individual voter response. Now... go broaden your scope on millenials. They are not represented only by their worse case example. Seems to me they can spot a bull shitter like Trump from a mile away! Take it from this old head banger who fought as a Marine while blasting Sabbath... Maiden... Ronnie James Dio in my head while trudging through the shit... A bull shitter will get you killed, that's why it's damn important to be able to spot them... and get as far away as possible! Be cool brotha. We still on the same side. And most of us have a lot more in common than we do that seperates us.

[@susanfleming1209]

@1911HeadBanger Why do you automatically group me into a pious box? I am a Baptist in the belt buckle of the Bible belt. You know nothing of my beliefs. You seem to think people who don't support Donald Trump are heathens. Get a grip.

[@susanfleming1209]

@1911HeadBanger I beg to differ. My son participated in the Model UN for 2 years. I know he knows the Constitution because I helped him learn it an experience I truly enjoyed. I figured if he was learning it it was a good idea for me to learn more about it.

[@dontmesswiththelopez]

I was watching A Handmaid's Tale and the similarities where uncanny, I could totally see Trump supporters behaving this way.

[@bethaniejify]

I’ve been trying to explain this to folks for a while. I do wish that he had mentioned end times prophesy as it applies here to evangelicals. They are rabid for end times prophesy, and they see Trump as part of that prophesy. That’s very real, and I don’t think should be left out of any discussion on the evangelical support of Trump.

[@cindyp9]

Yes. I am a Christian, but not a right-wing conservative Trumper Christian. I believe they believe that God sent Trump to abolish socialism that they believe is going to take over America and they fear a take over of Muslims with Sharia Law. They blame all Democrats for this and absolutely hate them. If you try to help them see how very antichrist they are acting, they go ballistic on you. These are the great falling away as stated in the Bible for the end times. If they continue to follow Trump (who may be the Antichrist) they will probably take the mark of the beast, which dooms them to hell.

[@denisemayosky1955]

@@cindyp9 Amen! You nailed it!

[@cindyp9]

@@denisemayosky1955 Thank you.

[@lizpeszka7640]

@@cindyp9 no true Christian will take any mark, because they know what the Bible says. The pope hates Trump, so I can guarantee you, it's not him. The Antichrist, has to be a man, who has no regard for women, who is an Assyrian, who has a head injury, which results in his R eye being blinded, will be from the NWO, one World government, according to scripture. If it were anyone American, it would be Obama. He is the only Assyrian, who has no regard for women, who is like a chamelion, changes his 'religion' to fit whomever he is with, and hates America w a passion. Otherwise, it is not anyone from this country. The pope and the top Iman, have met and signed an agreement, to form, Chrislam.

[@cindyp9]

@@lizpeszka7640 Yes, I agree. No TRUE Christian will take the mark. I disagree with the rest of what you said. Check out Brother James Keys videos on the subject of antichrist. He is a devout Christian teacher who uses scripture to back his teaching. I always go to the scriptures to check on what others say.

[@estuchedepeluche2212]

Professor Aslan, "White Evangelical" doesn't mean Christian, pious, or compassionate; it means White, anti-GLBTQ, anti-POC progress, and anti-choice for women.

[@TheSithLibraryArchivesGalactic]

I've noticed this a long while back and as the time has gone on up to today, It has unnerved me and continued to make me worry for the future of our country. He acts like a cult leader as well as a dictator. His personality alone would normally make me just roll my eyes and ignore him, but what he says publicly, no matter how blatantly untrue it is, only to have his worshipers applaud and cheer him on more and more. It's really terrifying. They do seem to view him as a Christ figure... But I see the hate and venom he spews every single time he tweets or just openly talks publicly and all I can think is, he's more like an Anti-Christ that played to the deep seeded fear and hate that the religious people of our country felt and held deep inside, bringing it to the surface and emboldening it within them so they are not afraid to express it. I can honestly say, I've never been afraid for the future of the U.S. no matter who was the leader. From Reagan to Bush Sr and Jr. and even the Clinton's and Obama's. But with Trump in office, I fear for the future of our nation. He is insane, egotistical, narcissistic and vile beyond all words.. And also terrifying beyond belief simply due to how much control and power he seems to have over the Republican party and the Religious community.

[@TywinLannister666]

You know you are evil when even the SITH point out that you are fucking up, amirite? :)

[@rasharddavis5361]

Pray to your cult god obama to end covid.

[@tourdedogue4952]

And, this was written an entire year ago. Now look what we're facing. A radical movement that was egged on and encouraged.

[@joyhouse5934]

I believe good people fear the future 💯 Using religion/ race's to stay in power! this is a nitemare for democracy long term. The less person who did this was Hitler? He knew the something?? Religion/ race's is Dangerous mixes put together. The sad truth is politics has become more elite's than 400 years ago 😕. The sad fact is Internet/ dated information has opened the door 🚪.For crazy democracy in the future of the world now . I hope people awake up fasted to this civil war's can break out because this and world wided economic crisis

[@davidempey8980]

i do wonder if trump could be the anti christ. he has the people to back him.

[@Nebukadnezzer]

I believe researchers refer to it as "racial resentment". Or good 'ol racism.

[@bryanwest8614]

It is so refreshing to see and hear a voice of reality thank you

[@noahtenshen]

Over 3 ½ years later--this is/was spot on. And it isn't over yet. Reza spoke my thoughts very well.

[@falcoslyviper]

As someone who was raised southern Baptist, the most evangelical of evangelical sects, it makes perfect sense. Modern evangelical belief is an offshoot from Calvinism. Calvinism posits pre destination, that some people are pre destined to be saved and others aren't. To know if you are one of the chosen few you look at your life and try and determine if God has blessed you or not. The prosperity gospel is the natural outworking of the remenants of Calvinism left in these evangelical denominations. Couple that with the FUD from places like Fox News that makes every white evangelical feel like a black man in rural 1960s Mississippi, and the desperation for a savior becomes clear. They see Trump as an ally, someone to save them from what they think is essentially imminent genocide, and believe that this act of political salvation is so righteous it covers the multitude of his sins.

[@ethanhenderson3942]

Jonathan Byrd I think you provided a well thought out articulation on the reasons for Trumps success and the verifiability of evangelical support of him. Interestingly enough, I came across a sociological study (I don't have a link. I apologize) a few days back that found that white evangelicals believe themselves to be the most persecuted group in America. Having read and carefully meditated on the critical and provocative ethnography of Sabrina E. Vaught, Racism, Public Schooling, and the Entrenchment of White Supremacy, my understanding of the white evangelical experience has shifted; a loss in anything besides near and total authority -- a loss in any power at all -- has become equated with persecution for this group of individuals. The elimination of white priviledge in any shape or form is problematic for these people because of historical and sociological entitlement to power. Considering the history of the church since the third century AD, this comes as little surprise; it seems likely that many believe -- subconsciously, most likely -- Trump to be their modern day Constantine. In believing this, it seems that many who fall within this group will excuse any moral or ethical issue with Trump in favor of the greater good they believe he can bring to them personally. I have attempted to make as few assumptions as possible and generalize (used the word "seems" a lot) as to not paint an entire group a single way.

[@wendycunningham5823]

So inaccurate it's funny, and I'm not even a Calvinist. lol

[@artimissbarker1690]

Today confirmed it. "I am the chosen one."

[@renetorres213]

Word lol when I heard him say that shit all I could think “man I know about 3 million ppl who didn’t choose you so gtf outta here with that bullshit”

[@sharonpreston2826]

That was a subconscious slip. Fighting!!

[@willedwards3918]

A little alarmist but one of the most thought provoking big think talks I have seen in a long time. The reality is that there have been huge contradictions and confusing elements in the hardcore christian community for a long time.

[@havable]

It all started when they began worshiping Mammon back in the 1970s

[@FreedInPieces]

Still feel like it was alarmist?

[@lunaholiday8585]

Not so alarmist now, huh?

[@iconoclastforever7065]

I just finished reading "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present" by professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat. Highly recommended for people who want to understand the present time better. One thing the author makes clear is many cults, including the Trump cult, are, alas, long-lasting, so hang in there people and be patient.

[@sarahrobertson3936]

This video hits the nail right on the head...

[@robertzabel3702]

This has always been the case. When I was a new Christian in the 80s I started going to church and every one told me if I didn’t vote for Ronald Reagan I wasn’t a Christian. So we have in America a form of Christianized fascism

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

American Taliban is what I call it.

[@kimmichaud4064]

Omg I can't believe Pat Robertson said that I always hated him but that's outrageous

[@marleneholloway7775]

We who are born again,will all sit on the right hand of God.All saved people.

[@mdavis6102]

@@marleneholloway7775 Pat Robertson is more invested in the Stock market....than he is in God.

[@joannapebbleworthy9343]

This speech aged extremely well.

[@sargentstony4505]

This is why we separated church and state. Unfortunately we are forced to argue EVEN THIS fundamental fact with some Republicans who are completely convinced and will proudly try to explain how the US is a Christian nation. It’s so damn sad but what do you expect from the ppl who think EVETTHING simply popped into existence, in its current form, about 6,000 years ago.

[@ChanceBerryman]

He’s scared to call it white supremacy

[@morrisseysghost]

Go bow before osho, that idiot criminal runs a cult full of sheep. White supremacy is your excuse for being a blind follower. Break out and realize that Christs followers will give you the most freedom

[@marykelly8408]

Vegan there are MANY black evangelicals...you are a true racist..not of Jesus Christ. Move on demon.

[@ChanceBerryman]

Mary Kelly look and see who the Black evangelicals voted for

[@briobarb8525]

Love the way this guy thinks and teaches...and love his booms. Thank you, Reza. So accurate and true!

[@starmada105]

Short answer: Yes Long answer Yes.

[@laurenl3819]

Thank you for saying exactly what needed to be said for a long time now. My husband and I discuss these very topics you have detailed on a daily basis. I appreciate your courage.

[@jmlkinc]

The best is all the Trump supporters in the comments and likes. "How dare he call us a cult! Let's get him, boys!"

[@mowglihassan3739]

jmlkinc. It's not only trumpvoters who has issue with this, Reza just regurgetated, the basket of deplorable statement Hillary came with. Bernie-supporters understand why Trump got elected, like 30% of them voted for Trump also. He is calling them bozos too. And seeing as Reza is a member of a cult himself, and asked muslims to vote as a group, its kind of faulty reasoning. And the DNC is the groupthink-party, so the logic is very faulty here. plus, he did not go into the politics. Policies have been carried out, jobs have come back, taxcuts have been given, and his approval rating has doubled in a short while, when Hillarys have halved, so he is also giving shit to DNCers who have been pleasently surprised.

[@emmitstewart1921]

This is a very disturbing talk. Even more disturbing when we realize that it is true.

[@scottgates4979]

I'm not sure why this 4 year old video popped up in my feed, but I would REALLY like Reza Aslan to do a follow up.

[@vlavla4467]

My old college professor Jerry Cross wrote a book titled: "Knowing Yourself Inside Out." It explains the psychology of why people join cults and why people stay in cults. The whole book doesn't deal with this but I wonder if the psychological manipulation described in this book can explain why many evangelical voters seemed to, within one election cycle, shift the priorities so drastically regarding what they want in a candidate. Also, Jimmy Carter was an evangelical. Do you think modern evangelicals look back on him fondly? Since evangelicals seem to look back on Reagan fondly (as far as I know) and Reagan replaced Carter then maybe there is something more to what evangelicals want in a candidate than just someone who shares their values.

[@jeff_725]

"In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting their abuses in return for protection to his own." (Thomas Jefferson)

[@peterlesavage2091]

To me, this makes perfect sense. I have been talking about this concern for years. I am, however, surprised that he does not mention the leadership of the evangelical branch known as the Dominionists. The Joel Olsteens, Pat Robertsons, and others that preach the Prosperity Gospel have never hidden the fact that their goal is to usurp the government and replace it with a Christian theocracy. These are the people who are working on the Texas education board to change the history and science curriculum for the nations school systems. Sec. of education Bettsy Duvose is one of them. Vice-President Mike Pence is one of them, he can't wait for Trump to be impeached. There are Senator's and Representatives that are part of this elitist group who are salivating knowing that they are so close to achieving this goal. Religion, like cancer, only destroys. Nothing good ever comes out of it. If these people get their way, and their so close to getting there, we will ALL be in private re-education camps.

[@havable]

He did mention them. He name-checked Osteen and he described a dream of Robertson's in which Pat went to Heaven and met God and found Trump sitting in Jesus' chair (to the right side of God). Robertson interpreted this to mean that Trump is the personification of Jesus H. Christ.

[@schwarzwolfram7925]

I wouldn't say that nothing good has ever come out of religion (and this is coming from an atheist), but I can agree from several years of observation and the use of The Way Back Machine, that far more individuals/groups have used it as a means to an end (their end goal, specifically) at the expense of others than those who have used it for connections, community, peace, and legitimate support.

[@kaysumpter2447]

@@schwarzwolfram7925 You are so correct, and it saddens me greatly. I have been a Christ believer for 56 years, and even kept faith after doing a research paper on Jesus for a Philosophy of Religion class. However, the Trump Christian religious cult has made me so angry at God for letting this evil narcissist use all these stupid, lazy fake Christians to try and make America his own Fascist Dictatorship. How flipping dumb and evil can people be to worship and believe this cruel misogynist sociopath is Jesus Christ and is God's Anointed one! I am reevaluating my beliefs about everything written in The Bible now. I believe these white supremacist nationalists went off the rails when a mulatto man became President, and they feared losing all their control over all other ethnic groups. Trump might not read much, but Roy Cohn taught him how to read people so he could control them. Once you know what and who people love and fear losing, you can control them completely. I thought when NPR announced that our Capitol building was being attacked on January 6th, 2021 that it couldn't get any worse after Trump had let 750,000 citizens die from Covid-19, but it can and it will if crazy Trump cult members have their way. It is time to fight for our American democratic republic NOW!

[@TheJo201]

Reza is very Right in this.

[@TheJo201]

Their irrationality solidifies them as a Deviant cult.

[@Jeremyramone]

I disagree with Reza on a lot of things but he makes many good point s here

[@michaelpondo6324]

Trump is mot a christian or godly man. These evangelicals have shown their true colors.

[@PhilRounds]

The third explanation nailed it. They've traded morality for power.

[@Puschit1]

Isn't that even more obvious? Hasn't that always been what drives republicans?