A Watershed Moment for Evangelicals?

AI Image that President Trump posted on social media

Looking at the Trump AI Image

Recently, President Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself in a Christ-like role, healing a sick individual, with different people around him and a lot of strange imagery in the photo. There were eagles—which are not the issue—but also fighter jets, glowing figures in the sky, and an overall tone that was just bizarre. Some of the figures looked almost demonic. It was a weird image in a lot of different ways. But the bigger issue was not just that it was weird. The bigger issue was the blasphemy of presenting yourself as Jesus. That is, by definition, the action of an antichrist—presenting yourself as a pseudo-Christ. The photo itself was creepy, which is probably the right word for it.

And so the question becomes: Is this the watershed moment? Is this the turning point where evangelical Christians will no longer support the president?

That has been part of the conversation, even among people on social media, including pastors or friends who may have supported President Trump in the past. Some have come out and said clearly that the image was blasphemous. My response is similar. At the same time, I have also wondered whether any of us were really that surprised. I think we have reached a point where nothing is shocking anymore. Even a photo like this, while still shocking, is not as shocking as it should be because the political climate has become so strange and so toxic.

A Pseudo-Messianic Political Power

As we think about what this image represents, one question is whether this is actually what the evangelical church in America needed—a truly jarring moment that breaks us free from our bondage to political expectations, to the hope that political power is somehow going to save us or do for us what only Christ can do.

I do want to be careful here. I am not saying that President Trump is the Antichrist. But I do think his actions represent the presentation of himself as a pseudo-messianic political power. Presenting yourself as Jesus Christ is essentially presenting yourself as a kind of godlike figure. That is counterfeit religion. It is deception. President Trump is a mere man—sinful, broken, flawed, and limited. He cannot bring healing to anyone, and his power has limits. So who does he think he is? Does he believe he is beyond accountability? Does he think all of his actions are justified? Does he believe that comments he has made in recent weeks—even comments that seem to flirt with the justification of war crimes—are somehow justified because he sees himself as an agent of God? That is a deeply troubling place for a president to be. A leader who thinks he can do whatever he wants because he is basically a god figure is dangerous and deeply concerning.

Our Hope Only Comes in Christ

As Christians, I think this is a moment to be reminded that our hope only comes in Christ. He is our hope. He is our peace.

I was reminded of this by an Iranian Christian who wrote about her family in Iran—Christians locking their doors and hiding from the chaos outside. That image brings to mind the disciples after Jesus had been arrested, beaten, and crucified. They too were behind locked doors, hiding in fear. And then Jesus, after His resurrection, came to them while the doors were locked and said, “Peace be with you.” He did not come in that moment to topple the Roman Empire. He did not come merely to establish political control. He came bringing peace and salvation through His blood, through His death, and through His resurrection. He conquered the bondage of sin and death. That is where peace comes from. That is where hope comes from.

And I think that is the great reminder for us. Regardless of who is in power, regardless of who is in the White House, regardless of whether Congress is controlled by Republicans or Democrats, our hope is in Christ.

What the Church Actually Preaches

Every pastor stands in the pulpit on Sunday and does not preach, “Trust in your president.” We do not preach, “Trust in the healing power of the government.” We do not preach, “Trust in what the state can provide for you.” We preach that salvation comes through Christ Jesus alone. That is the good news we proclaim every week.

And because of that, we do not rage when elections do not go our way. We do not collapse when political outcomes disappoint us. We may grieve. We may feel sadness. But through it all, we trust in Christ, knowing that the Lord of history will accomplish His will. He will judge Satan, demonic powers, and every force that stands against Him. Those who belong to Christ will share in His kingdom. That is the gospel we cling to.

Learning from the Persecuted Church

We learn this lesson in part from our brothers and sisters in Christ who live under pressure and persecution every day—in Iran and throughout the Middle East. They do not put their ultimate hope in government reform or foreign intervention. They pray for justice. They pray for freedom of religion and freedom of assembly. But they know their hope is in Christ. Even if they die, even if the government remains what it is, they still have eternal hope in Him.

That is the lesson for us as well. We have to stop trusting political power to save us or provide what only the Lord can provide.

Hope in Christ Is Not Political Passivity

Now, some will hear that and think it means Christians should be passive in politics. I do not believe that at all. You can be politically active, engaged, and responsible while still placing your ultimate hope in Christ. In fact, that is exactly what we should do.

Because when elections do not go the way we hoped, we remember that God is still on His throne. He is sovereign. He will accomplish His good purposes. He is working even now for the good of His people. That is where we must always end.

President Trump Needs to Repent

As I think about President Trump personally, I want to be careful. I do not know him personally. I have prayed for him and hoped for the best. But I have also been disappointed by many of the things he has done and said. I think many other Christians feel the same way. Some have been encouraged by things like the appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices and the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Those are significant things. But there are many other actions and statements that have been deeply disappointing.

In this moment, what I would say is simple: President Trump needs to repent.

It is good that the image was taken down. But I think he also needs to say publicly that it was wrong. He needs to acknowledge that it was blasphemous. And I would especially encourage the Christian leaders around him to tell him so.

Nebuchadnezzar, David, and the Stewardship of Power

There are biblical examples that fit this moment. One is Nebuchadnezzar, who glorified himself and was judged by the Lord. The most powerful man in the world was humbled by God. God has not stopped humbling proud rulers.

Another example is King David. David committed terrible sins with Bathsheba and Uriah, and in that story we see what happens when a leader begins to believe he is untouchable and can do whatever he wants. That is a dangerous place for any ruler to be. Political power is delegated by God. It is stewardship, not self-possession. And when that stewardship is abused, faithful men must speak. Nathan confronted David. He told the truth to the king. David recognized his sin and repented, and Psalm 51 stands as a testimony to that repentance.

So I would say to Christian leaders around President Trump—men who know the gospel and know Scripture—that they should speak plainly: what you did was wrong. It was blasphemous. It was sinful to compare yourself to Jesus. You took attention that belongs to Christ and redirected it toward yourself.

Where Have We Put Our Trust?

I do not know President Trump’s heart. I do not know his soul. But judging by his fruit, I do not believe he is a Christian. Still, he has surrounded himself with Christians, and I would hope he would listen to them—if they are willing to speak biblically and courageously.

So yes, I believe that photo is an embarrassment—not only to President Trump, but also to Christians who have publicly and openly supported him. I think this should be a moment of reflection for all of us. Where have we placed our trust? In political power? Or in Christ?

Christ is our Savior. Christ is our Lord. And Christ alone is our peace.

The Ongoing Work of Partners and Citizens

That is the challenge here. It is a challenge to you, and it is a challenge to me.

And as Partners and Citizens continues forward, that is still the burden of this work: to encourage ordinary believers in the church to think faithfully as citizens of heaven, to consider what the church should be doing in the world, and to remember that Christ came into the world to save sinners from every race, every nation, and every people. We want to continue encouraging the church to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth.