Authoritarianism is a Theological Issue

Because of human nature, checks and balances are a theological mandate for people of faith

The question on the minds of millions of Americans in the first seven weeks of the Trump administration was “What is he thinking?” The answer has become quite clear. The new president is following the authoritarian playbook that we have seen throughout history. Trump wants to maximize executive power by trying to eliminate power and influence from anywhere else in the government. He wants no checks and balances.

The necessity of democratic checks and balances, because of human nature, are a theological mandate for people of faith, not just a political preference. Human beings, especially when they gain too much authority, cannot be trusted with absolute power. Good leaders are those who are willing to share power and authority, live within the rule of law, and respect systems of accountability–whether they like them or not. Bad leaders want only wealth and power for themselves. They don’t believe in public service, they don’t really want to serve “the people,” they only want to serve themselves.

Just looking at Donald Trump demonstrates the danger of authoritarian leadership. He is the weakest of human beings, not a strong man. Trump’s whole life is a big lie, his mission is to destroy the truth, which Jesus says takes away freedom. His personality has always been predatory toward women, many of his contractors and employees, and all of his opponents. And now as president he is threatening Greenland, Panama, and even Canada. Morality is utterly unknown to Donald Trump.

Pushback to Trump is not partisan, it is moral and theological.

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Many of us know people who have been affected by Trump and Musk’s chainsaw firings. Today I learned that a dear friend and longtime baseball mom lost her federal job after 21 years. Government is being deliberately dismantled by Elon Musk for Donald Trump, not for needed reform but for ideology with cruelty and self-interest thrown in. So far, the courts are holding firm in positive responses to lawsuits against illegal and unconstitutional firings.

For many people of faith the massive cuts to the poor are a religious issue. The devastation of USAID, literally meaning life and death for millions in Africa and around the world for people Trump cares nothing about, is now there for all to see and want to care for those in great danger now.

In a private meeting inside the State Department, evangelical Christian leaders were told not to speak of “consequences” of the USAID cuts and were instructed that humanitarian aid should now be done by churches– despite the administration's massive cuts in funding and support to Christian relief and development organizations.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the Republican budget would necessitate cutting hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid and SNAP-health care and food for the poor. All to free up more tax cuts for the rich. A direct violation of the teachings of Jesus in the 25th chapter of Mathew in which Jesus says “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

What Democrats do in relation to a government shutdown is something we all are watching. In what Senator Chris Coons called “a dirty CR” the Continuing Resolution passed by the Republicans in the House of Representatives to prevent a Friday government shutdown included the ending of any legislative restraints or restrictions on Donald Trump to decide any further spending cuts or redirections he wants to make– without approval from Congress.

Senator Patty Murray, the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, named the continuing resolution as a “slush fund” that gives Trump and Musk even more power over critical spending decisions. She said, “Instead of turning the keys over to the Trump administration with this bill, Congress should immediately pass a short-term CR to prevent a shutdown and finish work on bipartisan funding bills that invest in families, keep America safe, and ensure our constituents have a say in how federal funding is spent.”

The truth is that Trump and Musk have already shut down the government, which they are making not work anymore, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable people in our nation and world.

Rejecting this CR is the only leverage Democrats have left right now. There will be political prices to pay in the blame game of the parties if the government does indeed shut down–unless last minute negotiations for a “clean” shutdown or a postponement could be made.

I joined with other members of the Circle of Protection in signing a letter sent to the Hill calling on members of Congress to reject the continuing resolution.

And you will see faith communities increasingly push back, during the Lenten season and beyond. Look for how the liturgical season and the legislative season will intersect in the days ahead.

People of faith have been in such situations before. Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you, Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” And in a moment like this when powerful ones threaten us all it is good to return to Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you alone.

And In Matthew 8: 23-27, Jesus was in a boat with his disciples when “there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was swamped with waves, but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said unto them, ‘Why are you afraid, Oh you of little faith,’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm. And the men marvelled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

In America, we are now in that kind of dangerous storm where everything seems to be falling apart and at risk. So we need to not be afraid, but trust the one who is with us in the boat and hope that ultimately the storm will be calmed, but we don’t know when or how or what costs will be involved. But together we will lock arms in courage, push back, and trust the One we call Lord. Blessings to all of us as we do that.

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