Shall We Cast the First Stone?

President Trump praying before a cabinet meeting on October 17, 2018.

Faith is complex. It is more than just what church you go to, the people you associate with, or the words you use. Faith is about what your heart believes to be true and the actions that spur out of that internal decision to believe. Due to the beautiful mystery and complexity of our personal choices and convictions, it is difficult to determine what someone else’s faith may be with complete certainty. Despite this, many question the faith and personal commitments of our President, Donald J. Trump. By examining the spiritual biography, The Faith of Donald J. Trump, written by David Brody and Scott Lamb, as well as recent developments in the life of the President, we aim to discuss our President’s faith. 

President Trump’s faith journey began at the age of eight in 1955 when his mother, Mary Anne, gave him his first Bible after graduating from Sunday School. In 1959, he was confirmed by the First Presbyterian Church in Queens, New York. His faith was largely impacted by his parents; of which his mother was an immigrant and his father was raised in the home of first-generation immigrants. Fred Trump, the President’s father, grew up with the “Protestant work ethic” which embodies the commitment and steadfastness exemplified in the lives of the Trump family. This work ethic, derived from the family religion, is evident in the President’s life. 

As an adult, President Trump became affiliated with the Marble Collegiate Church in New York. Despite the Christian upbringing, the autobiography, nor Trump himself, hides the fact that President Trump is not perfect. While many criticize his faith because he may not look or act like the traditional Christian, it is imperative to note that everyone’s faith is different because we are each uniquely designed, and with that uniqueness comes differences. 1 Corinthians 2:11 states, “For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (NIV). In fact, many give the analogy that President Trump is like the modern-day Paul. While he did not have a perfect past, Trump has openly apologized for many of his misdealings in his formative years and has done so much to better American government and further the Kingdom of God. 

Within the scope of his Presidency, President Trump has done a great deal to fulfill the Great Commission and defend God in government. In 2018, he signed an Executive Order, “Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative,” which protects religious liberty. Concerning the order, President Trump stated, “America is a nation of believers, and together we are strengthened by the power of prayer.” In 2017, President Trump also formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. President Trump also instructed the State Department to direct more aid to persecuted Christians in Iraq. These are just a few of the monumental strides the President has made for our faith. 

Faith is complex; and because of this, it is hard to evaluate and make determinations on the faith of others. However, Matthew 7:16 suggests that “[y]ou will know them by what they do” (GNT), and President Trump has done much for the Christian faith. We stand by him and appreciate every effort made to protect our religious liberties and gospel. 

To learn more about this topic, we recommend reading David Brody and Scott Lamb’s “The Faith of Donald J. Trump.”