On a recent episode of my show, The Standard of Truth Podcast on YouTube, I decided to address the recent emergence of an affinity group called "Evangelicals for Harris." This group, which claims to support Kamala Harris for President, has sparked significant controversy within evangelical circles. The group asserts that they support Kamala Harris because they believe she embodies Christian values more than Donald Trump. The controversy reached a boiling point when this group used the likeness of the late Reverend Billy Graham in a political ad, prompting a strong response from his son, Franklin Graham on X.
In today’s politically charged climate, identity politics has become the flavor of the day for the left. And now, the lefticles are infiltrating themselves into faith-based conversations which, in my opinion is such an oxymoron. "Evangelicals for Harris" is an affinity group that has rallied together to show their support for Kamala Harris, aligning themselves with various other identity-based groups such as "Black Women for Harris," "White Men for Harris," and we have even seen a "Black Church PAC" for Harris. The list goes on, with every demographic seemingly accounted for in an attempt to pander to as many voters as possible.
This tactic is nothing new. The Harris campaign, much like many others before it, has mastered the art of identity politics, crafting a narrative that seeks to divide by appealing to specific groups rather than addressing the nation as a whole. The emergence of "Evangelicals for Harris" is just another example of this strategy in action.
The use of Billy Graham’s image in the "Evangelicals for Harris" advertisement is a clear attempt to lend credibility to a campaign that, by all accounts, contradicts the core values of evangelical Christianity. Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham, was quick to respond, stating that his father appreciated the conservative values and policies of President Donald Trump and would not have supported the Harris campaign if he were alive today.
Franklin Graham’s response is not merely a defense of his father’s legacy but a broader critique of the attempt by some to co-opt the Christian faith for political gain. The Democratic National Committee (DNC), known for its secular and anti-religious stances, has long been at odds with the values upheld by evangelical Christians. "At best, the notion that Kamala Harris, who belongs to a party that has consistently advocated for policies that go against biblical teachings, could be considered a candidate who embodies Christian values is misleading." At worst, it is a deliberate attempt to deceive.
People Who Vote For Trump Are Accused of "Worshiping" him:The Real Issue at Hand
One of the most disingenuous claims made by "Evangelicals for Harris" is that Franklin Graham’s support for Donald Trump amounts to "Trump worship." This accusation is not only inflammatory but also a deliberate attempt to conflate support for specific policies with the worship of a political figure. As Christians, we must be vigilant against such false narratives and be willing to vigorously contend against such foolishness by winsomely tearing down such an argument for compelling the opposition to think in proper categories without conflating personality with support of policies. Supporting a candidate because their policies align more closely with our Christian worldview is not equivalent to worshiping that candidate.
It is important to separate the person from the policies. No one is arguing that Donald Trump is a model Christian. In fact, many evangelicals, including myself, have been clear about Trump’s flaws and the lack of evidence of regeneration in his life. However, the reality is that the choice between candidates in this election is not a matter of personal piety but one of policy. The current policies of the current Democratic platform stand in stark contrast to the biblical principles that guide the Christian faith.
The False Christ of "Evangelicals for Harris"
The "Evangelicals for Harris" movement's claim to worship Jesus while supporting policies that are opposed to the teachings of Scripture is perhaps the most troubling aspect. The Bible warns us about false Christs and false prophets who will arise and lead people astray (Mark 13:22). The Jesus that "Evangelicals for Harris" claim to follow is not the Jesus of the Bible but a counterfeit, crafted to fit their political agenda. "They view Jesus as full of love, but their perception of love is subjective and influenced by their own sinful hearts." It is not rooted in God's love, which flows from his character and nature. The Jesus of the Evangelicals for Harris claim to be full of compassion, but they lack biblical compassion, which lovingly calls sinners to repentance, compelling them to turn from their sin, not lean in, fully embrace, and identify with their sin.
True followers of Christ preach the gospel of repentance and faith in Christ alone, not the gospel of tolerance and acceptance of sin. The message of the cross is not one that conforms to the culture but one that calls the culture to conform to the truth of God’s Word.
True Evangelicals: Stand Firm in the Faith
As believers, we must be discerning in these times. "We must not let ourselves be influenced by movements that attempt to redefine the true meaning of following Christ." The "Evangelicals for Harris" group may claim to support Christian values, but their actions and endorsements speak otherwise. We must stand firm in the faith, uphold the truth of Scripture, and reject any attempt to co-opt the gospel for political gain.
Our allegiance is to Christ alone, and our responsibility is to make decisions that align with His Word, not with the shifting sands of political expediency. As we navigate these turbulent times, let us do so with wisdom, clarity, and a steadfast commitment to the truth as our sure foundation.
