Reflecting on Divine Favoritism: Trump’s Survival

Writing blogs, especially those addressing political and theological themes, isn’t about seeking discord or strife, contrary to some perceptions. For me, it’s a platform to foster meaningful conversations and to challenge fellow believers—and myself—to reassess our beliefs and motivations, particularly in how we perceive and portray God’s character. Are we authentically representing His inclusive love and justice or inadvertently distorting His image to align with our biases and agendas? Let’s engage in these conversations, challenge each other, and grow together in our understanding of God’s true nature.

As a person of faith, particularly within the Christian tradition, I feel compelled to address the attribution of former President Donald Trump’s survival of an assassination attempt to divine intervention. Regardless of my political leanings, whether Democrat or Republican, I am profoundly thankful that Donald Trump is alive and safe. Having grown up in the church, I was instilled with the belief in God’s unconditional and inclusive love. Does God’s intervention for Trump imply favoritism over the person tragically killed by mistake?

Conversely, the same applies to sports teams. People often pray to God before a game, but most reasonable individuals don’t believe God will favor one team over another. Fans on both sides pray fervently for victory, yet only one team wins. This suggests the inherent impartiality of divine intervention, which should reassure us of God’s fair and just nature. In this context, divine intervention refers to the belief that God directly influences events in the world. The same principle extends to politics and politicians, highlighting the belief that divine intervention is impartial and does not play favorites, emphasizing that attributing success or failure to God’s favor can be misguided.

Moreover, considering the circumstances of the assassination attempt, where the shooter was two hundred yards away—equivalent to two football fields—it’s clear that hitting a target accurately with an AR-15 from such a distance is extremely difficult. Trump’s survival could likely be attributed to the shooter’s lack of accuracy rather than divine intervention. Factors such as Trump’s movement while speaking could have been crucial to his safety. In our theology, we believe God’s love uplifts the humble and marginalized, meaning that God’s love is not selective but extends to all, especially those in need. This theological concept emphasizes that God’s love is not limited to the powerful or privileged but is mainly directed toward those who are often overlooked or oppressed. If we believe in divine intervention, it should inspire healing and hope, not create tragedy and loss. Attributing Trump’s survival solely to God while ignoring the lives lost misrepresents God’s true character.

Our theology should not portray a God who shares our biases or excludes those we exclude. Instead, it should inspire us to embrace a God whose love and justice exceed our own, compelling us to foster compassion and inclusivity. We understand that believing in a God who intervenes in times of fear and uncertainty is comforting. But let’s not let this comfort close our eyes to the broader implications of such beliefs. These implications include the potential for division and conflict, as different groups may interpret divine intervention differently. For instance, one group may see a particular event as a sign of God’s favor, while another may view it as a tragedy. These differing interpretations can lead to a need for more unity and understanding. As Christians, we are called to reflect God’s true character of love and justice. Our faith teaches us that God’s love is for everyone, and His justice is righteous. Claiming divine intervention in situations like this risks distorting God’s essence. Instead, we should be motivated to embody His compassion and mercy, showing that divine intervention brings healing and hope to all affected.

In times of tragedy, let us be the hands and feet of Christ, offering solace, support, and love to all affected, truly reflecting God’s heart. Let’s approach these matters with compassion and justice, understanding that God’s love extends to everyone. Upholding integrity, compassion, and justice is essential for all of us, setting a positive example for future generations. These values are crucial in our actions and beliefs, showing that authentic leadership and faithfulness to God involve embracing all humanity with love and mercy. Let us not just reflect on these issues but actively work to promote a genuinely inclusive and compassionate theology. This is not just a call to action but an inspiration to be the hands and feet of Christ in a world that desperately needs His love and justice. Let’s be inspired to promote a theology that truly embodies God’s love and justice and is inclusive and compassionate to all.