Christianity Today blames the decline of church attendance among liberals on Trump. An article titled Trump-Era Controversies Had a Measurable Effect on Church Attendance at Christianity Today presents church attendance data from researcher, Ryan Burge, and posits a direct correlation between the Trump presidency and a marked decrease in church attendance among Democrats, particularly moderates and left-leaning evangelicals.
This theory, presented rather speculatively, suggests that Trump’s election and subsequent actions created a “ripple effect” in American society, alienating self-described Democrats from their congregations and further imples that the political climate under Trump was so polarizing that it led to a doubling of these liberals, particularly in their 20s to 50s, turning away from church.
However, such an assertion overlooks key biblical principles. Scripture teaches the importance of gathering with fellow believers as a hallmark of being born again and receiving new life in Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25). The alignment of one’s values and beliefs according to God’s Word is central to Christian living, and regular church attendance is an outward manifestation of this inner change.
The Bible teaches that love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to His commands (John 14:15). When people align themselves with policies and ideologies that contradict biblical teachings—such as those associated with the Democratic platform on issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights—at minimum, it raises questions about commitment to align their lives with God’s will according to the Scriptures. True regeneration by the Holy Spirit results in a desire to be part of a body of believers who uphold biblical truths.
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Therefore, suggesting that it is Trump’s presidency that’s at the heart of the decline in church attendance among certain groups is rather absurd. Church attendance is a matter of the heart itself—whether it has been transformed by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. Those who have experienced such a transformation will naturally gravitate towards communities that uphold and celebrate biblical values, irrespective of the political climate.
