American Evangelical Christians

So it's not dyslexia, his reading age matches his vocabulary age and, presumably, his mental age.

A detailed analysis of Trump's speech patterns (when not reading a speech written by a speechwriter) has found that he has the vocabulary of an eight year old.

www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-language-level-speaking-skills-age-eight-year-old-vocabulary-analysis-a8149926.html

It is not the fact that his reading skills might be limited that worries me in that article; but the fact that no-one around him felt able to spill the beans that this was impinging on his ability to do his job.

All that I have seen and read of Trump suggests that not only his reading skills but also his ability to interpret and act on what he hears verbally and what he experiences in real life are limited. I am not qualified to interpret the causes of that, but the consequences as the President of a world power are alarming.

I think it has been suggested that his reading skills are limited www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/01/americas-first-post-text-president/549794/

The cause may be that he is dyslexic, but this link and several others certainly suggest that his reading age is probably in single figures.

Reckon he might have read Mein Kampf

I have often wondered whether Trump actually CAN read.

I'd be amazed if Trump had ever read the Bible. The only book he is said to have read is "The Art of The Deal", where he was credited as the author.

It was actually written by Tony Schwartz who has called writing the book his "greatest regret in life, without question," and both he and the book's publisher, Howard Kaminsky, said that Trump had played no role in the actual writing of the book.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trump:_The_Art_of_the_Deal

He did brandish a bible in front of a church once, but that as so widely ridiculed, he did not repeat the mistake.

Didn't he hold it upside down?
Which could mean that he's never actually read it.

Maybe rather than "political Christian" one could speak of a "social Christian" - someone who enjoys the social aspect of church-going and espouses the community action and caring aspect, rather than buying into the creed, virgin birth, resurrection etc.

Yes, that's a good term
It could also include those with a social conscience who go to church and then join church groups to help others but do not have a fervent belief.

People do seem to be more evangelical about converting those who already have their own religions than they are about converting those with no faith at all. Perhaps they get more satisfaction in beating the competition?

biba70 - not enough religion in Ireland!

Christianity is not the national religion of the USA. Their constitution forbids having a state religion and religious observance in schools is also prohibited.

In this country Christian worship in schools is still, by law. compulsory. The Queen is the head of state and the head of the Church of England. There is a state religion in England. although not in the other nations of the UK.

In spite of that , or perhaps because of it, church attendance her is far lower and far fewer people identify as Christians.
E.So

Religion is trouble, faith is not. It’s the human bit that causes the trouble and the various interpretations.

nanna8

The church I used to belong to sends missionaries to Scotland! Never could work that one out.

One of my eldest daughters school friend and her husband (CofE) have worked all their lives as missionaries in ...

Ireland! No I don't get it.

Yes, I am a Humanist too Urmstongran - between my OH and myself we have about 5 Christian denomination + Islam- it taught us that religion is nothing but trouble, for sure.

Maybe rather than "political Christian" one could speak of a "social Christian" - someone who enjoys the social aspect of church-going and espouses the community action and caring aspect, rather than buying into the creed, virgin birth, resurrection etc.

My experience is that there are lots of people who fall into that definition, and interpret the troublesome bits in their own way.

Indeed - but he would not have been voted in if he had not claimed to be a Christian - it is a big thing in the US.

Did Trump ever purport ot be a Christian? He certainly espoused conservative policies that evangelical Christians supported, but that was to get their votes, but that does not mean he espoused their religion. He did brandish a bible in front of a church once, but that as so widely ridiculed, he did not repeat the mistake.

As far as I know the only god Trump recognises is himself.

You can go to church for years and not be a real Christian and a true believer. It took me decades to become a believer in our Lord and I am grateful that it finally happened. It certainly changes you for ever. I was in my 50s when I first believed. My husband is not a believer but he is supportive and never says anything against my faith. I am not good at talking about it ( except on here ) which is to my sorrow.

That was in response to Gagajo's post but it took me ages to type and I was trying to get my thoughts in some kind of order.

I'm not sure that going to church for social reasons means someone is politically Christian.

Those such as the American Evangelists are, but people, especially some older people in this country particularly, may just go for social reasons, for interaction with others, to combat loneliness and indeed because they do want to help others in practical ways eg running food banks.

Owever, I do think most of those who do attend regularly have a deep faith. I know several people who do, C of E, RC, Methodist etc but would have no clue as to their politics which, imo, is entirely different and varies from person to person.

Of course, Jesus himself was very political!

Varian, here is your answer from the article you cited
"I know why many evangelicals have followed Trump: because he has implemented pro-life policies during his presidency. He also endorsed support for Israel, religious liberty and conservative judges. "

I suggest US punitive ideology has its is roots in
how people of the late- developing West were aggrieved at the power being wielded by the more urban and more civilised east coast states.

I imagine the GOP chose Trump in an attempt at populism to increase the power of the GOP. Among his supporters he is popularly viewed as rough and ready but supportive of 'liberty'.

Lets be honest, a lot of people who say they have a Christian faith don't really. They don't have a relationship with god. Church isn't a place of worship for them, it is social / cultural event. They are politically Christian, which isn't the same as having a faith.

I know a few real Christians (I do not have a faith, but I respect others who do). They believe they interact with god and they do it on a regular basis. They try to be good people. They care for and do things for others outside of their family. I also know a couple of Muslims and a Jewish person. They do the same as the real Christians.

There really should be another word for those that have a political faith and not a private one.

The fact that Trump purports to be a Cristian is enough to tell anyone the state of religion in the US. I watched a film sequence of him sitting in the oval office with a gang of evangelical preachers "laying hands" on him - I wouldn't mind laying hands on him!!

The church I used to belong to sends missionaries to Scotland! Never could work that one out.