Do any of you follow MAGA theology?

[Michie]

I admit, I’m not up on it but I’m curious if any of you are aware of it and what it means. It sounds completely ridiculous to me. Nobody I know worships Trump or have replaced Jesus’ teachings with some sort of man made religion that idolizes and worships Trump.

I can find items discussing MAGA theology but nothing about who coined it and any real examples of people that supposedly follow this new cult. So I’m curious if any of you have seen outright examples of this so-called theology. Thanks!

 

[Josheb]

Do any of you follow MAGA theology?

MAGA theology is a red herring.

However, for the sake of engaging the inquiry I'll address the op in a sort of angel's advocate to flesh out the point (no puns intended ). Don't take any of what follows personally.

What, specifically, is "MAGA theology"?

I admit, I’m not up on it...

Then how can you ask if anyone follows it? What if the answer is, "There's no such thing as 'MAGA theology'"? or your definition is different from the actual theology, or the result of the inquiry is zero?

but I’m curious if any of you are aware of it and what it means. It sounds completely ridiculous to me.

Me, too. I also think asking the question in a Christian forum filled with Christians is nearly as ridiculous. Who is going to publicly confess their idolatry?

Nobody I know worships Trump or have replaced Jesus’ teachings with some sort of man made religion that idolizes and worships Trump.

Then how do you know a thing called "MAGA theology exists?

I can find items discussing MAGA theology but nothing about who coined it and any real examples of people that supposedly follow this new cult. So I’m curious if any of you have seen outright examples of this so-called theology. Thanks!

Any of those "items" ever define the term? Perhaps every single one of those "items" is asserting a red herring.


I did a search myself after reading this op. I found a lot of critics, but no one defines their terms. No one. EVERYTHING I found was in large degree or larger degree sophist rhetoric. Sadly, we live in a time when critical thinking skills have not been taught and, as a consequence, rhetoric is commonplace and sophistry effective with too many. Not intending any appeal to purity, no Christian in their right mind follows or otherwise supports as anyone other than a sinner like the rest of us. Such a thing would contradict too much obvious scripture. To the degree that there exist people who ideologically support Trump the same way JFK, Reagan, Bush 2, or Obama that makes the political ideologues guilt of all that accompanies ideology, and that should not be conflated with "MAGA theology," especially a theology that is never defined (and, therefore, doesn't exist).

 

[Michie]

MAGA theology is a red herring.

However, for the sake of engaging the inquiry I'll address the op in a sort of angel's advocate to flesh out the point (no puns intended ). Don't take any of what follows personally.

What, specifically, is "MAGA theology"?

Then how can you ask if anyone follows it? What if the answer is, "There's no such thing as 'MAGA theology'"? or your definition is different from the actual theology, or the result of the inquiry is zero?

Me, too. I also think asking the question in a Christian forum filled with Christians is nearly as ridiculous. Who is going to publicly confess their idolatry?

Then how do you know a thing called "MAGA theology exists?

Any of those "items" ever define the term? Perhaps every single one of those "items" is asserting a red herring.


I did a search myself after reading this op. I found a lot of critics, but no one defines their terms. No one. EVERYTHING I found was in large degree or larger degree sophist rhetoric. Sadly, we live in a time when critical thinking skills have not been taught and, as a consequence, rhetoric is commonplace and sophistry effective with too many. Not intending any appeal to purity, no Christian in their right mind follows or otherwise supports as anyone other than a sinner like the rest of us. Such a thing would contradict too much obvious scripture. To the degree that there exist people who ideologically support Trump the same way JFK, Reagan, Bush 2, or Obama that makes the political ideologues guilt of all that accompanies ideology, and that should not be conflated with "MAGA theology," especially a theology that is never defined (and, therefore, doesn't exist).

Like you, I read an article on it. Which made me question. I say there is no such thing. That’s why I asked. It sounds like something a college professor dreamed up and uses for ammo on those he disagrees with. I mean, if it’s so prevalent then why have I not heard or seen anyone following it? I’d certainly like to know where it originated.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

MAGA theology is a red herring.

However, for the sake of engaging the inquiry I'll address the op in a sort of angel's advocate to flesh out the point (no puns intended ). Don't take any of what follows personally.

What, specifically, is "MAGA theology"?

Then how can you ask if anyone follows it? What if the answer is, "There's no such thing as 'MAGA theology'"? or your definition is different from the actual theology, or the result of the inquiry is zero?

Me, too. I also think asking the question in a Christian forum filled with Christians is nearly as ridiculous. Who is going to publicly confess their idolatry?

Then how do you know a thing called "MAGA theology exists?

Any of those "items" ever define the term? Perhaps every single one of those "items" is asserting a red herring.


I did a search myself after reading this op. I found a lot of critics, but no one defines their terms. No one. EVERYTHING I found was in large degree or larger degree sophist rhetoric. Sadly, we live in a time when critical thinking skills have not been taught and, as a consequence, rhetoric is commonplace and sophistry effective with too many. Not intending any appeal to purity, no Christian in their right mind follows or otherwise supports as anyone other than a sinner like the rest of us. Such a thing would contradict too much obvious scripture. To the degree that there exist people who ideologically support Trump the same way JFK, Reagan, Bush 2, or Obama that makes the political ideologues guilt of all that accompanies ideology, and that should not be conflated with "MAGA theology," especially a theology that is never defined (and, therefore, doesn't exist).

I think e can safely say that a strong majority of MAGA claim to be Christian. Can we not?
And many of them see trump as God's choice for America. No?
Though I am not sure what percentage go the Christian Nationalist route.
If there is a MAGA theology I think it would look like Christian Nationalism.

 

[Aldebaran]

AFAIK, MAGA is simply about doing what needs to be done to get this country back on track rather than further into debt which will eventually collapse us. It also means restoring freedoms that are being lost through government regulation and the usurping of power by unelected regulators. It means securing the country from foreign invasion--which is something that seemed to have actually being encouraged by the previous administration. It also means bringing back the ability to manufacture the things we depend on, rather than depending on countries that are hostile to us to provide what we need.

However, I don't see it as a theology rather than a set of policy choices. Agreeing that we need to be responsible rather than careless is not about worshipping the president. Some who don't like the current president like to portray those who agree with his policies and goals as being "worshippers of Trump", but that's not the case.

 

[Michie]

AFAIK, MAGA is simply about doing what needs to be done to get this country back on track rather than further into debt which will eventually collapse us. It also means restoring freedoms that are being lost through government regulation and the usurping of power by unelected regulators. It means securing the country from foreign invasion--which is something that seemed to have actually being encouraged by the previous administration. It also means bringing back the ability to manufacture the things we depend on, rather than depending on countries that are hostile to us to provide what we need.

However, I don't see it as a theology rather than a set of policy choices. Agreeing that we need to be responsible rather than careless is not about worshipping the president. Some who don't like the current president like to portray those who agree with his policies and goals as being "worshippers of Trump", but that's not the case.

I didn’t vote for Trump
But I know those who did that are very accomplished people. They do not worship him. They are not deplorables. They voted on who they thought was the best choice for the goals they wanted to see accomplished. This constant accusation of Trump worshippers is just grating and weak.

 

[Richard T]

To me, maga theology is what drives President Trump to an extent. It is nothing new but rather repackaged dominionism. Here is a basic explanation, though it is older and focused on Senator Cruz. The quiet rise of Christian dominionism

Here is a newer article on Trump's appointment of Paula White. Her beliefs too are similar to the above. "Many of Trump cabinet members and appointees have ties to the New Apostolic Reformation -- a Christian nationalist movement that calls for the levers of government and society to come under Christian control. Paula White can certainly be counted among them." Trump Appoints Prosperity Gospel Grifter Paula White to Root Out ‘Persecution’ of Christians in U.S.

This too will help. They Claim God Talks to Them About Politics. Donald Trump Is Listening.
It is unknown how far Trump buys into this but they do have his ear and some policy seems to be guided from this loosely knit group of Christian leaders.

 

[Michie]

To me, maga theology is what drives President Trump to an extent. It is nothing new but rather repackaged dominionism. Here is a basic explanation, though it is older and focused on Senator Cruz. The quiet rise of Christian dominionism

Here is a newer article on Trump's appointment of Paula White. Her beliefs too are similar to the above. "Many of Trump cabinet members and appointees have ties to the New Apostolic Reformation -- a Christian nationalist movement that calls for the levers of government and society to come under Christian control. Paula White can certainly be counted among them." Trump Appoints Prosperity Gospel Grifter Paula White to Root Out ‘Persecution’ of Christians in U.S.

This too will help. They Claim God Talks to Them About Politics. Donald Trump Is Listening.
It is unknown how far Trump buys into this but they do have his ear and some policy seems to be guided from this loosely knit group of Christian leaders.

Paula White…ugh! I do not know how anyone in their right mind could put her in the position she is in. I really don’t think Trump knows the first thing about Christianity based on that alone. He may be trying to follow Christ but I think he has learned little of the faith and the different traditions within it.

 

[Tuur]

I admit, I’m not up on it but I’m curious if any of you are aware of it and what it means. It sounds completely ridiculous to me. Nobody I know worships Trump or have replaced Jesus’ teachings with some sort of man made religion that idolizes and worships Trump.

I can find items discussing MAGA theology but nothing about who coined it and any real examples of people that supposedly follow this new cult. So I’m curious if any of you have seen outright examples of this so-called theology. Thanks!

It doesn't exist. MAGA is purely political. I suspect MAGA theology is simply a term of derision. Back in the late 1970s / early 1980s, a local grocery chain had a small book section filled with trendy books of questionable theology that I dubbed "[Name of grocery chain redacted] Doctrine." Of course, the grocery chain itself had no religious doctrine, and given that the books didn't agree with each other there was no sort of doctrinal consensus. It was merely a derisive term that I used to label such books. In the same way, I suspect MAGA theology is the same way, a slur against MAGA supporters while implying Christian nationalism. Given that I know one Roman Catholic who would likely be called a MAGA supporter, along with a Baptists and really whatever religion an individual MAGA supporter happens to believe, that doesn't hold up to inspection.

 

[Richard T]

Paula White…ugh! I do not know how anyone in their right mind could put her in the position she is in. I really don’t think Trump knows the first thing about Christianity based on that alone. He may be trying to follow Christ but I think he has learned little of the faith and the different traditions within it.

This type of thinking is embedded in many Christian circles. Here it is in Southern baptist circles. SBC's National Day of Prayer Goes All-In on 'NAR's Seven Mountain Mandate'

I don't subscribe to it myself for lots of reasons the main ones being their end time scenarios and the hyper focus on money and influence.

 

[Michie]

This type of thinking is embedded in many Christian circles. Here it is in Southern baptist circles. SBC's National Day of Prayer Goes All-In on 'NAR's Seven Mountain Mandate'

I don't subscribe to it myself for lots of reasons the main ones being their end time scenarios and the hyper focus on money and influence.

Well that certainly does not sound mainstream even on Christian circles. It sounds more like some strange offshoot cult. I’ve not heard any Christian speak of taking any sort of dominance over society. We are to be a light in a dark world and want to take our place in the public square. Everyone influences society but dominance is not something that is going to happen. This has nothing to do with so-called Trump theology annd worship imo. There have been fringe groups from the beginning. Before Trump.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

I think e can safely say that a strong majority of MAGA claim to be Christian. Can we not?
And many of them see trump as God's choice for America. No?
Though I am not sure what percentage go the Christian Nationalist route.
If there is a MAGA theology I think it would look like Christian Nationalism.

All presidents are God's choice.

 

[Michie]

All presidents are God's choice.

God does choose leaders from what I understand but he also permits free will. He will also allow us to have leaders that we choose to our detriment. 1 Samuel 8 comes to mind.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

God does choose leaders from what I understand but he also permits free will. He will also allow us to have leaders that we choose to our detriment. 1 Samuel 8 comes to mind.

Romans 13:1 NIV
[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

 

[Michie]

Romans 13:1 NIV
[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Well he allows it is my understanding. I can’t imagine Him actually appointing some in leadership positions throughout history.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I admit, I’m not up on it but I’m curious if any of you are aware of it and what it means. It sounds completely ridiculous to me. Nobody I know worships Trump or have replaced Jesus’ teachings with some sort of man made religion that idolizes and worships Trump.

I can find items discussing MAGA theology but nothing about who coined it and any real examples of people that supposedly follow this new cult. So I’m curious if any of you have seen outright examples of this so-called theology. Thanks!

I don't think there is a specific 'Maga' theology. Those on the right are a mixed assortment of conservatives and libertarians.

If you want one example, though, try looking up David Barton of the Wall Builders organization. That's about as close as you get.

Additionally, one could add in a sample of Charismatic Christians who interpret the Bible in a 'Kindgom Now' theology, along with some Reformed Christians who adhere to Dominionist Theology or Theonomy.

These, and a sprinkling of extremisst like the KKK, Christian Identity or other similar groups, will reflect the supposed right's fascist boogeyman that some on the Left are so afraid of...................but who all too easily get confused for ...................all of the rest of us Christians everywhere who don't lean Progressive.

And no, I don't follow any of these guys or groups I've just mentioned. I'm not politically on the right.

 

[Oompa Loompa]

Well he allows it is my understanding. I can’t imagine Him actually appointing some in leadership positions throughout history.

"There is NO authority except that which GOD has established."

Edit for clarification: establishing is not anointing.

 

[SavedByGrace3]

I admit, I’m not up on it but I’m curious if any of you are aware of it and what it means. It sounds completely ridiculous to me. Nobody I know worships Trump or have replaced Jesus’ teachings with some sort of man made religion that idolizes and worships Trump.

I can find items discussing MAGA theology but nothing about who coined it and any real examples of people that supposedly follow this new cult. So I’m curious if any of you have seen outright examples of this so-called theology. Thanks!

It is a narrative made up by the left. Who would not want their nation to be great?
I know of no one who "worships" Trump. This is not a cult like wokeism. Most Trump supporters are common-sense people who are for things like border security, fiscal responsibility, law and order, pro-life, pro-family, two genders etc etc.. . If Trump said we were going to take over Canada or Greenland by force, I would be against it. I think 99% of the population would be also. It is absurd to say we are all racists. homophobes, transphobes, xenophobes, etc etc. That is part of their narrative, designed to make everyone look like haters. Of course, there is a very small minority of people who will have extreme ideas, and we need to be careful to reject their extremism. The left, OTOH, are eat up with the radical extremism. It is their platform, and they live by it. MAGA is only evil in the minds of those who want to be victims and need haters to fulfil that fantasy. MAGA means nothing more than "Make America Great Again."

 

[Oompa Loompa]

"There is NO authority except that which GOD has established."

Edit for clarification: establishing is not anointing.

 

[Tuur]

It is a narrative made up by the left. Who would not want their nation to be great?
I know of no one who "worships" Trump. This is not a cult like wokeism. Most Trump supporters are common-sense people who are for things like border security, fiscal responsibility, law and order, pro-life, pro-family, two genders etc etc.. . If Trump said we were going to take over Canada or Greenland by force, I would be against it. I think 99% of the population would be also. It is absurd to say we are all racists. homophobes, transphobes, xenophobes, etc etc. That is part of their narrative, designed to make everyone look like haters. Of course, there is a very small minority of people who will have extreme ideas, and we need to be careful to reject their extremism. The left, OTOH, are eat up with the radical extremism. It is their platform, and they live by it. MAGA is only evil in the minds of those who want to be victims and need haters to fulfil that fantasy. MAGA means nothing more than "Make America Great Again."

Observe the reactions to the phrase "Make America Great Again." One upon a time, Republicans and Democrats would argue just how to make America great again. Now, there's a lot of contention on the Left that America was never great to begin with.

While I don't know anyone who worship Trump, I won't go so far as to say no one worships Trump. If we do some digging, we'll likely find someone worshiped every presidential candidate. Yet even then MAGA doesn't have a theology. It's a political statement.