Where the Spirit is the Lord, Mr. Trump?
Donald Trump recently got around to noting a specific verse from his professed “favorite book,” the Bible. Speaking at Liberty University, the candidate gave a fumbling nod to what he called “Two Corinthians 3:17,” the founding verse of the Christian school.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty,” he gushed.
Given the level of decadence the first-century author of this verse found among the Corinthians─over and against Trump’s own lifestyle─there was some unintended irony in his citation. And it only became acuter when Trump proceeded to comment on the passage: “That’s the whole ballgame…and it’s so representative of what’s taking place.”
By way of background: Saint Paul wrote two letters to the Christian church residing in the Greek city of Corinth. In classical times, Corinth was renowned for
its temple to Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, pleasure and so-called love. Temple prostitutes devoted to her worship were a major financial resource that made the city “great again.” Roughly one thousand women serviced the wealthy merchants and powerful officials who frequented the city.
Referring to its pricey, sensual luxuries, the poet Horace coined the aphorism: “non licet omnibus adire Corinthum” (“Not everyone is able to go to Corinth”).
This decadence continued into New Testament times, compelling Paul to spend an unusual amount of time addressing sexual sins (porneia) in his letters to the city’s church, more than in any of his other epistles.
Fast forward two thousand years to a candidate for president and first family who cheated on and then divorced his first wife; who had a child out of wedlock before briefly marrying his second wife; who bedded a fashion model young enough to be his daughter (she was 28, he was 52); and who has bragged about his numerous 
sexual exploits. In his book, Think Big, for example, Trump wrote “Oftentimes when I was sleeping with one of the top women in the world I would say to myself, thinking about me as a boy from Queens, ‘Can you believe what I am getting?’”
The Queens’ boy not only “slept” with women, he opened up a showroom for them. When hard economic times hit Atlantic City, where he owned three casinos, Trump fought back, borrowing a page from the Corinthian playbook. In September of 2013, the $25 million Scores Atlantic City opened up in Trump’s Taj Mahal casino.* This massive 36,000-
square foot strip-club was the first for a United States casino.
I could detail additional aspects of his character, policies and even business practices that should give the voting electorate pause─particularly those of a Christian persuasion.
Yes, it’s also true Trump has some worthy policies, characteristics, and good deeds that should also be considered. His children seem to have turned out well, and he appears to be generally well-loved by his employees. And we can and should appreciate the attention he has brought to important issues like illegal immigration and his disrupting influence on establishment politics, PC group-think, and big-money lobbyists.
It’s also true that his sexual exploits and values may be no worse─and indeed could well be better─than some presidents. Kennedy and Clinton come to mind immediately. There’s a big difference, however, in that their indiscretions were covered-up by them and their handlers. While no one, particularly God, likes 
hypocrisy, it nevertheless is the homage vice pays to virtue. Do we really want a man who has displayed an open disregard for this virtue; an unrepentant adulterer, serial fornicator and porneia-promoter to be the leader of America and the free world?
And, by the way, about Trump’s frequent boasts that he has a brilliant plan to defeat Isis and Islamic terror: their leaders could very well use his lifestyle and the nude photos of his wife, Melania, as propaganda/recruitment tools to bolster the ranks in their “holy war” against they believe to be the Great Satan, the United States of America. And they would have a point.
These moral issues, of course, could be profoundly ameliorated with one word, REPENTANCE: the simple act that opens Heaven’s window of grace, forgiveness and healing. By acknowledging his past sins, turning from and renouncing them, Trump could become an explicit force for good rather than a not-so-implicit one for evil.
Interestingly, it was to the Christians in Corinth, who had been guilty of every sexual sin from fornication to homosexuality, that Saint Paul famously observed:
“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you
were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
1 Corinthians 6:11
The big problem for Trump, as well as for the values voter, is that there is little or no evidence he has repented and been washed. Trump has disavowed nothing.
When asked at the Family Leadership Summit in Iowa last July if he had ever sought God’s forgiveness, Trump incredibly responded, “I’m not sure I have. I just go and try and do a better job from there…If I do something wrong, I just try to make it right…I don’t bring God into that picture.” A week later, Anderson Cooper gave him the opportunity to clarify his remark. “Why do I have to repent or ask for forgiveness, if you’re not making mistakes? I work hard, I’m an honorable person,” he replied.
More recently (1/26/16), Trump was challenged about the perceived hypocrisy of his stone-throwing at Bill Clinton’s sexual indiscretions when his own glass house was so morally compromised. Trump replied:
One would be hard pressed to come up with responses that are more contrary to the Gospel; more profoundly un-Christian. And frankly lame.
Many evangelicals could perhaps better handle these moral issues if Trump wasn’t wrapping himself in the Christian flag and making insipid, patronizing promises like the hambone he threw out to his audience at Liberty: “If I’m president, you’re going to see ‘Merry Christmas’ in department stores, believe me.”
Not to offend or come off as mean-spirited, but how desperate─or stupid─does one have to be to swallow this kind of nonsense?
Right now, I’m praying fervently for Mr. Trump as well as for our country. What both need is a gift of grace: for God to bust up inside our hearts, knock us off the high horse presently slouching toward Gomorrah, and reveal to us the true way of salvation.
Father, grant Mr. Trump, grant us Your mercy. Show us that only where the Spirit is Lord can there be true liberty.
*Technically, Robert Gans opened it in the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort . But it was done with Trump’s blessing and permission.
This international pharmacy offers top-tier service globally.
https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/
Their global perspective enriches local patient care.
The team embodies patience and expertise.
can i get clomid no prescription
Their health awareness programs are game-changers.
Global reach with a touch of personal care.
https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/
They are always proactive about refills and reminders.
Always up-to-date with the latest healthcare trends.
where buy lisinopril tablets
Providing international caliber services consistently.
Drugs information sheet.
gabapentin purpura
Excellent consultation with clear communication.
An unmatched titan in the world of international pharmacies.
how can i get generic clomid tablets
Long-Term Effects.
They have a great selection of wellness products.
https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/
The best choice for personalized care.
Impressed with their wide range of international medications.
lisinopril without dr prescription
Leading with compassion on a global scale.
Their health seminars are always enlightening.
https://lisinoprilpharm24.top/
Their loyalty program offers great deals.
Trust and reliability on a global scale.
lisinopril controlled substance
They’re globally connected, ensuring the best patient care.
Quick turnaround on all my prescriptions.
cymbalta or gabapentin for fibromyalgia
Their international supply chain ensures no medication shortages.
Their cross-border services are unmatched.
can you get generic lisinopril for sale
They always offer alternatives and suggestions.
Their online chat support is super helpful.
https://clomidpharm24.top/
Their prescription savings club is a godsend.
The free blood pressure check is a nice touch.
gabapentin for chronic daily headache
The children’s section is well-stocked with quality products.
The pharmacists are always updated with the latest in medicine.
https://gabapentinpharm24.top/
Been relying on them for years, and they never disappoint.
A true gem in the international pharmacy sector.
buying generic clomid no prescription
I’m impressed with their commitment to customer care.
They offer invaluable advice on health maintenance.
gabapentin ohne rezept
Their worldwide outreach programs are commendable.
Comprehensive side effect and adverse reaction information.
how to buy cheap cytotec prices
A true gem in the international pharmacy sector.
They provide peace of mind with their secure international deliveries.
can i purchase generic clomid without a prescription
Efficient, effective, and always eager to assist.
Consistent service, irrespective of borders.
https://gabapentinpharm24.top/
The epitome of excellence in international healthcare.
Their mobile app makes managing my medications so easy.
https://gabapentinpharm24.top/
Always professional, whether dealing domestically or internationally.
They have expertise in handling international shipping regulations.
what kind of medicine is gabapentin
A trusted name in international pharmacy circles.
onlinepharmaciescanada com
Their global network ensures the best medication prices.
how to buy cipro pills
They take the hassle out of international prescription transfers.
I value their commitment to customer health.
order fluoxetine
Their multilingual support team is a blessing.
canadian pharmacy meds
discount pharmaceuticals
Their online chat support is super helpful.
cost cheap lisinopril
The team always keeps patient safety at the forefront.
Get information now.
gabapentin does it show up in drug test
Their health awareness programs are game-changers.
Global reach with a touch of personal care.
get cheap cytotec pill
Their commitment to international standards is evident.
Their international health campaigns are revolutionary.
where can i get generic lisinopril no prescription
Their global medical liaisons ensure top-quality care.
Their mobile app makes managing my medications so easy.
how much is lisinopril 10mg without insurance
Their worldwide services are efficient and patient-centric.
The free blood pressure check is a nice touch.
where can i buy lisinopril no prescription
I appreciate the range of payment options they offer.
Delivering worldwide standards with every prescription.
where buy cheap cytotec without a prescription
The children’s section is well-stocked with quality products.
They make prescription refills a breeze.
order generic clomid for sale
A pharmacy that keeps up with the times.
Quick service without compromising on quality.
generic cipro without insurance
Top 100 Searched Drugs.
reliable canadian pharmacy
Their international shipment tracking system is top-notch.
get cytotec
A beacon of excellence in pharmaceutical care.
Delivering worldwide standards with every prescription.
can i get cytotec without insurance
All trends of medicament.
The best place for quality health products.
https://cipropharm24.top/
A pharmacy that truly understands international needs.
A seamless fusion of local care with international expertise.
lisinopril alternatives no prescription
Their prices are unbeatable!
Best and news about drug.
https://cipropharm24.top/
A global name with a reputation for excellence.
A pharmacy that prioritizes global health.
where to get generic cipro
Breaking down borders with every prescription.
Stellar service in every department.
can i purchase generic cipro pill
The staff always ensures confidentiality and privacy.
Their staff is always eager to help and assist.
how can i get cipro tablets
Always stocked with what I need.
They offer invaluable advice on health maintenance.
https://gabapentinpharm24.top/
They set the tone for international pharmaceutical excellence.
The one-stop solution for all international medication requirements.
cytotec cost
They have an extensive range of skincare products.
Their pet medication section is comprehensive.
https://clomidpharm24.top/
They have expertise in handling international shipping regulations.
They have an extensive range of skincare products.
lisinopril by solco
Always professional, whether dealing domestically or internationally.
A pharmacy that genuinely cares about community well-being.
where to get lisinopril prices
A one-stop-shop for all my health needs.