The alarming headlines and photos found on the front page of the Daily Herald following the U.S. Capitol riots mark the inevitable final scene of the misbegotten “Trump Era.” Mobs of Trumpists obediently followed their leader’s urging to march on the Capitol to steal the election from America’s voters.
Why are so many swayed so easily to march in lock-step to the self-aggrandizing tune of so flagrant an anti-American would-be strong-man? At least one current flowing into that particular stream is suggested by one of the vice chairs of the Snohomish County GOP, who is quoted as claiming, “This is happening because God wants to shake this nation.”
For as long as America has existed, its various Christian denominations have been outraged by the failure of the general populace to adhere to the moral demands thundered from church pulpits. In recent years, in tacit recognition of their failure to influence society through teaching and example, certain elements of Christendom have decided to resort to the blunt tactics of their medieval predecessors: the church, they feel, must force obedience to God’s law by making government obedient to the church’s directives.
Alas, a democratic republic like America, when it descends to a theocratic autocracy, will find itself to differ in no way from any crude Islamic state. Damage is being done here to America and its ideals, and also to the church that aspires to governing. Be careful what you wish for.
Joseph D. Aiguier
Edmonds
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