American Christians Must Embrace Christian Humanism to Repair Trump-Era Damage
Source: Peter Wehner. "American Christians Face a Choice - The Atlantic." June 10, 2026. www.theatlantic.com
The Gist
The author argues that American Christians, especially evangelicals, made a huge mistake by supporting Trump because he appealed to their desire for a tough 'warrior' leader rather than Christian values. Now they need to fix the damage by returning to 'Christian humanism' - a tradition that emphasizes learning, human dignity, and following Christ's example of love rather than seeking power and revenge.
Conclusion
American Christians can and should repair the damage they have done by embracing Christian humanism as an alternative to the warrior-protector mentality that led them to support Trump
Premises
- Many evangelicals embraced Trump because he embodied a 'warrior-protector' mentality that prioritized dominance, cruelty, and vengeance over traditional Christian virtues
- This embrace of Trump has caused 'immense damage' and 'wreckage' to Christianity's moral standing and witness
- The evangelical support for Trump was driven by feelings of cultural displacement, resentment, and a desire for power rather than genuine Christian principles
- Christian humanism offers a proven historical alternative that emphasizes human dignity, learning, and Christ-like transformation over dominance and retribution
- Christian humanism has successfully helped Christianity 'recover its bearings' during previous cultural crises throughout history
- The current cultural crisis creates an opportunity for Christian humanism to be given 'a new hearing' among American Christians
Assumptions
- Trump's influence on evangelicals represents a fundamental departure from authentic Christian values
- The 'warrior-protector' mentality is incompatible with true Christianity
- Historical precedent (Christian humanism's past success) indicates it can work again in the present context
- American Christians have the capacity and willingness to change course
- Cultural crises create opportunities for religious renewal and reformation