I don't like to answer that question because it appears to degrade the majority of my fellow evangelicals while elevating the minority--including me. But, in my estimation, the reason that most white evangelicals fell into the Trump trap is that they tend to blindly follow their leaders. My observation, from decades within evangelical circles, is that most white evangelicals are shallow thinkers who prefer to outsource their deliberating to their leaders. Group think is easier than thinking individually.
The reasons for evangelical leaders embracing Trumpism is, I think, more varied. Some are true believers. They truly believe God called Trump to save America from "godless liberals." Others, like their followers, simply got caught up in the movement and gave themselves over to group think. Still others--like the many megachurch pastors who have amassed incredible wealth through bilking their naive followers--are in it for the money; they want those tax breaks Trump will give to the wealthiest Americans.
I don't like to answer that question because it appears to degrade the majority of my fellow evangelicals while elevating the minority--including me. But, in my estimation, the reason that most white evangelicals fell into the Trump trap is that they tend to blindly follow their leaders. My observation, from decades within evangelical circles, is that most white evangelicals are shallow thinkers who prefer to outsource their deliberating to their leaders. Group think is easier than thinking individually.
The reasons for evangelical leaders embracing Trumpism is, I think, more varied. Some are true believers. They truly believe God called Trump to save America from "godless liberals." Others, like their followers, simply got caught up in the movement and gave themselves over to group think. Still others--like the many megachurch pastors who have amassed incredible wealth through bilking their naive followers--are in it for the money; they want those tax breaks Trump will give to the wealthiest Americans.
Thank you!