As the 2012 presidential race heats up, many would-be candidates are launching and engaging in some serious presidential talk. Mitt Romney just announced that he formed an exploratory committee. Fox News contributor, Mike Huckabee is making the rounds and giving his thoughts on traditional presidential debate topics. Now, millionaire and reality TV show host, Donald Trump is testing the presidential waters.
Recently, Donald Trump sat down with Christian Broadcasting Network’s (CBN) David Brody and brought up something that he rarely talks about: his religion.
In this exclusive interview, Trump talks about his relationship with God, the church, the bible, being a Presbyterian, and his commitment to attending church.
Trump said:
I believe in God. I am Christian. I think The Bible is certainly, it is THE book. It is the thing. I was raised and I gave you a picture just now and perhaps you’ll use that picture I found it from a long time ago. First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica queens is where I went to church. I’m a protestant, I’m a Presbyterian. And you know I’ve had a good relationship with the church over the years. I think religion is a wonderful thing. I think my religion is a wonderful religion.
As you watch the interview, it seems that Trump struggles a bit to talk about his faith and even stumbles to articulate his beliefs. But, just how genuine is this interview? When you read the above transcript it looks genuine, but his demeanor in the video was strange. He mentions how he always goes to church on Christmas and Easter… wow, big commitment there:
Well, I go as much as I can. Always on Christmas. Always on Easter. Always when there’s a major occasion. And during the Sundays. I’m a Sunday church person. I’ll go when I can.”
Trump is clearly pandering to the Christian right to solicit support for his run for the presidency. In essence, he is testing the waters to see if the religious right respond well to his faith statements. The fact that this interview occurred on CBN tells it all. Why not CBS, NBC, CNN, FOX or MSNBC? Those are all major news outlets. Trump targeted this interview to conservative Christians, who make up the majority of the CBN audience.
Even CBN’s analysis wants to connect Evangelicals with Trump:
Brody File analysis: Donald Trump has piqued the interest of some Evangelical leaders. His bold talk is something conservative Christians like to hear. Remember, Evangelicals tend to operate in a world of biblical absolutes. Their world is very black and white. Not many shades of gray. That’s how Trump sees the world too.
It’s great that Trump is a Christian and makes a point to mention it, but why this timing? Why didn’t he do this 5-10 years ago? Well, for one, he was not thinking about running for president.
I certainly commend and respect Trump to talk about his faith, but please Donald, do it when it doesn’t prosper you personally.
3 Comments
i have only one question. no one has asked, “what is your PERSONAL relationship to Jesus Christ, not just God. Tell where and when you were born again and under what circumstances. Being a Christian is not JUST believing that God exists. The book of James tells us that the devil and his angels believe God exists —– and they tremble at the thought.
garrett
Good question Garrett. I wish the interview included some more questions and answers.
What I call a death bed conversion experience!