Politicians have emerged who stand as suitable guardians for moral conventions.
Why did American Christian fundamentalists vote in masses for a materialistic, hedonistic and narcissistic prophet such as Donald Trump? Why did Italian Catholics support Berlusconi? Why do so many religious voices in Eastern Europe chant for opportunistic despots?
It seems a contradiction. The most morally intransigent voters ally themselves with the most immoral leaders. But, if we analyze the particular morals defended by the fundamentalists, the contradiction disappears.
The historian and Baptist minister Wayne Flynt pointed out in the Financial Times that there has been a shift in morals at the top levels of evangelical Christians. Nowadays, they mobilize against those “sins” that they don’t want or can’t commit, such as homosexuality or abortion. For a middle-aged heterosexual man, it is more comfortable to accept the moral supremacy of prescriptions against homosexuality and abortion than the orders against greed, for example, omnipresent in anyone’s daily life.
It is the first temptation for religious people, as denounced by Jesus. Instead of questioning our behavior and trying to control impulses that could be damaging for ourselves or for the community, we judge the conduct of others.
The temptation has always existed, but it has now been joined by economic and political stimuli. The market of religious ideas has globalized. The preachers who previously sermonized in their parishes have loudspeakers – from the radio to social media – with which they can reach an audience without borders. They can tempt a greater number of followers with their comforting message: salvation is not so much as changing your life as it is changing the lives of others by means of repressive laws.
And politicians have emerged who stand as suitable guardians for moral conventions. On an individual scale, Trump, Berlusconi and some Eastern European autocrats are a parody of Christian values, but they offer collective punishment to the groups of supposed sinners.
Hate your neighbor as much as you love yourself.
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