Legend has it that a man once approached the Jewish sage Hillel the Elder with a challenge: if he could sum up the principles of Judaism in a single sentence, the man would convert.

Hillel responded, “What is hateful to thee, do not unto thy fellow man: this is the whole of the law; the rest is commentary.”

Hillel’s words underscore the ethical significance of the Golden Rule. Yet, Donald Trump has recast this principle as a blend of hostility, division, and personal grudges.

The rising discontent among white evangelical christian voters who feel sidelined by society, and dismissed by progressive groups led them to embrace Donald Trump as their Pearl of Great Price, worth any sacrifice to obtain. That Price, however, comes with a price: the departure from their strict biblical beliefs. (Even Faust might have hesitated at such a bargain with the devil.)

Evangelicals embody the concept of spiritual rebirth and actively share the teachings of Jesus within their communities.

Despite being fully aware of Donald Trump’s utter lack of moral character, evangelicals prioritized his stance on abortion above all else. And he delivered by appointing three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, which led to overturning Roe v. Wade. Now they’re standing with him on other issues: opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, cancel culture and wokeness–an awareness of social injustice such as racism, sexism, and other forms of inequality or discrimination–a term that used to be favorable but now interpreted by many as an overly vigilant or rigid approach to social justice.

Evangelicals also support the appointment of judges who favor a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, which may seem at odds with their adherence to a strict interpretation of the Bible, given their support for a man known for his dishonesty.

It is striking that while Trump champions religious freedom, he opposes freedom of the press, the independence of the judiciary, and free and fair elections. For Trump, the Pearl of Great Price appears to signify less a pursuit of spiritual wisdom or enduring values and more a strategy to retain and appease religious support. His version of loving thy neighbor massively deviates from the teachings of Jesus’ biblical principles that evangelicals hold dear:

He has committed adultery in each of his three marriages, and the infamous Access Hollywood tape—where he bragged about grabbing women’s genitals without consent (Melania dismissed it as “locker room talk”)—stands in glaring opposition to teachings on respect, chastity, and personal integrity. (Thessalonians 4:3-4)

Trump’s mockery of disabled reporter Serge Kovaleski, where he cruelly mimicked his physical disability during a rally, starkly contrasts with Jesus’ commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)

The Trump administration’s policy of separating children from their parents at the U.S./Mexico border was widely condemned as inhumane and contrary to biblical values. (Proverbs 31:8-9)

The Bible teaches selfless, unconditional love for others, as exemplified by the life and actions of Jesus. (John 13:34).

The Bible speaks of peace and reconciliation in relationships and communities (Matthew 5:9). Even as the assault on the Capitol was taking place on January 6, Trump encouraged violence: “We fight like hell. And if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”

Evangelical Christians are called to serve others selflessly, following the example of Jesus (Mark 10:45). Trump recently said, “I guarantee if Jesus came down and was the vote counter I would win California.”

Evangelicals believe that living with integrity and honesty is crucial (Ephesians 4:25). How can you put your faith in someone who relentlessly lies?

It’s important to note that not all evangelicals support Trump, and the reasons for support can vary widely within the community.

Nonetheless, you don’t have to be evangelical to embrace Christian values. Empathy counts. Respect counts. Honesty counts. Responsibility to each other counts. These are universal ethical values, values that transcend religious boundaries and play a crucial role in building a more compassionate and equitable society. In embracing these principles, we affirm our shared humanity and commitment to the common good, regardless of faith.