Resurrection, insurrection, and a "Christian" conundrum.

"It is the nature of all hypocrites and false prophets to create a conscience where there is none,

and to cause conscience to disappear where it does exist."

--Martin Luther (Lectures on 1 Timothy, LW 28:311; WA 26.69.11-12.)

By J. Basil Dannebohm

Lately I’ve been receiving letters from readers urging me to weigh in on a rumor that on April 20th, Mr. Trump will enact Martial Law. Experience has taught me that much like worrying, speculating on rumors is generally a poor use of one’s time. If recent days have proven anything, it’s that the president is going to do whatever suits his mood at that moment, and the action will be met with little to no resistance from either the left or the right. Which begs the question: If he does invoke Martial Law, what can any of us do about it?

Since Mr. Trump took the oath of office, we have witnessed gross human rights violations, numerous examples of obstruction of justice, and vile assaults on basic dignity. While many of us have been appalled by the atrocities committed against our fellow humans, nary a word of discontent has been uttered by the majority of Americans, particularly those who hold the power to do something.

Prior to the 2024 Election, some of us issued warning after warning about the very certain risks associated with a Trump presidency. Since his inauguration, we have likewise made numerous social media posts citing incidents that came to fruition. Still, Mr. Trump enjoys approval ratings higher than those of his first term. Not surprisingly, the data associated with those polls indicates that the vast majority of those who approve of this reckless presidency likewise profess to be devout "Christians."

In the days leading up to April 20th, those same devout "Christians" will mourn the death and commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, whom they worship as a Savior but embrace as a mascot. They will have waved palms, recreating the occasion when this countercultural revolutionary entered the public square to triumphant fanfare (Matthew 21:1-11); yet they degrade, threaten, and punish the countercultural revolutionaries of this age. They will have professed that all are welcome and fed at the supper of their Lord (John 13:1-30), yet they demand for those who look, speak, or act differently to be cast to the peripheries. They will take no issue with brown skinned refugees being sent to third world countries to meet certain death, yet they will have mourned a brown skinned refugee who expired on a cross (Luke 23: 26-49).

Their Messiah said, "Whatever you do to the least of these, you do to Me." (Matthew 25:40) In their deranged minds, however, such words don't apply to them. In fact, they're "Cafeteria Christians," going down the line picking and choosing what they enjoy, what makes them comfortable, while passing over that which doesn't suit their tastes.

Some 40 days ago, they posted selfies to social media of their foreheads slathered with ashes, completely ignoring the point of the symbolic act. Likewise, Lent, a time traditionally set aside for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, was wasted on them.

They profess to be "pro-life," yet they take no issue with the death penalty -- ironically, the same fate met by their Messianic mascot. They celebrated when Congress voted to cut SNAP by $230 billion (1 in 5 U.S. children rely on SNAP for daily meals) and $880 billion from Medicaid (35.5% of children in the U.S. have Medicaid health insurance). They shame unwed mothers, conveniently forgetting that women were some of their Savior’s more loyal disciples. In fact, the first individuals to bear witness to the resurrected Christ, were women.

Will Mr. Trump enact the Insurrection Act of 1807 on April 20th? I doubt it. Only an Antichrist figure would desecrate a day many consider holy. Though Trump is undoubtedly one of the devil's stooges, he lacks the intelligence, cunning, and charisma which eschatology tells us is synonymous with an Antichrist figure. Moreover, you can be certain that his “religious advisors” have cautioned him against unleashing chaos on Easter. Does that mean he won’t do it in the days or weeks that follow? Only his regime knows for certain.

A song played at virtually every MAGA rally since 2015 was the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Many times, I’ve said the use of that song was both deliberate and perversely prophetic. Americans, especially those who profess to be “Christians” who approve of the MAGA regime need a serious wake-up call that will force them to regurgitate the orange Kool-Aid. If Martial Law is what it takes, so be it.