Editor, Times-Union: I’m not saying Trump is like Jesus. That would be almost blasphemous. But the similarities between Jesus and Trump are interesting. Both men are known for their large following by supporters willing to believe in them despite what they are accused of. Jesus was accused of being a drunk, a glutton and a person who hung out with the scum of the earth. Trump has been accused of inappropriate language and actions against women. Not all the women Trump is accused of attacking have credible stories because they can’t be corroborated, just like the liars that accused Jesus of sins or saying certain things couldn’t be believed. The press and political powers to be are like the Pharisees that accused Jesus of not being qualified to be the Messiah who would save humanity from the penalty of sin. Trump wants to save America from the penalty of political sins that will lead to America’s destruction. Trump has railed against the press and those who oppose him, just like Jesus railed against the Pharisees and others who opposed him. Jesus didn’t use as bad of language as Trump and believed in loving his enemies. Also, he was a much better logician that Trump, who at times almost sounds insane. Both men have talked about the future. Unlike Jesus, I don’t believe everything Trump says and never will. But the truth Trump has spoken has gotten under the skin of those who want to destroy him, just like the things Jesus often said got under the skin of those who wanted to destroy him. When both men encountered tough going, their followers deserted them. The Republicans deserted Trump when the truth about celebrity perks was made known. Jesus had much respect for women, while Trump has been a cad at times. But if Bill Clinton doesn’t believe sexual behavior has anything to do with how a person is as president, why are so many people making Bill Clinton and Hillary liars by thinking Trump is any worse than Bill has been? I can picture Trump trying to have his way with women just like Bill was admired for. It would be like applauding a pig for doing tricks and condemning a dog for doing the same tricks. Jesus died and rose from the dead. If Trump’s hopes to become president are killed, I don’t believe he will politically rise from the dead though. Rejecting Jesus sends people to hell. I fear rejecting Trump may send America to hell. Rick Badman Warsaw
