What Does RFK’s Endorsement of Trump Mean for Christians?

PoliticsThann Bennett
Written By Thann Bennett

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. recently suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed former President Donald Trump. While Kennedy’s name will still appear on the ballot in many states, he is asking his supporters in swing states to vote for the former president. Shortly after announcing his decision, Kennedy appeared with Trump at a campaign rally. While no announcement about a role in a future Trump administration was announced, Kennedy’s running mate indicated it is a possibility.

Analysis and eternal perspective: In modern day American presidential politics, a few percentage points can mean the difference between a blowout electoral win and a blowout electoral loss. It remains to be seen what impact Kennedy’s withdrawal and endorsement will have on the eventual outcome. However, both the Trump and Harris campaigns will certainly be angling for the support of voters previously inclined to cast their ballot for Kennedy.

As Jesus followers, we are not defined by our political affiliations or preferences, but by our common devotion to Jesus Christ and His Word. This is not a mandate of neutrality (far from it), but is quite specifically a counter-intuitive mandate to be for those with whom we disagree (Matt 5:43-44). This is nothing short of a radical idea and living it out is not the shortest or easiest path to winning a popularity contest. It is, however, a central component of following Jesus, and you might just find it to be the refreshing your soul needs.

So this week, whether you are inclined to vote for Trump, Harris, Kennedy, or otherwise, what is one tangible action you can take to heed the counter-cultural Gospel invitation to “bless those who curse you?” I dare say this approach is the one that will truly set you free.

The following article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.

Thann Bennett

Thann Bennett is the Founder and President of Every Good Work, which exists to equip Jesus followers for a life of impact. His weekly newsletter, The Equipped, helps Jesus followers engage current events through a lens of the True and the beautiful. Thann and his wife, Brooke, are co-Founders of A Fearless Life, which works to find and fund a family for every adoption-eligible foster child in America. Thann has more than two decades of high-level public policy experience, with a particular focus on the U.S. Congress and the United Nations. He is the author of In Search of the King and My Fame His Fame. Thann and Brooke live in southern Maryland with their three children: Jude, Gambrell, and Hope, as well as a host of farm animals. The Bennetts are longtime members of the National Community Church family in Washington, D.C.

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