Trump, Vance, Zelensky, and the Sermon on the Mount

Trump claims to be a Christian, even though he can’t quote any Biblical Scripture. Nationalistic Christians support Trump despite Trump saying he has never done anything requiring forgiveness. Keeping all that in mind and giving Trump the benefit of the doubt, let’s compare the heart of Jesus’s teachings, the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7, with what happened in the Oval Office between Trump, Vance, and Zelensky. 

These are the parts from the Sermon on the Mount, that I believe self professed Christians Trump and Vance violated.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)

This emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing one's dependence on God.

Throughout the meeting, Trump and Vance repeatedly asserted American power and Zelensky's dependence on the U.S. Trump says, "With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don't have any cards." Vance repeatedly demands Zelensky to say thank you. 

Trump's assertion that Putin respects him and his implication that Zelensky wouldn't be "tough" without the U.S. demonstrate a lack of humility. Zelensky, while seeking aid, attempts to assert his nation's strength and resilience, but is often dismissed.

This contrasts sharply with the call to humility in the Sermon on the Mount. Trump's statements reflect an attitude of superiority rather than humble service.

Jesus is highlighting the fundamental attitude required for entering into a relationship with God – one of humility, dependence, and recognition of our need for divine grace.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

Throughout, Trump emphasizes his own strength, importance, and telling Zelensky that he is in a weak position. 

Trump tells Zelensky, "You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards… You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. People are dying. You’re running low on soldiers. It would be a damn good thing, and then you tell us, ‘I don’t want a ceasefire. I don’t want a ceasefire, I want to go, and I want this.’"

"Obama gave you sheets, and I gave you Javelins... You’ve got to be more thankful because, let me tell you, you don’t have the cards."

"The problem is I’ve empowered you (turning toward Zelensky) to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States."

"They respect me... he didn't break them with me."

These statements demonstrate a lack of humility, focusing on personal power and perceived superiority rather than a humble approach to diplomacy. Trump cannot resist showing off or pushing others around. A Christian would try to be meek like Jesus, and trust that God will reward you for it, not that you should demand the reward!

Jesus teaches that God values humility and gentleness. He wants us to be kind and considerate, not pushy or always trying to be first. Being meek doesn't mean letting others bully you. It means being strong in a gentle way, just like Jesus was. He was powerful but also kind and humble.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9)

This places a high value on actively working towards peace and reconciliation.

While Trump claims he wants a ceasefire, his approach is less about genuine peacemaking and more about dictating terms. Trump’s approach is transactional, linking it to Zelensky's gratitude and willingness to make a deal on Trump's terms. Vance criticizes Zelensky for not being thankful enough for the aid provided, potentially undermining the spirit of unconditional support for peace. Zelenskyy expresses a desire to end the war but insists on "guarantees," suggesting a cautious approach to peacemaking.

When Jesus says peacemakers will be called "sons of God," He means that they're acting like God's own children, following God's example by spreading love and peace.

Being a peacemaker doesn't mean avoiding all conflict or caving in to extreme demands. Sometimes, it means bravely standing up for what's right.

You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also (Matthew 5:38-39).

Trump does not directly advocate violence. His position seems to be prioritizing a transactional relationship where gratitude is expected and demanded. Aid is dependent on fulfilling his ultimatums. This contrasts with the principle of unconditional love and forgiveness.

Vance: “Have you said thank you once?”

Vance: "Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country.”

Trump: "You have to be thankful.”

Trump: "But you’re not acting at all thankful. And that’s not a nice thing. I’ll be honest. That’s not a nice thing… You’ve got to be more thankful"

The constant demand for gratitude and the veiled threat of withdrawing support if it's not given suggests a conditional approach that doesn't go along with the spirit of offering help without expecting something in return.

In the Old Testament, there was a rule that said if someone hurt you, you could hurt them back the same way. Trump has constantly bragged that if someone hurts him, he will retaliate even more. Jesus is saying we can do better than that. Instead of getting back at people Jesus tells us to give more than what's taken. Be generous and give them even more. Go the extra mile. Trump calls for a business like transactional deal in which there has to be a winner and a loser. He never even considers an alternative that would benefit people instead of his ego.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

There is a clear absence of love or compassion in the exchange. Trump's remarks are often dismissive and belittling towards Zelensky. Vance's focus on Zelensky's perceived lack of gratitude further detracts from any sense of empathy. They would rather Ukraine fall to Putin’s invasion if Zelensky doesn’t Kow tow to Every demand Trump makes

It's easy to love people who are nice to us. Trump would love Zelensky if he simply gives in to all of Trump and Putin’s demands. 

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:1-4)

This passage emphasizes giving without expecting anything in return and acting out of genuine compassion.

Trump and Vance repeatedly demand gratitude from Zelensky for American aid. Vance even accuses Zelensky of campaigning against Trump. This transactional approach to generosity contradicts the spirit of selfless giving promoted in the Sermon on the Mount. The focus is on receiving recognition rather than acting out of genuine concern for Ukraine's plight.

The meeting lacked a deep focus on righteousness or justice for the Ukrainian people. Instead, its emphasis was on the strategic interests, perceived slights, and optics of the interaction. Zelensky's concerns are about the ongoing loss of life and the broken ceasefire agreements. He is simply trying to save his country from Putin’s dictatorial despotic invasion.

Judge not, that you be not judged (Matthew 7:1)

OK, so I’m transgressing this one too. Then again, I admit I am a sinner who needs redemption.

Both Trump and Vance make several judgmental statements about Zelensky and Ukraine.

Vance: “Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media...Do you think that is respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?”

Trump: "You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III...And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have.”

Vance: “You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October.”

Vance: “Accept that there are disagreements, and let’s go litigate those disagreements rather than trying to fight it out in the American media when you’re wrong. We know that you’re wrong.”

These statements express strong judgments about Zelensky's actions, motivations, and the state of his country.

The Sermon on the Mount presents a vision of ethical behavior, emphasizing compassion, humility, peacemaking, and a rejection of hypocrisy. Several points in the meeting stood in stark contrast to these teachings. There are instances that prioritize self-importance, judgment, and conditional support, contrasting with the principles of meekness, unconditional love, and non-judgment. A truly "Sermon on the Mount" approach would prioritize the well-being of the Ukrainian people, seek a just and lasting peace, and act with genuine humility and compassion, rather than focusing on political gains or perceived slights. 

To put it bluntly, this was an ambush and shake down by Trump and Vance to put Zelensky in his place while trying to extort Ukraine for their help.