Trump, Cyrus, and the False Dichotomy of Values
Written on 22 April 2025.
Trump, Cyrus, and the False Dichotomy of Values
Political Values Don't Save
Many Christians in America today have placed their hope in political movements, especially in the figure of Donald Trump. Some view him as a defender of traditional values, a protector of free speech, a fighter against globalism, and a man willing to stand up to the powers that be. But here's the spiritual danger: values do not save. Only Jesus Christ does.
Trump as a Cyrus Figure
Biblically, some compare Trump to Cyrus, the Persian king used by God to accomplish His purpose even though he did not know God personally (Isaiah 45). Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. In the same way, many see Trump as someone used by God, not because of personal righteousness, but because of divine appointment.
But there’s a difference between being used by God and being redeemed by God. Only those washed in the blood of Jesus Christ are saved. Patriotism, traditional values, or even standing for Christian principles do not mean someone is saved.
The False Choice: Republican vs Democrat
The political world trains people to think in false dichotomies: Republican or Democrat, good values or bad values, freedom or tyranny. But this isn't how the Bible defines righteousness. The Bible says:
There is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans 3:10, KJV)
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3, KJV)
Both parties are part of a fallen world system. The whole world lies in the evil one (1 John 5:19). That includes both Republican pride and Democratic rebellion. People may avoid tyranny by aligning with "freedom" values, but they can still be lost without Christ.
Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) and the Fear of Tyranny
Those who oppose Trump often fall into Trump Derangement Syndrome—a near-obsessive hatred and fear of what he represents. But can we blame them? If they’re not saved, they don’t want to live under what they perceive as tyranny, high standards, or exclusion. To them, Trump represents a system they can’t live up to, and they panic.
But those who support Trump can fall into the opposite trap—believing they are saved or righteous because they support him or his policies.
The Real Standard Is Jesus Christ
No man, no president, no policy can be the standard. The only true standard is Jesus Christ, who died for sinners and rose again. Whether you’re a proud patriot or a fearful protester, the call is the same:
Repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15, KJV)
There is no salvation in America. There is no salvation in Trump. There is salvation only in Jesus Christ.