Christian Faith in the Age of Trump
Lessons from the Gospel Story of Barabbas
In the Gospels, a pivotal scene takes place not long after Jesus’ arrest. Pilate, having interrogated him and found no evidence of a crime, offers to release him. But the people gathered at the praetorium shout for the release of Barabbas instead.
Since it’s Passover, the custom is for the Roman governor to release one prisoner. But Barabbas is a zealot condemned for murder and insurrection. Pilate would much rather release Jesus if he could. But the crowd is adamant, so in the end Pilate lets Barabbas go and washes his hands of the matter.
I’ve been thinking about this scene a lot lately. The more I see the rise of so-called “Christian nationalism,” with so many American Christians equating Donald Trump with Jesus, the more I question whether there is simply a fundamental incompatibility between Christianity and human nature.
What do I mean by that?
Jesus’ Dark Doppelganger
Well, if you read the Gospels closely, and understand the historical context in which they were written, you cannot help but notice the important symbolism of the scene I’ve been describing. Right here, the Evangelists are presenting us with a stark binary, a choice between two kinds of faith.
