By Nco Dube | 25 October 2024

In recen years, the rise of populist right-wing politics has intertwined alarmingly with charismatic Christianity, creating a potent and often troubling alliance. This relationship is particularly evident in the United States, where figures like Donald Trump have harnessed the fervor of evangelical voters to propel their political agendas. 

As we examine this phenomenon, it becomes clear that charismatic Christianity’s susceptibility to right-wing ideology is not merely a coincidence but rather a confluence of cultural, social, and political factors that have emboldened evangelicals to embrace extreme right-wing politics. This trend is not confined to America; it has also found roots in other parts of the world, including South Africa, where parties like the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) are echoing some of these sentiments. 

The Charismatic Christian Landscape

Charismatic Christianity, characterised by its emphasis on personal experiences of faith, emotional worship, and a belief in the active presence of the Holy Spirit, has gained significant traction in recent decades. This movement often prioritises spiritual experience over dogma or doctrinal orthodoxy, making it more adaptable to various cultural contexts. 

Charismatic Christians are typically drawn to leaders who promise not only spiritual renewal but also financial, social or political transformation. This desire for change can make them particularly vulnerable to populist rhetoric that frames political issues in terms of moral crises and existential threats.

The Appeal of Populism

Populist leaders often position themselves as champions of the “common people” against a perceived elite that is out of touch with their needs. This narrative resonates deeply with many evangelicals who feel marginalised in an increasingly secular society. 

The promise of restoring  “Christian Values into the State” or similar nationalistic rhetoric plays into their fears and aspirations. Trump’s rise to power exemplifies this dynamic; he positioned himself as a defender of traditional values against liberal elites, effectively galvanising evangelical support despite his personal shortcomings, glaring moral flaws and controversial policies.

The appeal lies not just in shared values but also in a sense of belonging to a larger movement. Many evangelicals see themselves as part of a divine plan to reclaim their nation from moral decay, which makes them more willing to overlook the questionable ethics or policies of leaders who promise to advance their agenda. Trump’s ability to speak directly to evangelical concerns like abortion rights, religious freedom, and opposition to LGBTQ+ rights; while simultaneously embodying many behaviours they traditionally oppose is a testament to this complex relationship.

The Blind Loyalty to Israel and Zionism

Another significant aspect of this alliance is the blind loyalty many evangelicals exhibit toward Israel and Zionism. Christian Zionism, a movement that interprets biblical prophecies as endorsing the return of Jews to Israel, has gained traction among evangelicals who view this as a fulfilment of divine will. 

Figures like Gayton McKenzie of the PA (and Minister of Sports, arts and Culture) and Kenneth Meshoe of the ACDP advocate for unwavering support for Israel, framing it as both a moral obligation and a theological imperative. This support often overshadows critical engagement with the realities on the ground in Palestine. 

Many evangelicals adopt a binary worldview that positions Israel as righteous and its adversaries as threats not only to national security of that country but also to divine purpose in the world. Such perspectives can lead to an uncritical acceptance of Israeli policies that perpetuate violence or injustice against Palestinians, both Christians and Muslims alike.

The theological justification for this blind loyalty often hinges on selective biblical interpretations citing verses like Genesis 12:3 as evidence that blessing Israel brings God’s favour. However, this approach raises profound ethical dilemmas: how can one reconcile unwavering support for a nation with policies that contribute to so much suffering of fellow human beings? By prioritising political allegiance over humanitarian concerns, evangelicals risk compromising their moral integrity.

The Global Impact

The implications of this alliance extend throughout the world. Trump’s previous presidency in the US has emboldened evangelical movements worldwide, encouraging them to adopt similar populist strategies. In many countries, charismatic leaders have emerged who mimic Trump’s approach by blending religious fervor with nationalist rhetoric. In South Africa this has been witnessed with the rise of leaders like Gayton McKenzie and his Patriotic Alliance.

This has led to an alarming normalisation of extreme right-wing politics within evangelical circles globally. In South Africa, for example, the ACDP has sought to position itself as a voice for Christians in a diverse and often contentious political landscape. While the party claims to uphold Christian values and morality, its alignment with populist rhetoric reflects a broader trend where religious identity is leveraged for political gain. 

The ACDP’s platform often includes strong opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights while promoting conservative social policies that resonate with its evangelical base. Moreover, their pro-Israel stance can alienate other communities within South Africa that do not share these views or that have historical ties with Palestine as seen with the PA being rejected by Coloured Muslims when it had positioned itself as a Coloured nationalist party. This dynamic underscores how blind loyalty can exacerbate existing tensions rather than promote unity or reconciliation.

The Comfort with Extremism

One might wonder why charismatic Christians are comfortable aligning themselves with figures who may embody extreme right-wing ideologies or questionable ethics. The answer lies in several interconnected factors:

1. Shared Values: Many evangelicals prioritise specific issues—such as opposition to abortion or support for Israel, over broader ethical considerations. This selective alignment allows them to rationalise support for leaders who may not embody traditional Christian virtues.
2. Fear and Anxiety: In an era marked by rapid social change and increasing secularism, many evangelicals experience fear about their place in society. Populist leaders capitalize on this anxiety by presenting themselves as protectors against perceived threats—whether from immigration, globalization, or cultural shifts.
3. Community and Identity: For many evangelicals, their faith is intertwined with their national identity. Leaders who speak to this intersection can forge strong emotional connections with their followers. This sense of belonging can lead individuals to overlook problematic aspects of their leaders’ behaviour or policies.
4. Moral Justification: There exists a belief among some evangelicals that they are engaged in a spiritual battle against evil forces, both seen and unseen. This perspective can lead them to justify alliances with questionable figures if they believe those figures are being ‘used’ for divine good.

The Dangers Ahead

The blending of charismatic Christianity with extreme right-wing politics poses significant dangers—not only for the church but for society at large. When faith becomes politicised in this way, it risks losing its transformative power and moral authority. Instead of being a force for compassion and justice, the church can become an enabler of division and intolerance. 

Moreover, this alliance undermines the core tenets of Christianity that emphasise love, grace, and humility. By aligning themselves with populist agendas that often promote exclusionary practices or discriminatory policies including those affecting Palestinians, they risk compromising their witness in the world. 

In South Africa, where diversity is both a strength and a challenge, the PA’s and ACDP’s approach could exacerbate existing tensions rather than promote unity or reconciliation. By promoting an agenda that may alienate other communities or stifle dialogue on critical issues such as poverty and inequality, they risk further entrenching divisions within society.

A Call for Reflection

As we navigate these complex dynamics between charismatic Christianity and right-wing politics including uncritical support for Zionism, it is crucial for evangelicals and indeed all people of faith to engage in deep reflection about their values and priorities. Are they willing to sacrifice core principles for political power? Are they prepared to confront uncomfortable truths about their leaders? 

The church must reclaim its prophetic voice a voice that speaks truth to power while advocating for justice and compassion rather than exclusionary nationalism or blind allegiance based on theological misinterpretations. In doing so, evangelicals can forge a path forward that honours their faith while engaging constructively in the public square—a path that seeks not just political power but genuine transformation rooted in love and service.

Conclusion

The intersection of charismatic Christianity and dangerous right-wing politics presents both challenges and opportunities for believers today. While there are legitimate concerns about cultural shifts that threaten traditional values, aligning with extreme ideologies including uncritical support for Israel undermines the very essence of what it means to follow Christ.

As we witness this troubling trend unfold across the globe—from Trump’s America to South Africa’s ACDP and PA it is imperative for evangelicals to critically assess their alliances and priorities. Faith should inspire action rooted in love rather than fear; it should unite rather than divide. Ultimately, true transformation comes not from political power but from living out the radical message of Jesus a message that calls us toward humility, grace, and unconditional love for all people regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. 

Only then can we hope to build societies that reflect these values rather than succumb to the allure of populism wrapped in religious rhetoric. 

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on Radio and various newspapers. Read more of his articles here: www. ncodube.blog)