Parents today are navigating a minefield of cultural pressures and emotional challenges. One of the most harrowing scenarios a parent can face occurs when their child experiences deep distress often related to gender identity. The child might suggest that if their desire for transition isn’t affirmed, they might resort to suicide. This places a parent in an agonizing position, caught between profound love for their child and deeply held convictions.
But let’s pause and examine the underlying logic that unfolds if a parent concedes to such a demand, specifically because of the threat of self-harm. If the argument “You must agree to X (e.g., gender transition), or I will kill myself” becomes the determining factor for a parent’s decision, what principle has been established in the parent-child relationship?
The Logic of Emotional Coercion
We must carefully consider the precedent set. If a parent agrees to a significant, life-altering, and potentially irreversible decision like biological sex alteration based on the threat of suicide, a powerful and dangerous lesson is inadvertently taught: that the threat of self-harm is a valid and effective means to achieve one’s desires, regardless of their nature.
This scenario can be examined through the lens of a fundamental logical principle, often discussed in terms of Modus Ponens (If P, then Q. P; therefore Q). Let’s see how this could be distorted in this context:
Premise 1 (P): “If I (the child) threaten self-harm…”
Consequence (Q): “…then my parent will concede to my demand (Demand A: e.g., gender transition) to prevent that harm.”
If the parent acts on this and concedes, the child observes that P indeed leads to Q. Demand A is met.
Now, what happens when the child has another significant desire (Demand B, C, D, etc.) that the parent might otherwise refuse?
Could this not become: “If I threaten self-harm, my parent will give me a car at 16”?
Or: “If I threaten self-harm, my parent will let me drop out of school”?
Or: “If I threaten self-harm, my parent will allow [any other behavior or demand they would typically guide against]”?
The logical conclusion is stark: if the threat of suicide is the ultimate trump card that overrides parental judgment, wisdom, and values for one major life decision, there is no logical stopping point. The same reasoning – “If I don’t get X, I will harm myself” – could be applied to virtually any demand. The parent, having already yielded to this form of emotional coercion once, would find it increasingly difficult to resist it again without appearing inconsistent in their “commitment” to preventing their child’s self-harm by any means necessary.
This is not to diminish the reality of a child’s pain or confusion. Such feelings are real and must be met with compassion, professional help, and deep spiritual guidance. However, true compassion does not mean abandoning discernment. It does not enable a dynamic where decisions are made under the most extreme duress. This sets a pattern for future interactions.
God’s Unchanging Design
As believers, our ultimate guide in these complex situations is the unchanging Word of God. Scripture is clear about God’s foundational design for humanity. From the very beginning, He established two distinct and complementary sexes: male and female.
“So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.”
(Genesis 1:27, ESV)1
This divine order is reaffirmed by Jesus Christ Himself in the New Testament:
“He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female…'”
(Matthew 19:4, ESV)
Our identity as male or female is a gift from God, an integral part of His creative purpose. While we must always approach those who struggle with love, patience, and a listening ear, we cannot endorse or facilitate actions that contradict God’s clear and loving design for our lives. True help involves guiding our children towards an acceptance of God’s truth and finding peace within His framework, not capitulating to demands that can lead to further brokenness and deviate from His ordained path.
We must pray for wisdom. We must pray for courage. We also need an abundance of God’s love to navigate these challenges. We should hold fast to the truth that He has revealed.
While Darwinian evolution is a cornerstone of modern biology, it has faced ongoing criticism from various groups and individuals. Here are seven arguments often raised by those who view Darwinian Evolution as a myth:
Alleged Lack of Transitional Fossils: Critics argue that the fossil record does not show the numerous transitional forms that would be expected if all life evolved gradually from common ancestors. They point to perceived gaps in the fossil record as evidence against Darwin’s theory of slow, gradual change. Some sources highlight that even Darwin acknowledged the rarity of transitional forms as a significant objection to his theory.
Irreducible Complexity: This argument, prominently put forward by proponents of Intelligent Design, claims that some biological systems are so complex that their individual parts would have no function on their own and therefore could not have evolved gradually through natural selection. Examples often cited include the bacterial flagellum and the human eye. The idea is that these structures must have appeared as a complete unit.
Problems with the Origin of Life: Some critics contend that Darwinian evolution does not adequately explain the origin of life itself from non-living matter (abiogenesis). They argue that the chemical processes required to produce the first living cells are too improbable to have occurred by chance. The origin of the genetic code (DNA) is also highlighted as a major hurdle that unguided chemical processes supposedly cannot explain.
Inadequacy of Random Mutations and Natural Selection: A central tenet of Darwinism is that random mutations provide the raw material for evolution, and natural selection then filters these mutations. Critics question whether these mechanisms are sufficient to account for the complexity and diversity of life. Some argue that random mutations are predominantly harmful and cannot generate the new genetic information required for significant evolutionary changes or new complex structures.
The Cambrian Explosion: This refers to a period in Earth’s history (around 541 million years ago) when most major animal phyla appear relatively suddenly in the fossil record. Critics argue that this rapid diversification of life forms challenges the gradualistic model of Darwinian evolution and that new species appeared abruptly without clear evolutionary precursors.
Questionable Evidence and “Iconic” Examples: Some arguments focus on debunking or questioning specific pieces of evidence historically used to support evolution, such as a re-evaluation of the significance of vertebrate embryos, or claims that some widely cited examples of evolution (like peppered moths) are flawed or misrepresented. The argument is that some “proofs” of evolution are not as solid as portrayed.
Conflicts with Religious or Philosophical Beliefs: For many, opposition to Darwinian evolution stems from its perceived conflict with religious accounts of creation and the nature of humanity. The idea that life, including humans, arose through a purely natural, unguided process is seen as contradicting the belief in a purposeful creator. Some also argue that evolutionary theory has been used to support a materialistic worldview that they find objectionable.
In today’s hyper-polarized world, few figures are as emblematic of cognitive bias in public perception as Donald Trump. Whether admired or despised, Trump is often judged not through a balanced evaluation of facts, but through a psychological lens known as the halo effect — or its darker counterpart, the horn effect. These mental shortcuts can distort our understanding and, when applied to political leaders, become dangerous forces in society.
Politics in America has often been likened to a combat sport, so this isn’t a new phenomenon. I recall when George W. Bush was president, and there was a significant amount of animosity directed toward him. However, the current situation is a different matter entirely. The concerning reality we face today is that this aggressive mentality has infiltrated our churches and is impacting American Christians at an alarming rate.
The Halo Effect: Idolizing a Leader
The halo effect is a cognitive bias that occurs when our overall impression of a person, brand, or object influences our perception of their other traits. For instance, if someone is physically attractive, we also assume they are intelligent, kind, or competent, even without evidence to support those assumptions. This effect can impact various situations, such as hiring decisions, product reviews, and personal relationships. Conversely, a negative trait can lead to a “horn effect,” causing us to view other qualities less favorably.
The halo effect occurs when one positive characteristic leads us to assume other unrelated positive qualities about a person. For many Trump supporters, his perceived strength, decisiveness, or status as an outsider makes them believe he is also effective, truthful, or morally upright, despite contradictory evidence. A single perceived strength can shape the overall perception of him, influencing how people interpret new information regarding his actions and character.
This effect can lead to blind loyalty, where any criticism is dismissed as biased or conspiratorial. It can also cause serious issues to be overlooked, as the individual is viewed through an idealized lens. This phenomenon isn’t exclusive to Trump; the halo effect has influenced perceptions of many political figures throughout history.
The Horn Effect: Demonizing a Figure
The horn effect is the opposite of the halo effect. It is a cognitive bias where one negative trait or impression about a person, brand, or thing leads us to assume other negative traits, even when there is no real basis for those assumptions. For example, if someone is rude during a single interaction, we might unfairly conclude that they are also lazy, untrustworthy, or incompetent overall. Like the halo effect, the horn effect can distort our judgment and result in unfair evaluations.
Similar to the halo effect, the horn effect describes how one negative trait can influence perception and distort overall judgment. Critics of Trump disapprove of his tone, word choices, or policy decisions, leading them to conclude that he is incompetent, immoral, or consistently incorrect. Consequently, even neutral or effective actions are seen as malicious simply because they come from someone unpopular.
This bias can prevent constructive dialogue and hinder efforts to understand or improve policy. It can even backfire — reinforcing tribalism and pushing undecided voters to rally behind someone simply because they feel the criticism is unfair.
The Importance of This for Society
Reducing complex figures to simple caricatures—portraying them as either saints or villains—hinders our critical thinking. The halo and horn effects make it difficult to hold leaders accountable in meaningful ways. Supporters might excuse unethical behavior, while opponents may dismiss policies that could actually be beneficial.
Furthermore, these biases create divisions within society, causing Americans to turn against each other. They foster echo chambers, polarize the media, and contribute to a political climate where meaningful dialogue feels unattainable. Democracies rely on informed citizens who can assess evidence and explore diverse perspectives. When cognitive biases take precedence, this crucial foundation becomes weakened.
Moreover, when Christians and churches give in to cognitive dissonance, it can lead to sin and disregard the teachings of the Bible. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in love, not hate, and to worship only the triune God of Scripture.
The First Cure: Self-Awareness is the Essential First Step
In our pursuit of progress, understanding our surroundings and ourselves is essential. Awareness serves as the foundation for meaningful change, guiding us to make informed decisions and encouraging personal growth. By prioritizing awareness, we unlock new possibilities and create a path toward a brighter future.
We’re all susceptible to the halo and horn effects — they’re part of being human. But recognizing them is the first step toward seeing more clearly. Ask yourself: “Am I judging this person’s actions fairly, or am I letting one impression cloud everything else?” We don’t have to agree on the solutions, but we should all strive to think beyond our biases.
As Christians, it is essential for us to resist the temptation to hate, even when our anger is directed towards an obviously immoral individual. Scripture provides clear guidance on how to navigate cognitive dissonance in politics. We must firmly resolve to never worship any man, regardless of whether that individual has miraculously survived an assassination attempt.
The Second Cure: Worship only God
Faithful followers of God are guided by biblical teachings to worship only one entity: the triune God of the Bible—Yahweh, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit (the Trinity). The Old Testament explicitly emphasizes this point: “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3 ESV). Additionally, it states, “It is the LORD your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve, and by His name you shall swear. You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the peoples who are around you—for the LORD your God in your midst is a jealous God—lest the anger of the LORD your God be kindled against you, and He destroy you from off the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 6:13–15 ESV).
This concept is also reflected in the New Testament. In Matthew 4:10 (ESV), Jesus says, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'” Additionally, 1 Corinthians 8:5–6 (ESV) states, “For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.”
The Third Cure: Walk in Love – Not Hate
What is most shocking in modern Christian society is the level of hatred directed at our politicians and, by extension, those on the opposite side of the political spectrum. The Bible exhorts believers to prioritize love over all things, as Jesus lived: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1–2 ESV). Moreover, Christians are forbidden to hate, even those who persecute us:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:43–48 (ESV)
This is a harsh criticism of those who claim to be Christians but openly express hatred for Donald Trump. I witness this daily, particularly in response to my writings. While I am not a blind supporter of Donald Trump, my blog posts often provoke outrageous anger from “so-called” Christians who consider me shameful for not openly condemning the current president.
In conclusion, politics is not a religion; as faithful Christians, we worship God. It is important to recognize that God plays a sovereign role in establishing leadership (Romans 13:1-7), and we should take this seriously when it comes to judgment or deliverance. If you claim to be a faithful follower of what the Bible teaches us, walk in love and purge yourself of the hate that is infecting your soul like a cancer unto the body.
Here is an insightful litmus test for anyone willing to confront this issue: Do you pray for Donald J. Trump? Did you pray for Joe Biden during his time in office, as well as for Obama or Clinton? If your answer is no, it reinforces my argument. To assist those who struggle to find the right words, I am including an Anglican prayer that addresses this situation. If you can’t find a way to pray for the leader of the free world, the person in charge of your government, and the head of the United States of America, this prayer will help.
For the President and all in Civil Authority
O Lord our Governor, whose glory fills all the world: We commend this Nation to your merciful care, that we may be guided by your providence, and dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of this Nation, the Governor of this State [or Commonwealth], and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them continually mindful of their calling to serve this people in reverent obedience to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
The voice was still, yet shook the skies, A whisper wrapped in thunder’s cries: “Come, bearer of the broken heart, Lift up your cross — and not in part.” With trembling hands and faltering breath, I stepped into the path of death, Where every step, though steep and grim, Was lightened by a trust in Him.
The Way
The path was rough with stone and thorn, And shoulders, weary, bruised and torn, Yet in the burden, mystery— That weight became my liberty. The world would laugh, the proud would scorn, Yet by this cross, my soul was born. For faith is not a painted sigh; It is to live, and bleed, and die.
The Cost
O many flee when flames arise, And seek their crowns by easy guise. But love will pay the dearest price— It fashions life from sacrifice. Not hollow words or grand pretense, But scars worn in obedience; Not shallow creeds nor fleeting aims, But fires endured in Jesus’ name.
The Boldness
So raise the banner, bold and bright, Through storm and shadow, bear the Light! Not in the strength of fleshly hands, But armed in trust that Christ commands. Speak truth though nations rage and roar; Stand firm though hell may shake the floor. Yet let not pride corrupt the song— The mighty boast is still all wrong.
The Humility
For what have I but borrowed breath? A clay-made soul, deserving death. Yet Love, unearned, has clothed my shame; And Mercy calls me by His name. Thus let me walk with bowed head low, Though flames may dance and tempests blow. Let courage wear a servant’s face, And strength be clothed in quiet grace.
Fear and Trembling
And when I come before His feet, Where thunder, silence, judgment meet— No proud defense, no loud acclaim, No boasting lips shall speak my name. But fear and trembling fill the air, As glory burns beyond all prayer. And grace alone shall make me stand, A cross still graven on my hand.
