Dear Bob, 

Thank you for an invitation. It is not easy to comment on the words of Pope Francis of the American candidate Donald Trump. I think, however, that the Pope Francis uses the theological  rhetoric and similar words spoke as well about the need for the reception of refugees from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan in Europe. I agree that mature Christianity opens hearts. However, naive Christianity express  imprudence, lack of foresight so not everyone in the world agrees with the appeal of Pope Francis.

Dear Bob, Donald Trump is not my favorite too for the US head. Perhaps he is brilliant money-generator but for me seems too radical about human affairs. 

I won't go there. LOL, but in all seriousness.

It might be (most probably) that Pope Franziskus chose/said the right word (we do not know what he had in his mind at the same time...guess what!). As an Austrian citizen I can tell only that suspicuosly I find, see and observe some faces and probably of some US politicians as well as social commitment of a particular class of population....

But: "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone" *)

...US-people (not only US) in the end will get what they deserve....  

NB: Note added 2016-02-27: *) Napoleon Ono in his reply #144 below:

"Let the person without sin cast the first stone at the sinner "

The true attitude to the deed in the life of this world every layman will be done in another life after death. Rogue (he was executed together with Christ) went to heaven, because he genuinely repented before his own death. Nobody knows the fate of any Christian after his death. No one can know what is available only to the Creator.

I am not Catholic, and in general, I distrust leaders of most organizations of any kind, but as many others do, I like this Pope.  He is, quite apparently, a very kind soul, and what upsets him should likely upset everyone.  I notice he was also careful not to slander, by noting that "...he would give Trump the benefit of the doubt to determine if he really said the things attributed to him."  We have to be conscious of such things, even when transgressions seem obvious.  - Cheers

Dear Bob, 

Thank you for an invitation. It is not easy to comment on the words of Pope Francis of the American candidate Donald Trump. I think, however, that the Pope Francis uses the theological  rhetoric and similar words spoke as well about the need for the reception of refugees from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan in Europe. I agree that mature Christianity opens hearts. However, naive Christianity express  imprudence, lack of foresight so not everyone in the world agrees with the appeal of Pope Francis.

Dear Bob, Donald Trump is not my favorite too for the US head. Perhaps he is brilliant money-generator but for me seems too radical about human affairs. 

I would go with the statement of Jerry Falwell Jr. (President of the conservative Christian Liberty University):  "Jesus never intended to give instructions to political leaders on how to run a country".

Hello dear colleagues, I shall NOT JUDGE Trump or anyone for that matter.  Now does anyone have RIGHT TO DECIDE A PERSON'S DESTINY.  Is not heaven the place for REPENTANT SINNERS?  And if a person continues to sin until the final moments of life, is his repentance then not able to qualify him/her for heaven, as one who escapes through the flames, like the dying thief in Scriptures.  Furthermore, do we not see so much lack of zeal and hypocrisy among many who profess faith in Christ?  (But at times,  I see some Buddhist/ Hindu colleagues who practice more righteousness. FAR BETTER TO JUDGE MYSELF, AND BE QUICK TO CORRECT MY ERRORS.)

Donald Trump is human being and deserves respect. The ideas he has defended during his political campaign expose the worst part of him. As he is so rich, he should have kept these less constructive behavior for himself. That guy needs help.

Trump is the black hole of US politics. I sure hope all that gravity pull will keep him there. May his gravitational wave never ever be detected by LIGO.

Lilliana

Many political experts will not take Donald Trump's quest for the Republican presidential nomination seriously, possibly for good reason. Trump, most notable for his vast real estate empire, wealth, bankruptcies, reality TV show, high profile divorces, and of late, his brash political statements, professes to be a Christian. As The Christian Post reported Tuesday, he even claims he would be "the greatest jobs president God ever created."

While Trump might not be popular with a large segment of the Republican Party, many voters no longer feel connected to Washington or what they see as a professional and entrenched political class. With his populist streak, Trump may appeal to these voters. Below are six facts about Donald Trump and his professed Christian faith.

1. Speaking to CBN News in May, Donald Trump declared: "I will be the greatest representative of the Christians they've had in a long time."

2. Trump says he's Presbyterian and previously attended services with the Reformed Church of America denomination.

3. After previously making statements favorable toward the right to abortion, Trump now claims to be pro-life.

Yes, I want Breaking Christian News

4. When asked by Bill O'Reilly if there was a "Muslim problem in the world," Trump answered "yes."

In a 2011 interview, Trump added, "absolutely, absolutely, I don't notice Swedish people knocking down the World Trade Center." Trump backed up his statement later saying, "We have to speak the truth, this country is so politically correct, and it's falling apart."

5. Donald Trump has called the Bible "The Book, it is the thing."

In fact, he collects Bibles because he claims so many people send him Bibles. Trump says he saves and stores them because, "There's no way I would do anything negative to a Bible."

6. Trump has praised evangelical leaders Tony Perkins and Ralph Reed, saying "they have great reputations."

http://m.christianpost.com/news/6-interesting-facts-about-donald-trumps-christian-faith-140522/?m=1

Very dear Bob, with all due respect, I believe that the more we discuss Trump the more presence we give him in our lives. Frankly, he is right now too present. Why not just stop discussing Trump? We will not be missing anything, not even Trump. Let's stop bringing Trump into our lives, much less into our intellectual, and professional lives. I say good bye, now. I will unfollow this question.

Warmest regards, Lilliana

Donald Trump's remark is often too radical and lacks dignity. So, the Pope's words, "… this man is not Christian if he has said things like that," I think, is quite natural.

Dear Bob, I think Trump is trying with deep populist style. Like Latinamerican radical populists leaders say all our problems (I am argentinian) are related with northern greediness, i.e., US, Trump says all US problems are due to inmigration, latins, etc. He suggests: "Take all of them out and we shall live in paradise". The best part of this kind of statements and perhaps analysis is their simplicity. Simplicity is always convenient in politics. All dictators during XX Century simplified their speeches and political analysis. Of course, no of them spoke well about the level of humanity in their respective countries. I think that all this considerations are previous to religious ones... The matter is not if Trump is a Christian, but if he and their supporters are indeed human when they affirm this kind of things.

Dear Bob, I think Trump is trying with deep populist style. Like Latinamerican radical populists leaders say all our problems (I am argentinian) are related with northern greediness, i.e., US, Trump says all US problems are due to inmigration, latins, etc. He suggests: "Take all of them out and we shall live in paradise". The best part of this kind of statements and perhaps analysis is their simplicity. Simplicity is always convenient in politics. All dictators during XX Century simplified their speeches and political analysis. Of course, no of them spoke well about the level of humanity in their respective countries. I think that all this considerations are previous to religious ones... The matter is not if Trump is a Christian, but if he and their supporters are indeed human when they affirm this kind of things.

Building the walls is not Christian act! That is true, and Donald Trump is not the only one. Watch the Europe and immigrant's crisis. They are returning refugees back home!!!

Dear @Bob, Donald Trump fires back to Pope Francis! 

6 Interesting Facts About Donald Trump's Christian Faith is an interesting article.

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/18/politics/pope-francis-trump-christian-wall/

http://www.christianpost.com/news/6-interesting-facts-about-donald-trumps-christian-faith-140522/

Politics and religion must remain different business. Islamic states have the problem to mix them perpetually and we see the results.

On the other hand if someone constructs his image on his ethical principles then he is obliged to respect them at least rhetorically. "Fake it untill you do it " would be the least to expect. 

The fact that Trump is chronically INCONSISTENT and CONTRADICTORY must be a capital error in politics. Normally no one should vote for him, just because of inconsistence.

Why do the people accept inconsistence and contradiction in politics, this is another question. But it is a big danger for democracy. I think that they do this just because they want to be so "rich and happy" as the candidate. They believe that lie and fake is a solution for success. Do not forget, it is our mission as teachers and researchers to increase the general level of education of the people. If we do not succeed in this, we are also guilty for the results.

of course NOT ! a Christian does not support any of his ideas !!, he is really an hypocrite!, his speeches even worse than 'an eye for an eye' ! of course islam fights back and this is a problem, including fanaticism and hate, and they try to convert the rest world. It is easy to understand that all this mean lack of love for human according to their actions and their behaviour, strong restrictions in mind, behaviour, knowlegde, education, misic, etc, and many of them ask for a 'spark' to destroy (although in muslim religion it is considerd thet only them are right and all others are not just unbelievers but condemned). On the other hand western 'independent' photos and writtings, are frequently IMPΑTIENT for them.

There is no science here involved, please refrain about this type of question that has nothing to do with the ResearchGate

Untrue, I think that this is a question for sociology and other branches of science. Usually, I say that what U.S. politicians and religious leaders say does not reflect the ideology of the American people. However, for some reason many of America's citizens ARE for what Trump spouts. To my horror, several of my friends are on the Trump band wagon. Some say this support is due to past "political correctness" taken too far, that is now is rebounding the opposite direction. Others say that they are tired of politicians and think that it is time for a non-politician to run the country. This election is going to give sociologists and psychologists years of study and a multitude of papers. A great orator he is not, but somehow he still draws people to hes cause - whatever that is???

Dear all. Please remember.

Quote from the Gospel (Matthew 7: 1-2): "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you."

In all things be civil and professional.

I don't know!

Dear Remi Cornwall,

Thank you for your insightful commentary; you make several good points (and make them very clearly, and with most interesting theatrical metaphors, that zing like arrows from an Englishman's longbow straight to the core of my brain) that I had not heretofore considered clearly.

Best regards,

Bob

Dear Jacques Gilloteaux,

Thank you for your opinion [that this question has nothing to do with science and shouldn't be asked on RG], but I beg to differ. It deals with several different "sciences," not the least of them being "political science." I also thank you for your magnanimity (and gracious humanity) in not down-voting the question!

Best regards,

Bob

 I also must do a small correction. I wrote earlier """Politics and religion must remain different business. Islamic states have the problem to mix them perpetually and we see the results.""" Yes I believe this, specially from the constitutional point of view. But this restriction should be put only to politicians. On the other side men of religion like the pope are indebted to take attitude and to speak in the name of the principles they are defending. Pope Francis did it of course very well and to the right moment. HE IS DEFINITELY RIGHT. But now we will see how much does it count for the opinion of so many self-proclamed christians!

@ Remi Cornwall "Earlier, I alluded to DT being the "Little Horn". This must make his running mate the Whore of Babylon and the NRA a choir of assembled demons."

Dear Remi, I hope your analysis of this prophecy is incorrect, otherwise I fear we shall likely see a lot more of Sarah Palin [she was/is a great supporter of "W's" illegal war that last brought destruction upon Babylon] ! Ha ha a ah ah ah ahaha ha ah aah ah!

I think you may have missed-your-true-calling in following the dreary discipline of physics ... the world of political punditry could certainly use your acerbic (and oh-so-well-honed) wit.

Thank you, again, for the lift-of-spirits it gives me to read your comments.

Best regards,

Bob

Dear Bob,

I do not know Donald Trump and do not use to follow his performance and manner. I have no idea on his religious status or faith. I only know from my experience that there are very few faithful and honest wo/man among politicians. Regarding, that the changes of the world approach the evil and immorality, politicians may be rather disciples of the evil.  

"The prince of this world cometh: and he hath nothing in me." John 14:30

I'm sorry, but for me this is not an interesting question on ResearchGate. Anyway, we have more reason to respect Donald Trump than anything else.

His Holiness the Pope's words seems like not an official statement from the Head of Roman Catholic Church, but more of a very personal view from another individual human being!

As another individual my thoughts is.........whether Christian or not, Donald Trump is a menace! his stupid (allegedly) rants seems to be from the Cold War Era rather than 21st century! He might be a success as a trade union leader rather than the elected Head of a Democratic Nation!

Good Luck United States of America

Donald Trump is a Republican, so he cannot alienate the Christian conservatives that seem to be running the Republican Party these days.

However, people should not misunderstand. The Christian conservatives that are now in the Republican Party are often, I want to say usually, not Roman Catholics. So they do not necessarily, or even often, agree with what Pope Francis may have to say. In this particular case, for instance, Pope Francis is taking the liberal view, whereas Christian conservatives tend to be also politically conservative.

Donald Trump does not follow the strict Republican party line, as it is today, by any means. On matters of immigration, he probably agrees with many Christian conservatives. On many other topics, not at all.

I know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of books and academic studies out there, but aren't the Pied Pipers of history fascinating? The tooting of the horn. The hypnotic swaying of the instrument as it weaves music and motion together. The enthralled populace as they are enticed along their way to inevitable doom.

Dear Bob,

basically I really like this question and it is important to discuss it. With my simple answer I have scored till now 5 up-votes, that is almost more points than RG has given to me for a complete new chapter in a Wiley Encyclopedia.

kind regards to Texas!!!

Ruediger

I doubt if he is and if he is then he is not a born again Christian

It is well. Laughs

Whether 'Atunbi' (Mulokole, Born-again) or not. - Religion (or their official habit) all the time was an essential issue in the elections of presidents in the US. For example Ronald Reagan, another 'Republican' and also 'Member of the Presbyterian Church' (such as Mr. Trump) was considerably supported by the votes of 'born-again' white Protestants (Source: Sider, J. and Knippers, D. (eds), Toward an Evangelical Public Policy: Political Strategies for the Health of the Nation, Baker Books, 2005, p.51.).

Regards Ruediger

@ Lawrence Broxmeyer, MD, said: "Obviously, Mr. Skiles, who for some incredible reason actually invited me here, hates Donald Trump." 

Dear Lawrence, my friend, I do not hate Donald Trump, but I am very disgusted by his hypocritical behavior (particularly in claiming the title "Christian" [from all evidences, a title only recently adopted as a political mantle], whilst engaging in very un-Christian acts and speech).

My best regards,

Bob

PS - I invited you, here, both because I respect your opinions, and I knew, as well, you would likely be able to provide the best defense of Mr. Trump, whom you love.

English is a Language which is common to communicate each other. so we may use it in research

Dear all:

"Respect for others", or the traditional concept --now perhaps less used-- of "tolerance", refers without doubt to values that are at the heart of democracy and democratic culture. 

It is not possible to conceive democracy if individuals do not respect each other's ideas, values, lifestyles. The idea of a homogeneous society has been recognized now for long as totalitarian. 

I don't think we are witnessing a political regression. I think the main trend is toward a more diverse world, an increasing respect for others and an expanding democracy. But this does not mean that are not possible occasional or temporary reactions against the main trend, due --for example-- to political or economic events. 

As for what one should do facing Trump's approach, I would apply the Sun Tzu's famous principle: "let your enemy defeat himself".

 Dear Bob,

In 1979, I laugh so much watching the movie ''Being There'' where Mr. Chance (Peter Sellers) a mentally retarded gardener rise its way up to the presidency.  It is amazing how prophetic that film has been.  In 1979 Ronal Reagan would finish his presidency with people always speaking for him because of his  Alzheimer's disease"  Then in 1995, George Walker Bush was elected . I still remember the title of a news paper in Europe:  ''A moron in the white house''. He was on the border of mental retardation.  And now Trump which is in Mr chance category is now a serious contender.  What is going on?????

If you consider, that the Jesuit Order (The Society of Jesus) was set up by Ignatius Loyola as a tool of the 'counter-reformation', than we have even a new conspiracy theory.

I wanted to share on this platform the following interesting statement of the 2nd president of the United States John Quincy Adams (an anti-mason by the way). - He wrote in May 1816,  to Thomas Jefferson (another icon in the history of the US) about the "restoration" of the Society of Jesus:

"I do not like the reappearance of the Jesuits.... Shall we not have regular swarms of them here, in as many disguises .........., dressed as printers, publishers, writers and schoolmasters? If ever there was a body of men who merited damnation on earth and in Hell, it is this society of Loyola’s. Nevertheless, we are compelled by our system of religious toleration to offer them an asylum." 

Catholic League president Bill Donohue claims that when Pope Francis suggested Donald Trump might not be Christian he was "set up" by a reporter!

http://edition.cnn.com/videos/politics/2016/02/18/trump-not-christian-pope-set-up-donohue-intv-nr.cnn

I really admire Lawrence,  Ljubomir, Lewis and Bob's arguments..great passionate responses..

regards

Dear Lawrence,

Der All,

A little note to the wall of Vatican which – hopefully - cannot be interpreted for the negative openness of Catholicism.  We live in a strange(?) world where Catholics and Christians are systematically persecuted and killed by prepared fanatics http://dova-international-charities.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_Nigeria

http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Christian-genocide-437124

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/12/hillary-clinton-christian-genocide-217215

Certainly, politics try to use events and deform original happenings, however it seems to me that there is a secret war started by clearly distinguishable fanatics and helped by average people of some cultures who traditionally call Christians as infidels or “Khawadia”.  Interestingly, many “Christians” turned atheists, and they approach – in the name of political correctness - to destroy their own culture as well as their biologic reproduction.  The results could be seen in New Year’s Eve assaults in Germany, Sweden, Austria, Danemark, Finland etc. Germany and Sweden might have attained the standard of sophisticated correctness as to be unable to protect their own citizens.   

What highly interesting or sad is that responsible politicians of the western world are discussing whether there is a Christian genocide or not?   

I know only, that civil organizations in Hungary collect money in order to help persecuted Christians in the Middle East and Nigeria. By the way, a highly emancipated bishop in Sweden wanted to remove crosses from a church.

http://www.anglicansamizdat.net/wordpress/christianity-lite/swedish-bishop-wants-to-remove-the-cross-from-her-church/

It is a brave new world? Is not it?

Thus, I can ask have Christians lost their sober mind and the ability of self-defence?

Ruediger,

I never knew John Quincy Adams said that about the Jesuits. It is interesting, because when Spain took formal possession of Louisiana from the French in 1767 they expelled all Jesuit priests and, in one case, massacred them.

C. Lewis,

What is "true democracy"? I have always said that I am an educated voter. By that I mean that I do not follow party lines just because they are my party, but that I can investigate and weigh the issues and make an educated decision about how to vote for the candidate or issue. My father was a staunch Democrat who voted party lines no matter how bad the choice. If a Republican introduced a really excellent legislative bill, say to promote education, my father would vote against it solely because it was sponsored by the opposite party. While there has always been an element of this, in today's United States it seems to be the rule, not the exception.

We have become not a two-party system that compromises by taking the best both have to offer, but rather a system where there are two parties, us and them. If by democracy you mean democratic process, then yes, we do still choose our leaders. However, if they are unwilling to cooperate and compromise, then I do not see this as democracy, I see it as a dis-functionality. Trump, I am afraid, furthers this dysfunctional status.

Dear Martina,

I am afraid, in secular Europe religion dos not really matter. What should matter is the culture and common human interests. It seems to me that approach of both became so deformed and indifferent that even the rape of our wives and daughters is a secondary question.  

Dear All,

Going back to Trump, the question is whether he is independent or only a straw man? If he is a straw man whose - hegemon - regent he will be, whose interests he will serve?     

Cut people down ...elevate himself ....wat you call Thad ?

"Cut people down ...elevate himself ....wat you call That?"  - That is called Politics my dear friend! @ peter

I am not a Christian or Catholic..So it wont be appropriate for me to rate DT on the Christianity scale... we form opinion about a personality by knowledge and what is available in the literature..these days literature is synonymous with internet.. and Media is as many said plays its part good or bad..that is their job i believe.

 Dear Lawrence..you have your own points! like the wall around Vatican, although it was built long long ago...and the present Pope even if he wants to take it down, he may be helpless in doing so! But please dont hold opinions of people who live  "half-the world away (as you said) from US as uninformed!..It is NOT always.For example according to people of the west.. Indian is a land of snake charmers and poverty...that is an opinion.. be it!

regards

Rathish

PS: Lawrence, being around here and seeing your defense ,  If had the opportunity to cast  vote,..be assured DT got my vote. :))))

Dear Bob

You have raised, as always, as curious as unanswerable question for me. I am sorry. But thank you very much for making me smile, Bob!

Regards.

Bob

The tag "Christian' is not even remotely important to the debate at hand. We need to be humans first. So, colleagues, how about leaving the side-topic of anti-Catholic rhetoric behind? The Last Acceptable Prejudice in America argument was already made elsewhere.  The only group that one can spit on without being questioned is the American Catholic, right? And they are the biggest Christian denomination in number. So if you know, we know and I know, what is the point of pressing on the issue?

What worries me is Trump's aggressive/phobia rhetoric.  What worries me even more is that there are so many people who seem to be happy to endorse those 'threats'. South Carolina win by Trump ..Isn't that the place of white American poor, rural marginalized and conscripts' recruitment and training camps?

Anyways...

They will get the leader they deserve, that is for sure.

Dear Lawrence,

Your analysis of the statistics of Catholic population in the US appears correct. However, you may be overlooking a critical point. In the current political situation, the Pope occupies as large, or larger, a bully pulpit as Donald Trump. His moral authority (and "celebrity"), even (or especially) in the media world where opinion has been so cleverly manipulated by Trump, still trumps Trump (in spades).  In an election where evangelicals' opinions (votes) matter so much, the Pope's comments (admonishments ? castigation ?) carry so-much-more impact than one would surmise from consideration of only the numbers of Catholics. The Pope's opinions have a tremendous impact on independents, and even the non-religious. Even here in Texas, among some of the most radical Catholic-hating Protestants to be found on Earth, the Pope is loved and respected ... his opinions while not accepted by them as the words-of-God-Himself (as perhaps perceived by devout Catholics) are certainly accepted as morally superior to those of politicians. Pope Francis' pointing to the un-Christian positions espoused by Trump will have an impact that reverberates far beyond the walls of his church ... even in the media (un-reality) world where Donald Trump operates.

Best regards,

Bob

Gentlemen,

Discussions are good, even spirited discussions. That is one of the things appealing about ResearchGate. However, personal attacks are unprofessional and reflect badly on the participants and this forum. Please keep it civil and call off the Dobermans and pit bulls.

Sydney Tremayne once said, "No one agrees with other people's opinions; he merely agrees with his own opinions expressed by somebody else."

Sincerely,

JAG

Lawrence,

I did not single out any one person and, in fact, will not confirm any guesses. In fact, it was not aimed at just one country. However, since you bring yourself and Mr. Skiles up, I would say that adding an "in jest" or something to that effect to statements of riposte and touche would be appropriate for those not familiar with your history.

When discussing religion or politics we should all respect the other side's opinions. Both religion and politics can be a touchy subject, but religion AND politics can be volatile.

JAG

I have stated my views on the subject several times in this thread, but if I must make myself clearer. Please pay attention.

I believe that Donald Trump is an ultimate showman who knows exactly what he is doing. He probably has 100s of pollsters, psychologists, etc. gathering data on precisely what the American public wants to hear. He says one thing, then cries and pouts about being misquoted, even when it was videotaped. He does this because most voters have short term memories and he is a master at diverting attention. Even though he is from New York, his brash, in-your-face, style of insulting both people and groups would leave the normally "Yeah, what of it?" New Yorker nonplussed. I think that if elect president he will alienate many of the world's leaders. And if he gets a landslide victory, then I think that world opinion of Trump also will be transposed on the entire American public, not just those that elected him. God help us all.

The United State's relationship with popes has always been different than the rest of the world. Its true that most Protestants respect the Pope and wish him well. A lot of American Catholic's don't like certain dictates of the Church, and some choose to ignore them. However, the Pope is a moral compass, and as such must carefully weigh decisions that affect Catholicism.

Did the Pope dis Donald Trump concerning walling off Mexico from the United States. Yes. I have heard people say "No, no, he was only talking in generic terms. He probably doesn't even know who Donald Trump is." HOGWASH. The Pope is extremely smart and is kept up-to-date on world economics and politics. To even suggest that he does not know who Trump is, is an affront to the man and the papacy.

Facts, like statistics, can be offered for any stance. There is a difference between a discussion and a debate by degrees of formality and procedure. I am here to discuss and explore other people's opinions and perspectives and offer my own.

I think the correct teachings of Christianity is based on justice, tolerance and of giving for third parties, and not war, and to implement the plans indicate the acquisition and domination and absolute power

C.,

I can't call it charisma, but I am at a loss as to what to call it. However, I would say amen to None Of The Above, as would many in this country, Republican, Democrat, or Independent.