Tim Alberta | Full Episode 1.5.24 | Firing Line with Margaret Hoover | PBS
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- Опубликовано: 4 июн 2024
- Journalist Tim Alberta discusses his new best-selling book exploring evangelical Christians' steadfast loyalty to Donald Trump. He examines the fear driving Christian nationalism and the impact of faith-based politics on the 2024 election.
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FIRING LINE WITH MARGARET HOOVER airs on PBS. Launched in June 2018, Firing Line maintains the character of the original series by William F. Buckley Jr., providing a platform that is diligent in its commitment to a balanced exchange of opinion. In weekly 30-minute episodes, host Margaret Hoover engages in a rigorous exchange of ideas with political leaders, cultural luminaries, thought leaders and activists who represent a wide range of ideas and perspectives. New episodes are available Fridays here on RUclips at 8:30 pm ET.
I can’t remember how many times I’ve been dragged on RUclips when I stated that Christianity is a simple mission: honor the Lord, feed the hungry, visit the sick, take care of the poor, welcome the traveler, and be a witness as you spread the Gospel. It’s not politics and it’s not about getting power. It’s not even about religion. Yet, here we are.
I might be wrong, but I feel it was Jerry Falwell, Sr. who started to merge religion and politics.
❤ to those convinced that Trump is an answer I simply ask this question, where is the good news and saving people from eternal death? The news is supposed to be good so 5 minutes of Mr Trump becomes pretty obvious whose team he is on. If the heart has not changed and the fruit is not obvious it is not a person mature enough to be a leader of anyone but themselves.
#meidastouch
#jmari
People have tried to coopt Christianity sense the Roman Empire.
This is a beautiful breakdown of how this country got to be where it is now. How do people hear this message? I believe in miracles, too, in fact this evil will not continue. I just want my loved ones to see this and realize they were douped. The View had Tim Alberta on, also. It's very profound, a must see interview.
Jesus described these Cult Members who Clam to be Christian to a T ...He Said " They Honor me with their Lips...But Their Hearts are far from Me "
I wish everyone would watch this interview. This is SO ENLIGHTENING. Thank you Tim Alberta!
This is propaganda. 91 indictments is weaponizing of the government. Biden has destroyed our country and is about to cause World War III. Tell me Trump is dangerous? Take back our country from the communist and dictator Biden, and close the border! Vote Trump 2024!
Enlightening and really scary.
@@markbergman1229 Bigoted and really just misleading.
Fear is very motivating tool.
My parents evangelical church had me living in fear and terror of Armageddon as a child, I left it as soon as I could.
That's Fox fake news on a daily basis.
I first heard Tim Alberta over a year ago. I was so impressed with him that I made many suggestions that others watch his interviews in the comments sections. He is so pleasant to listen to and he tells it like it is.
Yes, he's thoughtful, intelligent and honest.
As a #NeverTrump Evangelical, im still shocked and saddened that so many Evangelicals thought that voting for Trump was a great Gospel witness😭! I appreciate Tim Alberta for speaking on this!😃
@BrianTexan. Are you so sure that they DID vote for Trump? Or that, if they did so, they did do willingly? Many, many Trump voters self-label as Evangelicals without actually being so. And many of those Evangelicals who did vote for the Orange Man, did so holding their nose the whole way. What gets me confused is the so-called Evangelicals who voted for Biden, who is every bit as immoral as Trump ever thought of being. It’s not as if Evangelicals got to pick between an ever so noble Boy Scout and an ever so ignoble Pimp. We got to choose between TWO ever so sleazy whoremongers!
Christianity's reputation, and the Church's mission to save souls, might be irreparably damaged due to the Church's association with Trump and neo-Nazis. Just saying.
Plus come this Nov 24 election fundamentalist evangelicals are doubling down on supporting Trump and in fact they form the majority of the so called ‘Trump base’.
Your pride is stopping you from doing the right thing. Your vote is worse than useless as a conservative if you refuse to vote for Trump. Pray on this and be better, you are not a part of the solution but the problem.
@@nathandomke2721 Your comment must be satire, no one could be so stupidly deluded
Great interview. Thank you PBS and Thank you Tim for your courage to speak out.
Thank you Tim for your courage and excellent journalism in speaking out! May truth prevail!
Tim Alberta gives a glimpse of a post-evangelical Christian doctrine that will inspire a new Christian movement. Very inspiring and prophetic.
Great Job MH !
So, a post-evangelic Christian doctrine has inspired a movement? Is it post-modern? What is the movement? Where? Is there a leader? Do his/her beliefs define that church? Is it a healthy church-good for the soul and heart versus filling coffers for politicians? And nice, Tim. You're a rare man.
Hi @ardentynekent2099, thanks for the response. We are entering the era of pe. This movement is close to the interfaith movement of the 1980s. Movement is a migration of ideas and beliefs. It is a world wide online phenomena without a leader and as with e-churches I’m sure there are good people in its pews or watching remotely. Have a great Sunday,
God bless.
A new christian movement is here. The assimilation of the protestant churches by the Roman Church, Catholicism. You have been conditioned, following the Beast. Good luck with that.
@@JCRobbinsGuitarthe Papacy is your leader, dummy
I have SO MUCH RESPECT FOR Tim Alberta. I want to buy his new book. His eloque4nce and witness to the truth about today's evangelical church that has been sadly mislead and taken down a very bad road by donald trump. It has become a political church full of hatred. They have alienated the world and not witnessed about Jesus.
Thank you for your courage. You are braver than all the Evangelicals and all the Republicans. Thank you Tim.
I love that he’s also an evangelical himself, and from what I can tell is middle of the road, slightly leaning towards conservatism. That’s good because it makes a it a lot harder for evangelicals to attack him since they can’t just brush him off as being a crazy left wing liberal
That's a pretty low bar you set...
Book of Samuel, God warned the people through Samuel not pick a prideful , authoritative leader, but they didn’t listen. God said ok learn the hard way. And it took years of turmoil until they learned their lesson
Thank you Tim for speaking out. Your peaceful guidance is a good example of how we must work through our differences.❤
Tremendous interview, he succinctly summed up every aspect of this moment
Tim Alberta is correct in his assessment of the Evangelical movement and their embrace of Donald Trump. He explains it succinctly and his argument is unassailable. He is the rare person who was raised in the faith before it became so steeped in hypocrisy and can see how this conglomeration was built and where it might lead.
Thank you so much for having Tim on your show. Normally don't comment on shows, but what a special person he is, and you are a wonderful host. Thank You.
I am so happy that I tuned into this conversation on Firing Line. I once again needed to hear the wisdom of Tim Alberta. This is a great man whose heart is truly for Christ.
Thx for having Tim Alberta on your show. What an excellent analysis.
Good look inside from someone who grew up in the Evangelical space but has a firm grasp on what the true gospel of Jesus Christ is. I would say there is a whole group of African Americans in this country who have gotten off this Evangelical train because of how far right this conversation has gone & recognize how dangerous Trump is to America, not just our community.
I think they got off the train long before Trump. Much of what Reagan and the "Moral Majority" started in the 1980's was harmful to the black community. That's why George W Bush tried to reframe it as companionate conservatism. But that was just fig leaf.
I wish every American and Canadian would listen to Tim Alberta…great message and a warning that we all should listen and believe how easy it was for one man to infect a large Christian group for his own purposes.
Tim Alberta is a very gifted journalist. I am so impressed.
As a conservative Christian, I was very wrapped up in all this for quite some time. Recently God has revealed to me how damaging this is, and I’m so thankful that my thoughts around Trump have changed. They have replaced the Gospel with a political gospel, and have forgotten the reason they are even going to church and what their faith really means. It’s really sad, but also very concerning
Tim Alberta is a breath of fresh air in this crazy world of Trump Evangelism. Thank you Tim, for standing up for your beliefs in spite of the sacrifices you made.
‼️‼️out of Rush Limbaughs mouth to a close friend, Rush was asked why he is so different one on one? Rush replied “ because I am paid a lot of $$$$ to say extreme things on air”‼️‼️♥️
He didn't care about the damages his extreme things would do to average people. Greed over everything else.
I've been Evangelical for most of my life. I see a fulfillment of Matthew 24:5 at this time. I also see a repeat of Acts 12:22. We are exhorted to, "watch and pray". God knows the thoughts and intent of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12). According to James 1:20, "man's wrath does not accomplish God's righteousness." Our times are in God's Hands... not man's hands. See the 7 things that displease God. Deifying man is an abomination to God. Do not make gods out of men!! Our faith is in Christ and Christ alone.
I've never understood why Evangelicals think God needs their political actions to accomplish his purpose in his due time. He didn't need it at the Red Sea, he didn't need it at Jericho or a host of other examples. By trying to force things to happen on *their* timeline they are fighting against God. And that never ends well.
Glad to see people standing up for basic decency. It really isn't that hard. Those preaching hate are not following anything related to Jesus.
Another fantastic half hour. You really do have the best interview program on TV. Thank you.
Great talk thank you! Really helped me understand how this all happened.
Matthew 7/15: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly thay are ravening wolves".
1000 Amens🙏
LAWS OF PROTECTION…. Is on the ballot…. Hold your nose and VOTE BLUE
Wonderful analysis of our desperate political situation.
I hope that Tim can get together with Rev. Ed Trevors! That would be such a blessing for him!
Am curious why the media doesn't talk about the NO religious test clause in the U S Constitution.
U S Constitution Article VI Supreme Law Clause 3 Oaths of Office The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and ALL executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but NO religious Test shall EVER be required as a Qualification to ANY Office or public Trust under the United States.
Its so refreshing to hear what ive been saying for awhile. Even some of my own family i believe have dismissed me cause I believe we need to lay the flags down and seek first the kingdom of God. And they get so offended when ive said they need to put their political flags down. But those same flags offend God. The same God they claim they follow. If were saved were adopted in His family and were citizens in heaven and God is our leader. Every nation will fail and be conquered. But Gods Kingdom is the only one that will stand and be victorious in the end. So why would anyone choose any flag or party or man to worship and follow if they are all doomed to fail? No one can serve 2 masters.
Like you said Tim,we need a MIRACLE!
Thanks for your courage! 💜👏👏💜
I have been wondering why so many people in the "fly over" states support Donald Trump, in spite if his moral transgressions, lying, and indictments. This interview sheds light on what these people are feeling and what motivates them.
Sounds like you should live in Britain. In the US you are innocent until proven guilty. We in the "fly over" zone can see when something is bogus and these indictments are soooo bogus. Why don't you ask The Atlanta DA and prosecutor what they were up to in the hanky panky and visits to the White house. He who has ears and eyes should be able to see the political attacks going on.
They supported Kennedy and Clinton as well.
@@riverebec1There wasn't massive propaganda network and misinformation campaign during their time.
In some rural states like Missouri the only tv reception that was available in rural areas for several years was cable tv which, at a time included FOX starting in 1986 & in some places CNN starting about the same time and reported news regarding many areas of life unlike FOX which was purposely founded as a vehicle for promoting 1 specific political view 24/7. MSNBC was founded in 1996. Many rural areas can still only get cable tv. Also in 1987 the FCC abolished the Fairness Doctrine which would've had trouble being applied to cable tv anyway but had previously required every political opinion given on a broadcast to have another viewpoint provided regarding the same subject on the same broadcast. All of this happened at the same time that the Democratic party decided to abandon efforts to reach people in rural areas which has had the effect, for instance, of changing states like Missouri that used to vote Democrat into states with Republican rural areas but whose largest cities of lesser overall population who tend to vote Democrat. The Democrat party created flyover state status and the Republican party had a news station - FOX- whose entire tv programming was founded as a way to promote the political views of Republican ideology.
This is a very interesting response, I was not aware of the Fairness Doctrine. I live in the Boston area, we had the three main stations back in the 60s and 70s, plus WGBH, which was the PBS station. We always believed Walter Cronkite and David Brinkley! Since posting this several weeks ago, I have done some digging into the issue. Mr. Trump's form of populism is tailor made for evangelicals. After all, if one believes in "young earth creationism", as does our Speaker of the House, how much more of a stretch is it to believe that the 2020 election was stolen? The fact that, as you point out, these people have been fed a steady diet of misinformation has exacerbated the problem. Very sad. @@bethanydee1920
The Christian love of Trump totally baffles me. What in the world does Trump have to do with Christianity? Absolutely nothing.
absolutely Nothing
Wrong. Christianity has been bound up with white supremacy and colonialism for hundreds of years.
And that's what they have to do with each other. Trump defends white supremacy, and Christianity has benefited from that for centuries in the United States.
You mean Jesus wasn't paying off pornstars.
Excellent interview! Tim speaks the truth about the American ‘evangelicals’ who are known for their hate and fear. God is not biting his fingernails! ❤
Excellent. Very interesting and enlightening. Tim has some great insights. And I must say it’s great to hear. He is ‘The voice in the wilderness’ ! Good luck to him.
It's personal hubris for some and just plain old fashioned bigotry for others. In either case the majority of Evangelicals would rather see this country and the entire world burn around them before ever admitting to error or hypocrisy.
THANK YOU. This was mesmerizing. I ended up in the Baptist Church as an adult after growing up in the Lutheran church. I could never fathom the draw of Trump and had horrible things said to me as I stood firm against him. I left church for awhile and have found a new family of faith in the Presbyterian church. It was one of the hardest times in my life and I learned a lot about myself and the flawed views I had learned there. As a favorite pastor often said, "Okay, but what does the REST of the Bible say?" Thank you.
I'm glad to hear you were able to find a new faith family. I'm not Christian, but the kind of Christians Alberta is talking about, need to find each other! Growing up, I had Christian friends I admired for just what he's talking about. They had a serenity, humility and humor I found unique. Peace be with you.
The book is great. Read it
Such an important message for our times.
This is so moving. Thank you Tim for your courage to illuminate this segment of our population that has felt often incompressible to many of us. There is much to unpack here.
My main question is how can we create a government infused with spiritual values?
I see this in Israel too. As a Jewish woman we 😊don’t want to give up state power and be at the risk of hate and murder again. Same for Christian’s. I hope and pray we can have an integrated model of G-d infused political power with love and compassion at the center. Possible? 🙏🏼💝🙏🏼
Wow! This guy nails it! A sane Christian
My Aunt called me a marxist because I dont like Trump. We arè both evangelicals who love Jesus. I'm not a Christian nationalist.
You stick to your values Jerry! People are very good at throwing around labels. Ask your aunt next time, what she means by "Marxist"? Also worth doing some research beforehand as Marx never really worked in his life and was an ATHEIST. His view was that the State had primacy. Societal systems work best without religion. In fact, get rid of it. "It's the opiate of the masses". Netflix and MAGA are the opiates of the masses ...puts people to sleep.
I would bet money that she cannot articulate what Marxism even is. Ask her to explain what Marxism is and see if she knows.
Thank you Tim!
These folk need to be reminded of the No Establishment clause in the First Amendment which prohibits any adoption of an official religion by the federal government. And the Free Exercise Clause which protects an individual's right to believe and practice what he or she would like.
God bless Tim Alberta
Read the book Tim! It was groundbreaking and needs to be broadcasted to the public more. I used it to have a conversation with my evangelical mother and she agreed on much of the points you had brought up. She said she’s gonna read it now.
This was an excellent show.
I feel the GOP changed drastically when Obama ran for president…my pastor and Christian friends spread the anti christ message. I ended up leaving the church.
I agree ☝️
+1.. Excellent.. Broadened the understanding of this crazy DJT affection.. Tim Alberta's book is one I'll pickup/read.. Thanks PBS Firing Line..
Thank you Mr. Tim
An excellent interview. It is clear that American evangelicals and their leaders are selective in their Bible reading and have ignored the following passage: 2Timothy 3:1-5, particularly verses 4 and 5.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
I think a lot of megapastors could fit into this description as well as Trump. The devil is truly having a heyday.
Excellent show.
A politicians job is to work for ALL people and the fact that this divide continues shows everyone how we feel about each other. This man speaks truth and will be demonized.
This country has seen this before, in the 1920s, when literally millions were members of the clan, including leading political figures and elected representatives. It was, at that time a mixture of extreme religion and politics and was destructive to the country. After a time it was largely abandoned, but has never entirely gone away. Apparently the lessons of history have been forgotten and this current movement is largely reminiscent of that. It takes people like Tim Alberta to tell the truth. Hopefully more people will listen and take heed.
It blows me away that I, as a follower of Jesus for approx 45 years, a Bible school graduate and one who continues to seek relationship with God and make Him first in my life, would be suspect and even rejected at many churches in America as some kind of an apostate for not supporting Trump or MAGA. 😔 sad.
True believing Christians should know that It is not for us to judge the inner spirituality of another, or to give up on anyone in this world. That is the work of the Holy Spirit, which, as Jesus said, we/you do not know which way it will go - like the way the wind blows.
John 3:8 “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
love that you pointed that out, Thank you
Hi Tim. Warm greetings from Australia 🦘 I have a sneaky feeling you might enter into the foray of politics. I hope so! You're an outstanding and very decent individual. Margaret - fantastic interview, very respectful and you asked some excellent questions. Now I need a drink to calm my nerves. I'm scared for America! Too much insanity for my liking.
"With or without religion, good people can behave well and bad people can do evil; but for good people to do evil - that takes religion."
Steven Weinberg
I wish he would go on Fox News!
Are you kidding, Fox would never have him on!!
Tim is very logical in his analysis. He's not a 'holy roller' ruled by emotion.
WOW…I’m. Watching this 2 months later, Tim’s words are on the money in so many ways!
I love his expertise and the way he speaks
Excellent interview 👏🏼❤
Thank You Tim Alberta
Wow, an intellectually honest Republican with morals, reason and self-awareness. It is very refreshing. There might be enough of them left in the United States to actually make a baseball team.
Thank you for putting into words my suspicion of how evangelicals want to be involved in politics because of their misguided fear. Evangelicals are fearful and misguided which makes extremely dangerous.
Sounds like this gentleman has a clear understanding of how it is.
Thank you for this interview. I have been arguing this for years. Gen Z's are becoming non religious and that's got everything to do with how Christians are acting. How could any Christian back up what Trump is doing? They can't and Gen Z's see this. Christianity is falling, drastically and it's all because of how Christians are acting. I used to be Catholic, I'm atheist now because it's all become a joke! Today, Gen Z's are much better at being accepting and loving of everyone, a million times better than any Christian.
very insightful interview. thank you
Luv it, Faith over fear....
Very insightful and in lighting interview.
Love tim.
Thank you Tim! I still can't believe one Christian voted for trump. It still blows my mind!
Liars and hypocrites!
Many in the evangelical Christian flock have been led astray. A lot have turned to worshipping the idol of material goods and money. And there also those that have either turned to the idolatry in the 'worship' of a political figure while others stay silent in the face of blasphemous pronunciations by political figures and his supporters.
A new missionary movement is needed to go out to round up these wayward sheep and turn them back to the authentic teachings of Jesus Christ. It will be hard as many have been brainwashed into justifying their behaviors by modern day Pharisees who quote highly selective passages from the Old Testament.
LAWS OF PROTECTION…. Is on the ballot…. Hold your nose and VOTE BLUE
Important perspective
outstanding. explains a lot. thank you.
I thoroughly enjoyed this inteview. Tim Alberta speaks so eloquently, and i can feel that he has a very real personal relationship with Jesus and the Lord. I am if the same school of thought of how wrong these Christian Nationalusts are.im horrified by their idolatry, and their worshipping of a con man. The man they worship is a sick spoiled brat, that simply feels entitled to everything he wants. I cannot square a man like with being a man of God.
Food for thought!
Excellent!
Very informative.
A very enlightening interview!
I so wish every Christiaan would listen to this rationally and objectively. It could literally change your life.
They never say slavery when listing and talking about the worst human atrocities.
Excellent.
Excellent interview, but post-Iowa, I firmly believe evangelicals will follow trump right off the cliff.
Love this interview! Thank God for Tim Alberta! I don't agree that Haley's campaign is "a tragedy playing out in slow motion." It's true that now she's out of the race but she really began to be supported for what she actually stood for after initially just an option for the anti Trump GOP crowd. I've been frustrated with that shape shifting aspect but as she got more authentic and found her voice (because running against DJT is tricky!) I really believed and loved her approach and stance more and more. She really won hearts and funds! She's not done yet and she served a purpose by giving voice to a strong contingent of conservatives who see the danger Trump is but can't see Biden as a first choice. But he is now my second choice! I'm so glad she didn't endorse Trump and I hope she sticks to that!
Well done. The drive for power has totally corrupted the Christian Right. Still, there are many Christians who do not accept this perversion of the gospel. These people do not speak for the church of God in this country. One thing that was left out was the white aspect of this Christian nationalism. That relates to the discussion of “fear” that motivates so many of these people even to the point of using violence.
From the frying pan into the fire ....... Now , I get it .
Political Evalgelical protestantism ... Remember the 700 Club coming up in the 1960s and 70s? Pat Robertson made the channel into a political platform.
Good Interview👍
“Virtue cannot so inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it…”. 😔🙏🇱🇷
I was so surprised and upset to hear about the horrible treatment Tim Alberta received at his father's funeral. Evangelicals seem to have gone off the rails, especially in their support of a candidate like Trump who himself admitted that he wonders if he is even worthy of their adulation and support. It makes me wonder what it will take to restore decency to this group. Maybe they need to crack their bibles and study the teachings of Jesus.
I was encouraged to hear that Florida may become the next state to enact a ballot initiative on legalizing abortion. I hope Texas will follow close behind. Too many women are struggling to obtain necessary healthcare when they are faced with complications with their pregnancies. Women should not have to risk death and even fertility before they eventually make a decision to flee their states to obtain vital healthcare.
Rosevelt "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" and fear is the base of Tromp's rhetoric
He gives a great analysis here as always, but I have to agree with Sarah Jones that there's nothing worth saving about it.
8:25 “Too many of these people are spending more time than watching Fox News than reading the New Testament.”
100% true, local pastors here talk about it
Amen
Listening to someone who is so steeped in the Bible is enlightening.At about 8:30 minutes Hoover asks him why fear is such a big thing for right-wing Christians. His response is that "the most frequent commandment in both the Old and New Testament is to fear not." "Fear is the antithesis of faith." Yet a steady diet of FOX news and others can't help but affect that.
It's intriguing to me that he says, it's when Christians started getting into politics that the Evangelical Church became corrupted. Google says it was Lord Acton in 1887 in a letter to a Bishop is the one quoted as saying, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Alberta says that not so very long ago, non-Christians, for the most part, thought well of Christians and saw them as a positive. I would say that was true for me, as a non-believer.
He calls on Christians to show what true Christian faith is in a time when it's desperately needed. And he's not talking theocracy. That's what I recall that I respected and admired among my Christian friends.
Unbelievable that people have to live thinking about a magic man in the sky. About miracles. About getting told rules to live by. About how to get along with others by telling them you believe in their nonsense too, because it feels good
No magic man in the sky. God doesn't live there. He is everywhere. God exists but not in the image of Trump. Or is that Trump who has created God in his image?
YOU CANT CLAIM "I AM YOUR RETRIBUTION" AS YOUR PLATFORM!!!
Well Trump has! Those words exactly. "I am your retribution". It was code for the Confederates when they were planning the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Steve Bannon - remember him? Well he is still working for Trump and he feeds him those sort of "chanting" slogans. Just wait ...you'll be hearing it at his rallies!!
Get your passports - have them ready.