A former evangelical pastor has claimed that Donald Trump’s influence has led many Christians, particularly younger generations, to reconsider their connection to the church and even their faith. Brian Recker, who now advocates for ‘deconstructive’ Christianity, shared his thoughts in an interview with Premier Christian Radio on the night of the U.S. elections.
Recker, based in North Carolina, explained that many millennials and young Christians are distancing themselves from the evangelical church and the term ‘evangelical’ itself, largely due to the political association with Trump and his policies. “We know that millions—about 16 million—millennials have left the church in recent years, and a significant portion of this exodus is politically motivated,” Recker stated.
Deconstruction, a term used by individuals questioning and rethinking their religious beliefs, has become a major theme among those disillusioned by what they see as a political shift within the church. Recker emphasized that the surge in deconstruction is tied directly to Trump’s influence on evangelical leaders and their support for his presidency. “I talk to people who are deconstructing Christians all the time, and this wave of deconstruction is very much fueled by Donald Trump,” he said.
Deconstructing one’s faith involves critically evaluating religious beliefs, and for some, it leads to a departure from faith altogether. However, others use this process to reassess their beliefs while maintaining a connection to God. A report by Barna Research found that 42% of adults in the U.S. said they had reexamined “the faith of their youth,” suggesting a broader trend of spiritual reevaluation.
Recker, who once held conservative evangelical values, explained that Trump’s rise to power has led many individuals to question the moral compass of evangelical leaders. “When the major evangelical leaders began lining up behind Trump, many who disagreed thought: ‘What else have they been lying to us about? If they don’t have the moral discernment to see through that—then wait a second. Why have I been listening to you on all of these other issues?’ Trump was a mask-off moment for many of us,” Recker said.
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Recker’s personal journey mirrors the larger shift he describes. Having once served as an evangelical pastor, he now holds more liberal views, particularly on issues like sexuality and relationships. He believes Trump’s influence has caused a ripple effect that has led many to challenge the integrity and authenticity of evangelical leadership, especially on matters of morality and political alignment.
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The phenomenon of deconstruction among Christians is seen by some as a crisis of faith, while others view it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and reexamination. Regardless of perspective, Recker’s comments highlight a significant shift in how many are approaching their relationship with the church in light of Trump’s political impact.
