On May 28, 2019, Psychology Today posted an article titled “The Belief That Trump Is a Messiah Is Rampant and Dangerous” with the subtitle “When a leader is seen as infallible, supporters become disciples.” Not only do I disagree with the premise of this article, I am shocked at the writer’s ignorance of recent history and lack of self-awareness.

Well, I am not really shocked.

The writer, Bobby Azarian, Ph.D., begins by declaring that Trump supporters stay loyal because he keeps us fearful. We have heard that one from Day One. The second paragraph is what concerns us today:

But there is another major reason why Trump loyalists do not waver no matter how he behaves or what scandals come to light. For most evangelicals, it is not only fear that keeps them in line, but it is also faith. As a cognitive psychology researcher who has been writing about the science underlying Trump’s unshakable support since he began his presidential campaign, I have learned—through comments, emails, and discussion forums—that a significant portion of his supporters literally believe the president was an answer to their prayers. He is regarded as something of a messiah, sent by God to protect a Christian nation.

I cannot speak for evangelicals, I am not even a good Christian, but I am pretty sure that the belief is that we get the leader that we need at the time. Also, I know for a fact that God does not, and because man is fallen cannot, pick perfect people to do His will.

But, what is really disturbing is that a five second Google search would have given him insight into the President as Messiah issue.

Jeremiah 5:21 – “Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not.”

Or, to put it in more modern terms, “O foolish psychologists which have internet, but do not Google.”

Remember President Barack H. Obama? Remember the white plywood columns and the god-like reverb and echo added to Obama’s voice during the 2008 campaign? How about the creepy celebrity “I Pledge” video wherein Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore and Anthony Kliedis pledged to be a “servant to Barack Obama”? You can watch it here. But, for truly creeptacular, how’s about these kids, “The Obama Youth”?

I would love to know where these kids are and how they feel about this video today.

During the eight years of Obama, Psychology Today was on board with Obama’s wonderfulness. There was an Obama as Psychologist-in-Chief article and a why we NEED Obama article, among many others.

And, let us not forget the imagery. There was the crucified Messiah Obama, and the Second Coming Obama, and those are just two examples. And, rapper Nas, coined the term “The Chosen One” and declared that Obama would take care of all of our needs.

I think compared to the Obamabots, the Trump Train riders are pretty darn clear-eyed about the 45th President.

Mr. Azarian finishes his article with this quote:

When you believe that someone is truly a godsend, you can excuse anything. It all becomes “for the greater good.” And when that happens, it is a slippery slope to gross abuses of power that continuously increase in magnitude.

True facts, if only Mr. Azarian had a modicum of self-awareness. Psychology Today might want to send him to a, um psychologist.

Photo Credit: DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jette Carr/Public Domain