Donald Trump's supporters will talk about his generosity and thoughtfulness towards ordinary people. Now a new documentary that draws on a Disney classic could reconcile the two Trumps.
"Tale as old as time," is the first line in the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast. Pastor David Englehardt of King's Church in Manhattan has produced a documentary by that very name, and it argues Donald Trump is the leader America needs in this moment, both a beast and a beauty.
“It's a story about the transformative power of perception, and what seems to be a beast is now something beautiful,” Englehardt said.
The film features Christian author Eric Metaxas, who notes that many of the kings that the heroes of the Old Testament faithfully served were not always clean, God-fearing men.
“I think the idea of Trump as a Cyrus figure is apt because Cyrus was not one of the people of God. He was outside the people of God, but he was used by God,” Metaxas said.
Englehardt says many Christians look at Trump and see a man with deep flaws. But a fighter with a wild side, like Disney's Beast who fights off wolves to save Belle, may be the man America needs right now.
“I want to say to the church, 'perhaps your perspective, although initially is correct, ultimately is incorrect,’” Englehardt said.
Concerning Christian voter data
The message of the Documentary Beauty and the Beast is aimed at the millions of Christians who, according to George Barna research, say they aren't going to vote next week.
“There are reports right now that 30 to 40 million Christians have decided to sit out this election. To love your neighbor as yourself, in part, in the democratic republic, means to vote for the person that's in charge,” Englehardt said.
Even if that man isn't a model of the Fruits of the Spirit, he can still serve Gods' purposes.
“The national leader can make place for God,” Englehardt said.
