The Hypocrisy of the Right When It Comes to Christianity

Christianity, at its core, is a religion of love, compassion, and humility. The teachings of Jesus emphasize caring for the poor, welcoming the stranger, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. However, the modern political right in America, which often claims to champion Christian values, frequently contradicts these very principles in both rhetoric and policy.

Selective Morality
One of the most glaring hypocrisies of the right is its selective approach to Christian morality. Many conservatives are vocal about opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, citing biblical principles. Yet, when it comes to issues like poverty, healthcare, or immigration—issues where Jesus explicitly called for kindness and care—their stance shifts dramatically. Instead of advocating for policies that help the marginalized, many right-wing politicians push for tax cuts for the wealthy, reductions in social welfare programs, and harsher immigration laws.

If Christianity is about protecting life, why does the right focus so much on the unborn while disregarding children who suffer from poverty, lack of healthcare, or gun violence? If they truly cared about “family values,” wouldn’t they support parental leave, affordable childcare, and access to education? Instead, their policies often reflect a prioritization of wealth and power over human dignity.

Nationalism Over Faith
Another contradiction is the blending of Christianity with nationalism. Many on the right equate being a good Christian with being a good American, pushing the idea that the U.S. is a “Christian nation.” However, Jesus never preached nationalism—he spoke of a kingdom not of this world. The obsession with “America First” directly contradicts Christ’s teachings about welcoming the stranger and helping those in need, regardless of nationality.

Yet, we see conservative leaders using Christian rhetoric to justify cruelty toward immigrants and refugees. Instead of following the biblical command to "love the foreigner among you" (Leviticus 19:34), they support policies that separate families and turn away asylum seekers. Jesus, who was himself a refugee as a child, would hardly endorse such actions.

Worship of Wealth and Power
The right’s embrace of unbridled capitalism also conflicts with Christian values. The Bible warns against greed and the worship of money: “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Yet, many conservative politicians promote policies that benefit the wealthy while neglecting the poor. Prosperity gospel preachers, who align with the right, preach that wealth is a sign of God’s favor, despite Jesus’ clear teachings that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter heaven (Matthew 19:24).

Instead of calling for economic justice, many on the right demonize the poor, blaming them for their struggles while glorifying billionaires. This stands in stark contrast to the early Christian community, which shared resources so that “there was not a needy person among them” (Acts 4:34).

The Politics of Cruelty
Perhaps the most un-Christian aspect of the modern right is its embrace of cruelty as a political tool. Whether mocking marginalized groups, cutting social services, or defending harsh policing and incarceration practices, many conservatives seem more interested in punishing than in showing compassion. This is the opposite of what Jesus taught. He defended the outcasts, dined with sinners, and rebuked the religious elite for their lack of empathy.

The right often claims to stand for “law and order,” but Jesus himself was executed by the state for challenging unjust laws. If he were alive today, would he be embraced by the Republican Party or denounced as a radical?

Conclusion
The modern right has weaponized Christianity to serve its political agenda, often contradicting the very faith it claims to uphold. Instead of focusing on love, charity, and justice, they promote exclusion, greed, and power. True Christianity is not about dominance or control—it’s about humility, service, and care for the least among us. If conservatives truly wish to follow Christ, they must move beyond empty rhetoric and embrace the radical compassion that Jesus preached.