By Jim Nichols

My parents subscribed to Reader’s Digest when I was growing up. This small magazine has articles that do what the title says—they digest/summarize written items from a wide variety of sources. For some years there was even a book-sized version for purchase in which famous full books were reduced to more quickly readable sizes. Even as boy, I was suspicious of a four hundred-page original of Moby Dick or Pride and Prejudice reduced to sixty pages each (would I not be missing some fundamental aspects of the great literature by this shortened version?), but I also understood the utility of the attempt.

What follows here is my Reader’s Digest version of two articles referenced at the end. They both deal with the current president and present a response to a noteworthy quote by him. They take different approaches and include helpful, informative, and, frankly, convicting points of view. Both writers take a clearly Christian approach. I am sure my abridgement of their articles will lack the strength of the originals, but I include here the important points I felt they made and some of what I heard. Perhaps you will hear something applicable to you too.

Russell Moore is editor in chief at Christianity Today. Brandon Ambrosino is an online columnist for The Christian Century. Neither writer has shied from criticism of the current president, nor have I. In earlier writings here, I have critiqued his policies and character; I am particularly concerned about his poor witness to those who might give a hearing to Christianity and God if appropriately encouraged.

Despite that, I thought Moore and Ambrosino wrote important perspectives that I needed to hear. 

Both writers begin with the same quotation concerning Donald Trump. A reporter for Fox and Friends asked Trump about ending Russia’s war on Ukraine. Trump’s response was, “I want to end it. I want to try to get to heaven if possible. I’m hearing I’m not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons.”

Moore and Ambrosino each make a distinct response that spoke to me.

Moore’s article is somewhat of an “open letter to President Trump.” What I understood from his letter was that personal behavior is important to getting into heaven, but that Trump was framing it incorrectly. Moore warns against thinking that entrance into heaven is a sort of transaction. It is not a deal we make with God. I do this good or worthwhile thing and that gives me some credit toward getting into heaven. Moore says, no, what Jesus wants is for people (us) to find life eternal life through reconciliation with him. That forgiveness comes through confession of sins and admission that we are dependent on Jesus’ shed blood. Then there should be no fear for us on Judgment Day.

Although written to Trump, I hear Moore speaking to us also. You and I must give up the mindset of earning God’s grace. Grace is already free. We can see it all around us; the more we accept it, the more unfearful we will be.

Ambrosino’s primary point revolves around the scripture in Luke 18. A Pharisee and tax collector are praying. The tax collector (who society would despise) says, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” The Pharisee prays that he is thankful that he is not like the reprobates of society such as thieves, rogues, adulterers, or “even like this tax collector.” 

Jesus follows these prayers by stating that, in fact, it is the tax collector’s humility that merits exaltation. 

Ambrosino then changes the passage to read, “Thank you, God, that I am not like that corrupt narcissist.”

For me, now the focus shifts from Donald Trump to me. I could pray that second prayer. How dare I? How could I congratulate myself since I know my own sins and faults?

None of this really comments on Donald Trump. It is possible that the kingdom of God will be filled with people I am surprised to see. Will Trump be surprised to see Biden there? Am I prepared to spend eternity with someone I consider an enemy? Just how wide and deep is God’s love?

References:
“Advice to Donald Trump on Getting to Heaven.” Russell Moore. Christianity Today. August 27, 2025.
“Confession: I Don’t Want Trump to Go to Heaven.” Brandon Ambrosino. The Christian Century. August 21, 2025.

 Jim Nichols is a retired Abilene Christian University biology professor and current hospital chaplain