8 Reasons American Christians Act Nothing Like Jesus
They preach love but vote hate, chase money, worship power, and turn Jesus into a mascot for politics.
Walk into any Sunday service in America, and you’ll hear plenty about Jesus. About loving your neighbor, feeding the poor, turning the other cheek. But once the service ends, the behavior doesn’t match the words. American Christians are some of the most un-Christlike people around.
Jesus wasn’t American. He wasn’t white. He didn’t speak English. And he never preached about capitalism, guns, or “biblical values” that end up hurting immigrants, the poor, and LGBTQ+ people.
In America, Jesus has been remade as a mascot for politics. His message of love, humility, and peace has been buried under arrogance, bigotry, and culture wars. The people claiming to be his followers are the ones misrepresenting him most.
1. Jesus Preached Humility. They Worship Power.
Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). He washed his disciples’ feet. He refused political power and said his kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36).
Yet American Christians chase political power like a prize. In 2016, 81% of white evangelicals voted for Donald Trump, a man known for arrogance, vulgarity, dishonesty, and corruption. And they did it again in 2020.
They weren’t voting for Christlike humility. They were voting for influence, judges, and laws to push their beliefs onto everyone else.
2. They Preach Love, Then Vote Hate.
Jesus taught, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). He told the story of the Good Samaritan to show kindness beyond borders and tribes.
But American Christians often love only those who look and think like them. They back anti-trans laws, book bans, and politicians who target immigrants. In states like Florida and Texas, Christian-backed lawmakers have supported legislation restricting LGBTQ+ rights and access to healthcare.
3. Jesus Warned Against Greed. They Celebrate It.
Jesus said, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). He warned that wealth is a spiritual trap (Matthew 19:24).
Meanwhile, American pastors fly private jets and build megachurches that look like stadiums. Leaders such as Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland defend their fortunes as blessings from God. Congregations cheer as if Jesus handed out investment tips.
But Jesus never built monuments to himself. He told his followers to give their wealth to the poor.
4. Pro-Life? Only Until You’re Born.
American Christians are loud about being “pro-life.” Yet after a child is born, that passion fades.
Jesus taught caring for the hungry, the sick, and the prisoner (Matthew 25:31–46). But Christian conservatives consistently oppose healthcare access, food assistance, and childcare support.
They will force a teenager to carry a pregnancy after rape, then offer no help once the baby arrives. That’s not pro-life. It’s politics.
5. They Pick and Choose Bible Verses to Justify Hate.
The Bible is treated like a weapon instead of a guide.
American Christians quote Leviticus to condemn gay people while ignoring its bans on eating pork or wearing mixed fabrics. They highlight verses about women submitting but ignore how Jesus welcomed women as disciples and defenders of his ministry.
Most revealing is what they leave out. Jesus never mentioned homosexuality. He did speak often about helping the poor. Those words vanish when the verses don’t suit their agenda.
6. They’re Addicted to Playing the Victim.
Jesus said his followers would be persecuted for doing good. In America, persecution means red Starbucks cups.
Christian leaders complain when schools don’t enforce prayer or when “Merry Christmas” isn’t the default greeting. They cry censorship when their hate speech gets called out.
Meanwhile, believers in other parts of the world face prison, torture, or death for practicing their faith. The American version of “suffering” is inconvenience.
7. They Made Jesus a Republican Mascot.
Listen to political Christians and you’d think Jesus campaigned for tax cuts, border walls, and oil drilling.
The reality: Jesus was a Middle Eastern Jew who said things like:
“Give to everyone who asks you” (Luke 6:30)
“Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9)
“Sell what you own and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21)
He never praised weapons or nationalism. Yet in America, his teachings have been reshaped into “God, guns, and country.”
8. Their Hypocrisy Is Why People Are Leaving.
Church attendance is shrinking. Not because people hate God, but because they see the hypocrisy.
They hear Christians talk about love while spreading racism and homophobia. They see churches hide abuse and corruption. They watch Jesus’ name get used to defend cruelty.
Jesus started a movement of love, justice, and inclusion. American Christianity has turned that into a political machine wrapped in a Bible cover.
Before You Go
Jesus was poor. He was brown. He preached love. He challenged the powerful. He unsettled the comfortable.
If he walked into an American megachurch or a political rally today, he wouldn’t be honored. He’d be labeled dangerous. Maybe even an enemy.
That gap between who Jesus was and what American Christians practice is the most un-Christlike thing of all.
Think I’m wrong? Tell me in the comments. If this struck a nerve, hit follow—I’m not done asking hard questions.
If you call yourself a Christian, ask yourself this: Do you act like Christ, or just wear his name when it gives you power?
Sources and Further Reading
White evangelicals continue to stand out in their support for Trump
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/04/28/white-evangelicals-continue-to-stand-out-in-their-support-for-trump/State Legislation and LGBTQ+ Rights — HRC
https://www.hrc.org/resources/map-state-legislation-lgbtq-rightsMapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2025
https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2025Trump Is Underwater with Most Americans but Not White Evangelicals
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/04/white-evangelicals-trump-approval-survey-100-days-pew/2020s anti-LGBTQ movement in the United States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020s_anti-LGBTQ_movement_in_the_United_StatesChristian support of Donald Trump
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_support_of_Donald_Trump