What Fuels the Un-Christian Actions of MAGA Christians? Experts Reveal the Core Issue
Many Americans grapple with the contradiction of professing Christian values while endorsing MAGA politics. How can individuals who follow Jesus—known for his messages of love and compassion—support policies that marginalize immigrants and vilify LGBTQ communities?
The answer may lie in a concept termed “vertical morality.”
This ethical framework evaluates righteousness not by kindness to others but through a more rigid lens. Christian advocates and former fundamentalists explain how vertical morality shapes today’s political climate.
“Vertical morality posits that authority, power, and moral codes originate from an external source—an entity that dictates rules to those beneath,” explained Tia Levings, a former fundamentalist and author. “In religious contexts, this authority is God; in politics, it could be an authoritarian leader.”
In essence, actions are deemed right or wrong based solely on directives from those in power.
“In Christianity, vertical morality suggests our ethics should please God alone,” said April Ajoy, another author. “Our morals stem from divine command, compelling us to act in ways that fulfill God’s will, regardless of the consequences.”
This term has gained traction on social media, particularly through content creator Rachel Klinger Cain. “I use ‘vertical morality’ to simplify what’s known as ‘divine command theory’ in metaethics,” she stated. “Raised in conservative Christianity, I learned that morality is dictated by authority above.”
Contrastingly, Klinger Cain also discusses “horizontal morality,” which emphasizes the welfare of neighbors and communities. “Horizontal morality focuses on minimizing harm to those around us,” Ajoy elaborated. “Someone with vertical morality may help others out of obligation to God, while someone with horizontal morality acts out of genuine concern for the individual.”
This approach fosters empathy and compassion, recognizing the real impact of one’s actions.
“Both perspectives hold value in Christianity, yet many prioritize vertical morality and neglect horizontal ethics,” noted Malynda Hale, executive director of The New Evangelicals. “The most Christ-like approach involves embracing horizontal authority while adhering to vertical morality.”
Ajoy pointed to Matthew 25, where Jesus commends those who care for the needy, equating love for neighbors with love for God. This distinction is not merely theological; it illuminates contemporary political dynamics.
“Evangelicals believe all morality derives from God, leading them to think true goodness can only be achieved through obedience—even at the expense of others,” Ajoy remarked. “This becomes problematic when vertical morality is weaponized for power, as seen in the rise of Christian nationalism during the Trump era.”
Today’s conservative Christian nationalists often view their political allies as virtuous and their opponents as evil. “Jesus advocated for a compassionate understanding of faith,” Levings observed. “However, modern conservative Christianity leans more towards Old Testament interpretations.”
Levings highlighted theonomy—the belief that Old Testament laws should govern modern society—as a significant influence on Christian nationalist ideologies. “This perspective disregards evidence and progress,” she stated. “It’s rooted in Reformed theology that has gained traction over the past three decades.”
Klinger Cain illustrated vertical morality through the biblical story of Abraham, who was praised for his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. “Under a horizontal moral framework, one would reject such an act as immoral,” she explained. “But vertical morality frames disobedience to authority as sinful.”
This rigid adherence to authority can lead to harmful actions justified by a distorted sense of righteousness. The intersection of religion and politics has intensified this cultural conflict, particularly with conservative Christians influencing public policy.
Ajoy criticized MAGA Christians for endorsing policies contrary to Jesus’ teachings. “They promote a vengeful view of God, labeling immigrants as criminals and leftists as violent without evidence,” she said. “Their belief in a literal hell allows them to rationalize cruelty under the guise of ‘tough love.’”
In this vertical moral framework, disobedience to divine law is seen as the gravest sin, permeating political attitudes as well. Klinger Cain pointed out the harsh treatment of immigrant detainees by MAGA Christians. “While undocumented individuals may have broken laws, the severity of punishment seems unwarranted,” she noted.
This religious perspective desensitizes individuals to inhumane treatment, framing compliance with authority as a means of salvation rather than fostering compassion.
“Vertical morality has led white conservative Christians to abandon core Christ-like principles in favor of self-interest,” Hale asserted. “They perceive themselves as faithful while justifying behaviors that contradict widely accepted moral standards.”
This system also vilifies empathy; some conservative authors label it as sinful. Klinger Cain remarked, “If Abraham had empathized with Isaac and refrained from killing him, that empathy would have been deemed sinful.”
The allure of straightforward absolutism explains why vertical morality resonates with many. “It’s reassuring to have clear answers,” Klinger Cain said. “In uncertain times, people gravitate towards authoritarian structures.”
She believes this inclination has enabled conservative Christians to swiftly rally support for morally ambiguous political actions, contrasting with the more nuanced discussions on the opposing side.
“Vertical morality offers comfort amid chaos when grappling with complexities feels overwhelming,” Levings added. “Compliance often becomes a survival tactic for those feeling powerless against authoritarian systems.”
Hale concurred that vertical morality simplifies faith at the expense of confronting systemic issues. “It’s easier to measure faith through personal devotion than through collective responsibility,” she explained.
This focus on individual righteousness risks creating a society where harmful actions go unaccounted for, allowing cruelty under the guise of being a “good Christian.”
Ajoy reflected on a saying from her upbringing: “Some Christians are so heavenly-minded that they’re no earthly good.” This encapsulates the dangers of adhering strictly to vertical morality.
She cited historical instances where Christianity justified slavery and violence. “We see this weaponization of vertical morality today within the Trump administration,” Ajoy stated. “If they can convince followers they are ‘of God,’ it justifies any harm inflicted along the way.”
Levings warned about the broader implications of vertical morality, which relies on the benevolence of those in power and resists questioning established norms. “It fails to accommodate modern advancements or diverse perspectives,” she said.
However, there remains potential for integrating divine moral authority with ethical considerations. “Vertical morality can foster spiritual depth but must coexist with horizontal ethics,” Hale concluded. “Faith without action is incomplete; personal piety risks becoming performative without love for others.”
