Alternative Title: “old, Flawed, and Necessary: Why Some Leaders Are Just Right for Their Times”
People keep asking: How could so many Americans, especially evangelicals, support Donald Trump? I don’t know how many times I’ve been told that the evangelical movement has been co-opted by the Republican party, moved and manipulated to do their will. They’re baffled. They look at him, they see the controversies, the personality, the flaws, and they just can’t understand. But to me, it makes perfect sense. I know why Trump got so much support, and it’s not some mystery. It has nothing to do with being co-opted. The fact is that he’s seen as a fighter, someone willing to take on the battles most conservatives are too afraid or too comfortable to touch. They’re too conservative to do it on their own so they’ve hired out. Donald Trump is the great outsourced agent that people have been looking for..
If you look at history, this pattern isn’t new. Most great leaders are full of anomalies and contradictions. They’re deeply flawed, and yet they’re exactly who people rally around when they feel the stakes are high—when they have been backed into a corner.
I want to talk about a couple of these figures—leaders who had more than their fair share of issues, but who stepped into roles that only they could fill. After that, I’ll show you why so many people—including me, think Trump is the right man for this time.
King Richard the Lionheart: A Warrior, Not a Ruler
King Richard I, “the Lionheart,” was one of medieval Europe’s heroes. Those of you who have seen my crusades series know how much I love this man. He led the Crusades with courage and charisma, inspiring armies and building alliances. He was a military genius. But he was hardly a model king. In fact, then he would say he was a rather bad king. He spent most of his reign fighting self-serving battles far from home, often leaving England in turmoil. All this to chase his own glory. His military campaigns drained England’s resources, and he was more interested in battlefields than governing.
But here’s the thing: though a wild and irresponsible man, people saw him as a hero. His courage and fierce loyalty were exactly what was needed. This was a time when Islam’s might was led by another terrifying military genius—Saladin. Islam was positioning itself to spread across the world, possibly even to England. King Richard’s army loved him and was absolutely loyal to every step he took. It was Christianity vs. Islam, Richard vs. Saladin. He led a disciplined campaign that defeated Saladin, uniting people in the fight and bringing hope to an era that felt under constant threat. Was he a perfect king? Not even close. But he was the warrior people wanted when they felt like the enemy was at the gates.
Martin Luther: The Foul Mouthed Revolutionary
Then there’s Martin Luther. This was a man who would’ve preferred a quiet life, studying theology. But when he saw corruption in the Church, he couldn’t stay silent. His outrage over Church practices ignited the Reformation, a movement that transformed Christianity. Luther wasn’t known for subtlety or for keeping his opinions in check. He could be blunt, divisive, and downright stubborn. Among some of his more colorful language, he even spoke of “blowing the Pope away with a fart.”
But that boldness, that fire, was exactly what was needed to challenge a religious system that had grown complacent and powerful.
Luther wasn’t perfect, either—he had his flaws. But his willingness to confront the status quo changed history. He didn’t transform the world by being polite; he did it by standing firm on his convictions, no matter the cost. His impact came not from a spotless character but from his willingness to shake things up.
Donald Trump: A Modern Disruptor
Fast forward to today, and we see a similar story with Donald Trump. He isn’t everyone’s idea of an ideal leader—far from it. His brashness, his willingness to disrupt, his in-your-face style, and his Tweets(!) either resonate deeply or drive people up the wall. But for many, Trump’s approach is exactly what’s needed. People feel like the “system” has ignored them, like elites in Washington have grown comfortable and out of touch. They’re tired of politics as usual, fake news and fake leaders, and Trump’s willingness to bulldoze through norms and take on these established powers makes him a fighter in the eyes of his supporters.
So, is Trump a flawless leader? Not at all. But much like Richard and Luther, he’s become a rallying point for those who feel like they’re in a fight for the country’s soul. Change is needed and he is their man. His imperfections don’t disqualify him in their eyes—they make him real, someone willing to play rough in a time when, to them, everything is on the line.
He is the Christian version of the middle finger being given to Washington. He is our necessary retributional secret agent. He is the bull in the China shop, and his supporters have taken off the leash. He is for all those who want to deconstruct Washington.
A History of Flawed Heroes
Each of these figures—Richard, Trump, and Luther—had ambition, drive, and plenty of flaws. And that’s the point. If we look at history, God always uses flawed people for big tasks.
Don’t be surprised. History is full of heroes who, despite significant personal flaws, left a legacy because they were just right for their moment. Here’s a list of just a few more established heroes and established sinners:
Martin Luther King Jr. – Documented multiple affairs, a personal flaw that contrasted with his role as a moral leader during the Civil Rights Movement.
John F. Kennedy – Known to have had multiple affairs, including a rumored relationship with Marilyn Monroe, adding a layer of controversy to his legacy as a visionary president.
Mother Teresa –Reading mother Theresa‘s memoirs many years ago broke my heart. Struggled deeply with doubt, spiritual darkness, and feelings of unbelief, as revealed in her private writings, which seemed to contrast sharply with her public image as a woman of unwavering faith.
King David – Committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged the murder of her husband, Uriah, actions that marred his legacy as a “man after God’s own heart” despite his deep repentance and leadership.
Winston Churchill – Held imperialist and racist views, especially toward India, and was criticized for his role in the Bengal famine, where millions died, casting a shadow over his legacy as a WWII hero.
John Calvin – Approved the execution of Michael Servetus for heresy, a controversial action that has complicated his legacy as a prominent Reformer and theologian.
Constantine the Great – Legalized Christianity and convened the Council of Nicaea, but maintained pagan practices throughout his life and delayed his baptism until just before death, raising questions about his personal commitment to the faith.
Jonathan Edwards – A key figure in the Great Awakening and celebrated theologian, Edwards owned slaves and defended slavery, a profound contradiction to his legacy as a spiritual leader.
And these are just the things we know about. How many more flaws would we see in each of these where anyone can do a deep-dive into anyone else due to the public digital print that most of us leave. I would be terrified for people to do a deep dive into me. (Maybe I wouldn’t. I try to stay ahead of my problems).
Time would fail me if I continued on with all the examples of great people throughout history, each with significant issues in their past or personal lives. These figures were “great” not because they were perfect, but because they were exactly what was needed for their times.
Now, I’m not saying that Donald Trump is like any of these people. I’m not even saying that he’s a Christian—I don’t know his heart. But I do understand why so many people in America, and not just evangelicals, support him. People see the cultural, political, and ideological battles as more threatening than ever, and when there’s a powerful opponent, people want a fighter. Sometimes, we don’t care who flies the plane, as long as they know how. To many, Trump is simply the person for this issue, called for this moment, and that’s why he’s garnered so much support, even if he’s a flawed pilot. The leash is off. We’ll see what he does.
