Russell Moore Says His Desire for Divine Judgment on Trump ‘Is of the Devil’

During an episode of “Moore to the Point” on Monday (Sept. 1), Dr. Russell Moore shared an open letter to President Donald Trump in reaction to Trump’s recent remarks about getting into heaven.

Trump told Fox News that he hopes he gets to heaven because of the work he is doing to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Before serving as Christianity Today’s editor-in-chief, Moore was the president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). Moore left the ERLC in 2021 and joined Christianity Today.

“I want to end it. I want to try and 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 said, quoting Trump. Moore then referenced an email that was recently sent out, saying, “Your campaign political action committee then followed up with an appeal to your supporters to help you get into heaven by giving money.”

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A pastor affiliated with the National Faith Advisory Board (NFAB) told ChurchLeaders that Trump himself does not send out these fundraising emails.

Moore, who is often critical of Trump’s policies and demeanor, confessed that he was “tempted” to turn his letter into a “critique of your character and your policies—especially in regard to vulnerable people.” But, Moore said, “that would further your problem.”

“The Bible has a lot to say about how ‘rulers’ govern, and you will indeed be judged, like everyone else, for how you used your power,” Moore stated.

Moore continued:

Your comment evidences that you think you can get right with God through a policy win (Eph. 2:8–9). But Jesus never let people stagnate in their confusion. And this note to you would be different if you were arguing (as some of your supporters do) that your wrong actions don’t affect what it means to be Christian. You’re right; what you do does matter for heaven—just not in the way you’re framing it here. So let me start with Jesus and finish with Jesus. This is by no means everything—just the start of a conversation, if you want to have it.

“You’re aware that he was crucified, and I know from your talk about Easter that you are aware that he was raised from the dead and went back to the mysterious spiritual places from which he came,” Moore continued, “and that one day he will return for those who are waiting for him. The Resurrection wasn’t just a happy ending to a sad story—and it certainly wasn’t a ‘comeback,’ the way you might compare it to your own story.”