Grudem uses "by their fruits you shall know them," to defend Trump's moral character, referring to the "fruits" of his policies. But in the Biblical phrase almost certainly refers to the "fruit" of good character, the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, etc.
In other words, Grudem is plainly equating "spiritual fruit" with "my policy preferences." This is sloppy, at best, especially from the author of a systematic theology textbook that (rightly) teaches the importance of careful exegesis. Don't make Scripture say what it doesn't say
Another thing about Grudem's defense of Trump. He addresses the Ukraine thing and (disingenuously) says there's no evidence of abuse of power. But Grudem doesn't even address the other article of impeachment, obstruction of Congress.
On obstruction of Congress, no one even argues that Trump didn't do it. Trump brags about how he didn't cooperate with the investigation. How does Grudem defend that? Especially given that his "Politics According to the Bible" book held the US Constitution up as an ideal?
Grudem's defense is a classic case of starting with a premise (Trump didn't do it!) and working backwards to find an argument.
Grudem focuses only on the Christianity Today editorial and tries to parse it carefully, but in doing so he plainly misses the forest for the trees. Galli was making the point that Trump's repeated pattern of behavior shows he cannot be trusted with power
I invite Grudem to engage with my own editorial about why Trump should be convicted: christianpost.com/voice/convict-…
