The Wall Street Journal recently published a front-page article regarding prominent Christian speaker Lance Wallnau and his followers who are supporting Donald Trump’s campaign for re-election. Titled “The Evangelicals Calling for ‘Spiritual Warfare’ to Elect Trump,” the piece adopts a mocking tone towards Wallnau’s perspective, which he openly criticized on social media. Wallnau expressed his displeasure, likening the experience to a historical anecdote from Abraham Lincoln about being “tarred and feathered,” emphasizing the mixed feelings of appearing on the front page while feeling disrespected by the portrayal.
Wallnau is actively involved in the “Courage Tour,” a series of tent meetings he conducts along with evangelist Mario Murillo across various swing states. These meetings aim to encourage Christian engagement in politics and voting. Unlike many evangelical leaders during the 2016 election—who backed candidates like Ted Cruz or Ben Carson—Wallnau recognized what he perceives as God’s hand on Trump and became an early supporter. His belief in Trump’s potential resemblance to the ancient Persian King Cyrus, who liberated the Jewish people, further exemplifies Wallnau’s unwavering commitment to viewing political events through the lens of Christian faith.
The Journal’s coverage highlights Wallnau’s understanding of politics as a cosmic battle between good and evil, employing urgent, apocalyptic messaging in his sermons. The article references Wallnau’s assertion that “powers of darkness” are at play in the political arena and quotes him calling Vice President Kamala Harris a “Jezebel spirit,” implying demonic influence. This language contributes to a caricatured image of Wallnau and his beliefs, depicting them as extreme or bizarre, which he acknowledges is a challenge in public perception.
Despite facing skepticism about his views, Wallnau maintains that discussions about spiritual warfare and demonic influences are deeply rooted in Christian theology. He points out that the Bible recounts numerous instances of spiritual conflict from Genesis through to Revelation, affirming the existence of ongoing spiritual battles that manifest in contemporary issues like abortion and family values—dividing public opinion in modern elections. He argues that these spiritual dimensions influence real-world political dynamics, aligning his thoughts with traditional Christian teachings.
In response to the critical coverage from The Wall Street Journal and similar outlets, Wallnau interprets the negative attention as an indicator that believers are “over the target,” affirming that Christians are engaged in meaningful spiritual warfare aligned with divine purpose. He posits that the attack from the media reflects a significant conflict rooted in ongoing cultural and moral negotiations in American society. For Wallnau and his supporters, these media narratives serve to validate their spiritual engagement rather than diminish it, highlighting their perception of being on the frontline of a battle with significant stakes.
In the context of this ongoing political and spiritual discourse, Wallnau’s commentary on platforms like “Flashpoint” emphasizes that Christians are unwaveringly attempting to realign the political landscape with God’s will. He argues that their engagement is a necessary component in a broader spiritual struggle, suggesting that the media’s negative portrayals inadvertently spotlight their dedicated efforts. For Wallnau, and many like him, the challenges presented by mainstream media serve as a rallying cry to persist in what they view as a crucial spiritual mission, intertwining their faith with political aspirations in a fervent call to action.