The international Christian community has a new name for American Christians: ideo-evangelicals.

In a recent post on Nicholas Kristof’s blog, Deborah Fikes, a volunteer with World Evangelical Alliance for the past sixteen years, shares a collection of global perceptions of American Christians and their political views.

She introduces the term ideo-evangelicals, which “describe[s] those in the U.S. who are voting more for their political ideology than for their faith values.”

International Christians sees our politics as informing our faith, rather than the other way around.  Fikes’ list of 11 observations amply demonstrates this point.

Throughout U.S. history, outspoken groups of Christians – presumed to represent all believers – have been on the wrong side of history numerous times.  Slavery and segregation leap to mind.  No, those issues didn’t originate in the United States, but they were embraced – and rejected – to various degrees by American Christians.

But history is written by the victors.  Christians who refused to accept positions inconsistent with Scripture are lucky to be a footnote.  No one tallies the conscientious objectors on the losing team.

When I look at Fikes’ list, I see history repeating itself, and Christianity continuing its decline in America.

Ideological-driven leaders, sold out to political – rather than spiritual – solutions to our nation’s problems are cutting deals in the name of God.  For them, the Bible is a Magic 8 Ball with answers that consistently align with the Republican platform:  “Yes, definitely.”  “Without a doubt.”  “It is certain.”  No season of prayer or thoughtful soul searching required.

The stakes are always high, but the consequences for wrong answers can span centuries.  Critics use the public failures of select Christians on specific issues to condemn all believers … for all time.  They gleefully remember the Crusades while conveniently forgetting William Wilberforce.

That reality doesn’t appear to have crossed the minds of those Christian leaders recklessly stamping “God Approved” on every G.O.P. position in the most recent contest of lesser evils.

I’m not endorsing Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, or anyone else for that matter.  I’m simply advocating for an honest, introspective, and convicting read of the Bible without attempts to justify a political agenda.

When I do that, the answers I receive conform me more to the image of Christ than to the ideologies of this world:  “Love your neighbor.”  “Blessed are the peacemakers.”  “My grace is sufficient.”