The Spiritual Turn in American Politics: How a Near-Tragedy Reinforced Faith and Divinity in Trump’s Support Base
Journey Through Connoquenessing: Signs of Faith and Patriotism
Traveling along the route from Pittsburgh to Butler, Pennsylvania, one passes through expansive farmland dotted with cornfields and roadside stands. Before reaching the local fairgrounds-where a shooting incident nearly claimed Donald Trump’s life exactly one year prior-billboards display religious verses like 1 Corinthians and Psalm 27. Nearby, a sign promotes a nearby church featuring an American flag artistically twisted into a Y-shape, symbolizing faith and patriotism intertwined.
This imagery resonates deeply with those familiar with the events of July 13, 2024, when a violent attack occurred just hours before Trump’s speech. During that rally, a 30-by-60-foot American flag hanging over the stage was caught by the wind, twisting into a shape that some observers likened to an angel. Keith Karns, pastor of the Church of God at Connoquenessing, recalls, “Some believed it resembled an angel,” highlighting how such symbols are perceived as divine signs amid turbulent times.
The Divine Narrative: From Symbolism to Divine Mandate
In the aftermath of the assassination attempt, the symbolism surrounding Trump and his movement took on a more overt spiritual dimension. The image of the twisted flag became part of a broader constellation of MAGA iconography, alongside images of Trump’s blood-streaked face and raised fist. Over time, this narrative has evolved, with Trump himself asserting at his second inauguration that he was divinely chosen: “I was saved by God to Make America Great Again.”
Supporters and religious figures alike have increasingly viewed Trump’s survival as a sign of divine intervention. The notion of messianic destiny was already present among some factions, such as the QAnon offshoot Negative 48, whose members regularly attended rallies in 2022. Trump has long claimed that his movement is favored by divine forces, and rally attendees often describe the events in spiritual terms, framing their political activism as part of a divine plan.
Divine Protection and Political Mobilization
Following the assassination attempt, many supporters, including prominent evangelical leaders, began to interpret Trump’s survival as evidence of divine protection. Ralph Reed, a leading evangelical strategist, emphasizes that “it’s hard to ignore the hand of Providence in Trump’s near-misses, especially when he survived attempts that could have easily been fatal.” Reed’s Faith and Freedom Coalition reports a tenfold increase in social conservatives and evangelicals since the 1990s, with a 30% rise since 2010, despite declining church attendance-only 37% of U.S. adults now attend religious services monthly, down from 55% in 1972.
This surge in religious identification has translated into increased political engagement, with pastors often blending faith and politics out of concern for their congregations’ spiritual and cultural well-being. The Trump administration recently clarified that federal rules prohibiting political campaigning by nonprofits do not extend to houses of worship, allowing churches to endorse candidates more openly-a move seen as aligning with the religious fervor fueling Trump’s base.
Personal Faith and Public Testimony
While Trump’s personal piety has often been questioned, his support among evangelicals remains unwavering. His reaction to the Butler rally shooting was notably profound; he reportedly told aides, “I’m not supposed to be here,” implying divine intervention. Susie Wiles, his top adviser, recounted telling him, “You do know this is God,” prompting Trump to declare, “If anyone doubted there was a God, that proved there was.”
In the days following the attack, local supporters like Jim Hulings observed the community’s resilience. Despite police tape preventing access to the crime scene, church parking lots were filled with congregants, underscoring their collective faith and resolve. Pastor Karns reflected on the event’s spiritual significance, preaching about life’s fragility through Psalm 90, which compares human existence to grass that withers away.
Personal Stories of Faith and Sacrifice
Among those present was Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter who was killed shielding his family from gunfire. His act of bravery was seen by many as a testament to divine purpose. Lisa Karns, the pastor’s daughter-in-law, expressed her grief and faith: “It felt like there was a reason for everything, and I questioned, ‘God, why take him? Why not me?'” The family later displayed a photo of the twisted flag at their church, symbolizing divine protection and offering comfort amid tragedy.
In a poignant gesture, Alexa Karns, a young girl at the rally, wrote a heartfelt letter to Trump, praying for his safety and expressing hope for his victory. Trump responded with a letter of encouragement, emphasizing their shared resolve to defend the nation-a keepsake now treasured by the family.
The Political and Religious Convergence
The aftermath of the shooting propelled the narrative of divine intervention into the national spotlight. At the Republican National Convention, this theme was prominent, with speakers and attendees openly discussing signs of God’s hand. Tucker Carlson remarked that the event marked a transformation in perception, suggesting that even skeptics might begin to see divine influence at work.
Eric Trump echoed this sentiment, attributing his father’s survival to “divine intervention and guardian angels,” while Donald Trump himself claimed, “I felt very safe because I had God on my side.” As the 2024 campaign progressed, symbols like crosses and angelic imagery became more visible at rallies, reinforcing the spiritual dimension of Trump’s support base.
Signs and Miracles: Personal Testimonies from the Rally
During the second rally in October, supporters recounted witnessing signs and hearing voices they believed to be divine. Butler Township Commissioner Sam Zurzolo described the American flag as resembling a crucifix or angel, interpreting it as a warning. Retired ER doctor James Sweetland shared that he heard a clear, reassuring voice during the chaos, which he believed to be God’s direct communication.
Despite logistical challenges and moments of anxiety, the community’s faith was reaffirmed. When a technical glitch caused the sound system to falter, the sight of the flag flipping into an angelic shape provided a sense of divine reassurance, uniting the crowd in awe and peace.
Reflections on Faith, Resilience, and National Identity
In recent sermons, Pastor Karns revisited themes of life’s fleeting nature, urging his congregation to reflect on the past year’s trials and the strength derived from faith. Many believe that Trump’s leadership is part of a divine plan to restore America’s moral and spiritual foundations. Lisa Karns expressed her conviction: “I truly believe God protected him to help our country return to its spiritual roots.”
As the nation continues to grapple with division and uncertainty, the intertwining of faith and politics remains a powerful force shaping perceptions and actions. The near-tragedy at Butler has become a symbol of divine intervention for many, reinforcing the belief that faith plays a crucial role in the future of American leadership and identity.