Amidst the flurry of indictments, perhaps the former President should simply plead insanity, especially in view of this old observation by Chad Bauman:
With diffuse roots but emerging most forcefully midway through the twentieth century in Pentecostal and charismatic circles, prosperity theology draws selectively on biblical passages (chief among them John 10:10, in which Jesus says, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”) to insist that God desires our physical and financial prosperity. Our task, in a phrase popularized by the movement (and its detractors), is to “name it and claim it.”
The most virtuous and effective act in prosperity theology is positive confession, in which one claims and expresses gratitude to God for the health and wealth one expects to enjoy—even if it seems implausible one’s expectations will be realized. The most sinful act, accordingly, is sometimes called “negative confession”; that is, admitting failure, ill health, poverty, or disappointment. In prosperity theology, words matter; “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Those who lay claim to victory actualize it, while those who admit defeat find themselves hopelessly entrenched in it.
Of course, religious freedom claims would arise and have to be dealt with, particularly by a SCOTUS who, at least in some citizens’ minds, has shown an undue consideration for religious privileges. But, in the end, if Trump really is motivated to act against the best interests of society by some bizarre understanding of God’s wishes, it may be necessary to just toss him in an insane asylum.
