A Shift from Compassion to Obedience
Many Americans are struggling to reconcile Christian teachings of love and mercy with the harsh rhetoric and punitive policies promoted by MAGA-aligned Christianity. The key to this apparent contradiction, some experts argue, lies in the concept of vertical morality. This moral framework values obedience to divine authority over empathy or compassion, viewing righteousness as submission to God’s laws rather than the impact on others.
Former fundamentalists and Christian advocates argue that vertical morality prioritizes pleasing God above all, even when doing so may cause harm. In contrast, horizontal morality focuses on the impact of actions on individuals, emphasizing the importance of caring for neighbors and the marginalized. Critics say modern Christian nationalism largely ignores this horizontal ethic in favor of authoritarian moral absolutes.
From Theology to Political Strategy
The impact of vertical morality extends far beyond theology. Its emphasis on divine rule obedience has shaped political behavior and policy, particularly among conservative evangelicals. Supporters argue that following God’s will, even when it is socially unpopular, reflects genuine religious integrity.
However, critics warn that this morality can be exploited for political power. Activists like Rachel Klinger Cain and authors like April Ajoy highlight how vertical morality allows cruelty under the guise of faith. From anti-immigration policies to LGBTQ demonization, behaviors often at odds with Jesus’ teachings are excused as divine obedience.
Authoritarianism in the Name of Faith
Vertical morality appeals to many because of its simplicity. In chaotic times, some find comfort in strict moral structures. However, experts caution that this ease can lead to dangerous complacency. Tia Levings and Malynda Hale argue that it desensitizes people to injustice and enables authoritarianism both in church and state.
They point to Christian support for Trump-era policies, including Project 2025, as a manifestation of this thinking. Vertical morality, they say, provides moral cover for harm when aligned with perceived divine authority, silencing empathy and accountability.
Consequences of Faith Without Compassion
Detractors emphasize that an overreliance on vertical morality can foster exclusion and justify suffering. When righteousness is defined only by obedience, people can ignore systemic injustice while believing they are morally pure. Critics cite historical and present examples — slavery, KKK, and MAGA policies — as outcomes of this unchecked framework.
Advocates for reform call for integrating horizontal morality, stressing that faith without love for others is hollow. For many, true Christianity requires a balance between devotion to God and compassion for humanity.
Source:
‘Vertical Morality’ Might Describe Why MAGA Christians Seem So Unchristian
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A well-written and suscinct article. Thanks. I’m surprised, however, that it never mentions what, at least to me, is the most obvious parallel: the legalistic-righteousness which Jesus pushed back against throughout the Gospels. His entire Sermon on the Mount addressed what righteousness looks like from God’s perspective, and it almost always boiled down to living in loving, serving, and humble relationship with others. If the goal is to please God, God absolutly cares about human relationships, and when our actions (and policies) actually have the effect of hurting others, God’s not going to be happy with our ‘obedience.’ The Pharisees argued for this kind of obedience, but Jesus made it abundantly clear that their righteousness fell short of God’s standard. This isn’t rocket science.
That is an excellent point, Drew.
The greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. There is no such thing as vertical morality without horizontal morality. Vertical morality would be immoral according to Jesus.