It’s called the “Sunk-cost Fallacy.”
Definition: The Sunk-cost Fallacy is the phenomenon whereby a person is reluctant to abandon a strategy or course of action because they have invested heavily in it, even when it is clear that abandonment would be more beneficial. It causes irrational decisions by focusing on irretrievable costs, commonly known as throwing “good money after bad”.
Examples: Staying in an abusive relationship because you have already invested years together. Watching a boring movie to the end because you paid for the ticket, despite not enjoying it. Continuing to fund a failing project rather than your cutting losses because you’ve already spent so much on it.
Is this the reason so many American Christians can’t get themselves to abandon their adamant support of Donald Trump despite how he commits blasphemy, threatens genocide, breeds hate and fear, abandons democratic norms, denies science, lies whenever he opens his mouth, denigrates women and political opponents, treats the U.S. military as his personal tool for his own political purposes, unilaterally declares wars, etc. They’ve sunk a decade into his support, compromised their integrity, conceded friendships and family relationships, lost their moral authority, not to mention the fortune spent on travel to rallies, red hats and lawn signs. How can they turn back now and waste it all?
Russell Moore said, “The president is so confident in evangelical and white Catholic support that he is willing to stand on Fifth Avenue and point the metaphorical gun at the first commandment (not to mention most of the others), confident he will not lose any support.”
So, in hopes it won’t turn out not to be a fool’s errand after all, they double down in his defense. Maybe, just maybe if they hold on a little bit longer, he’ll change his ways and do something worthy of their respect and support, and it will all be worth it. Perchance he’s right and he is the “only one” who can fix America and make it great again? By now, they’ve invested so much time, energy, and money, they can’t turn back now.
“Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. Though while they live they count themselves blessed— and people praise you when you prosper— they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life. People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish.” (Psalm 49:16-20)
I’m not trying to be funny or condescending. I’m sincerely reaching for an explanation to people’s adamant attachment to such an incompetent and conscienceless person. For a decade I’ve searched for a reason for the phenomena of people’s, especially Christian people’s, unwavering backing for Trump. Could this be the end of my search? Is the “Sunk-cost Fallacy” the solution to the mystery that so many intelligent, godly people can’t let go of their sycophantic devotion to Donald Trump?
I’m talking about people, especially those who identify as followers of Jesus Christ, many of which are close friends of mine, who hang on his every word, cheer his manly manness, and claim he’s “God’s choice” for leader of the free world. It’s those who convince themselves that he is who he says he is, i.e., the G.O.A.T. president (Greatest Of All Time).
“Childish leaders oppress my people… O my people, your leaders mislead you; they send you down the wrong road.” (Isaiah 3:12)
BTW, I’m not suggesting you leave your preferred party, just the man who hijacked it. I’m not advising you to abandon all your principles, your commitment to being pro-life, small government, or religious freedom. I’m just saying that Donald Trump, and I believe you know it in your heart, is not worthy of your endorsement, let alone your fandom.
Now that we’re all witnessing him deteriorating morally and intellectually by the day, are the last hangers on hanging on to the fallacy that the cost of jumping off the Trump train that’s headed for the chasm is not worth the price of the ticket they’ve already paid?
Granted, to admit we’ve been wrong requires humility. Lots of it in this case. Breaking up with an unworthy person and/or an undeserving ideology can be painful and pricey, but it’s worth it.
I appeal to you to take the leap and break up with Donald Trump with whom you are unequally yoked. I challenge you to inquire of the Lord if what I’m saying is right. Be honest with yourself. Are you clinging to the “Sunk-cost Fallacy”?
Be a Berean and search God’s Word. I suggest you begin with the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). If you remain unconvinced, and if with a clear conscience you believe God wants you to hang on to Donald Trump till the bitter end, then do what you believe is right.
Either way, God loves you and I do too.
barney wiget 