Congratulations, America! We did it! We got our Saul 2.0. -OPINION

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By Josiah Carrasco

You’d think Christians, of all people, would recognize the pattern by now. 1 Samuel 8 ever heard of it? You know, the chapter where Israel, blinded by the lure of power, begged God for a king. They were tired of trusting Him. They wanted a leader who looked strong, who could fight their battles, who could make them great like the nations around them.

They weren’t seeking righteousness. They weren’t seeking to walk in obedience to God. No, they wanted a strongman, a figurehead who would bring them security, power, and national pride.

And God, in His wisdom, warned them. He laid it all out plainly:

This king will take more than he gives.

He will serve himself, not you.

He will exploit you, deceive you, and demand loyalty while caring nothing about righteousness.

And one day, when you realize the disaster you’re in, you’ll cry out for relief. But by then, it will be too late.

But did the people listen? Of course not. They saw all the red flags and ignored every single one of them. They didn’t care about the warnings. They wanted a king. They wanted strength. They wanted greatness.

So God said, Fine. If that’s what you really want, have at it.

And thus, Saul—the man who looked the part, who talked the talk, who promised security and prosperity—led them into ruin. His reign was one of arrogance, self-indulgence, and disobedience. He was paranoid. He was vengeful. He was power-hungry. He used religious language but had no true faith. He turned against the very people he was supposed to serve.

And when it all collapsed? The people suffered.

Fast forward a few thousand years… and here we are. History repeats itself.

This time, it’s wrapped in an American flag. It waves a Bible it never reads. It wears a cross while trampling on Christ’s teachings. And worst of all? It masquerades as “Christianity” when it has nothing to do with Jesus.

The Christian Embrace of Saul 2.0

Let’s be real. Nothing about this modern movement of blind loyalty, nationalism, and obsession with a political savior resembles the teachings of Jesus. Nothing.

If we strip away the excuses, what’s left?

A leader who spreads fear instead of faith.

A leader who lies with ease.

A leader who elevates himself over God.

A leader who worships power, wealth, and vengeance.

A leader who mocks his enemies instead of loving them.

A leader who thrives on division instead of unity.

A leader who boasts about things that are the opposite of the fruits of the Spirit.

And yet, millions of Christians have bought in.

They cheer. They chant. They place their hope in a man, not in Christ. They excuse every sin, dismiss every warning sign, and twist Scripture to justify their allegiance.

Why? Because power is intoxicating.

Because it’s easier to rally around a political movement than to actually live out the gospel. Because it’s more comfortable to seek earthly dominance than to practice humility and sacrificial love. Because it’s simpler to demand “Christian values” from politicians than to embody them ourselves.

And just like in 1 Samuel, the warning signs are everywhere.

And just like in 1 Samuel, people don’t want to hear them.

A False Messiah for a Corrupted Christianity

Jesus was crystal clear about what His kingdom was supposed to be.

“My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

“You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.” (Matthew 7:21)

Yet somehow, modern American Christianity has completely flipped this upside down.

Today’s movement exalts wealth, power, vengeance, and brute force. It embraces nationalism over discipleship, political saviors over Christ, and power over humility. It mocks the very values Jesus taught. And yet, it dares to call itself “Christian.”

Jesus never ran a political campaign.

Jesus never called for an empire.

Jesus never sought revenge on His enemies.

Jesus never demanded blind loyalty.

Jesus never excused sin for the sake of power.

Yet today’s “Christian” movement demands all these things from their leader.

When the Collapse Comes, Don’t Act Surprised

Here’s the thing about 1 Samuel 8 it wasn’t just a warning for Israel. It was a warning for all of us.

When a people abandon righteousness for power, when they trade faith for security, when they exalt a leader who demands loyalty but rejects truth… it always ends the same way.

With ruin.

With collapse.

With suffering.

Saul self-destructed. His reign became a disaster. His paranoia, corruption, and disobedience consumed him. He lost everything.

And Israel? They paid the price.

So here we are again. The cycle repeats.

The warnings have been ignored.

The people have made their choice.

The strongman has been crowned.

So enjoy the next four years of Saul 2.0.

Just don’t act surprised when it all blows up in your face.

Because when that day comes and it will come there will be no excuse.

The warnings were there.

The truth was clear.

And yet, just like in 1 Samuel, the people refused to listen.

For those with ears to hear… you’ve been warned.