For numerous Americans, the apparent disconnect between core Christian teachings and the political positions of the MAGA movement remains deeply perplexing. How can individuals who profess faith in Jesus—whose ministry emphasized love, mercy, and care for the oppressed—simultaneously endorse policies that penalize immigrants, vilify LGBTQ+ individuals, and seem to celebrate cruelty? The answer to this complex puzzle may be found within an ethical concept known as "vertical morality."
Defining Vertical Morality
"Vertical morality teaches that authority, power, and a moral code of right and wrong originate from 'above'—an external superior who establishes rules, systems, and tenets that must be obeyed by those beneath," explained Tia Levings, a former Christian fundamentalist and author of "A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy." In religious contexts, this superior is God; in politics, it could be an authoritarian leader. The central idea is that behaviors are judged solely based on the decrees of the figure in power.
"Vertical morality in Christianity is the idea that our ethics and behaviors have a duty to please God alone. We derive our morals from God and must obey Him, furthering the divine will regardless of the cost," stated April Ajoy, author of "Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding A True Faith." The term has gained traction on social media, popularized by content creator and activist Rachel Klinger Cain, who describes it as a simplified version of "divine command theory" in metaethics.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Morality
This framework stands in stark contrast to "horizontal morality," which prioritizes the well-being of neighbors, communities, and personal relationships. "Someone with vertical morality may help a person in need because they believe that's what God wants, whereas someone with horizontal morality helps for the benefit of the person needing assistance," Ajoy elaborated. Horizontal morality focuses on genuine empathy, compassion, and love, assessing the real-world impact of actions on others.
"I think both are important in the Christian faith, but many people today prioritize the vertical and forget the horizontal altogether," observed Malynda Hale, executive director of The New Evangelicals, a nonprofit promoting inclusivity and justice in Christianity. Ajoy argues that the most Christ-like approach integrates both, citing Matthew 25 where Jesus equates loving one's neighbor with loving Him, thus merging horizontal care with vertical devotion.
Political Implications and Contemporary Justice
The distinction between these moral frameworks is not merely theological; it provides critical insight into modern politics. "Evangelicals are taught that all morality comes from God, so true goodness can only be spread by obeying God, even if it harms people," Ajoy noted. This becomes dangerous when Christians weaponize vertical morality for political power, as seen in the Christian nationalism associated with the Trump administration.
In today's climate, conservative Christian nationalists often view political allies as divinely favored and opponents as evil. Levings pointed to the influence of theonomy—the belief that Old Testament laws should apply to modern society—on this mindset. "It predates Jesus and is disinterested in evidence, science, or inclusion of other worldviews," she said.
Klinger Cain illustrated this with the biblical story of Abraham, who was commended for willingness to sacrifice Isaac under God's command. "Under vertical morality, disobeying God is the sin, not the inherent immorality of the act," she explained. This framework elevates unquestioning obedience as the supreme virtue, even when it conflicts with compassion or common sense.
Policy Justifications and Empathy Demonization
This ethical system has tangible effects on policy and public discourse. "MAGA Christians promote policies that often contradict Jesus's teachings, justifying them with a view of God as vengeful," Ajoy said. They may demonize immigrants, queer people, and political opponents without evidence, framing cruelty as 'tough love' in service of a God-ordained mission to Christianize the nation.
Vertical morality can desensitize adherents to suffering, such as in the harsh treatment of immigrant detainees. "Every broken rule is seen as deserving severe punishment, mirroring the theological view that any sin leads to hell," Klinger Cain added. This perspective also demonizes empathy; some conservative authors have labeled it as sinful or "toxic," warning that compassion should not support actions deemed immoral by authority.
"Vertical morality has caused white conservative, MAGA-aligned Christianity to abandon Christ's core teachings because their focus is on self-interest and perceived moral purity," Hale stated. Righteousness is measured by obedience rather than Christ-like behavior, excusing actions the broader public recognizes as un-Christian.
Appeal and Dangers of Vertical Morality
The appeal of vertical morality lies in its simplicity and absolutism. "It's comforting to always know the answer and where to find it," Klinger Cain remarked. In times of cultural change and uncertainty, people may gravitate toward authoritarian structures for a sense of safety and order. "Once primed for authoritarianism in religion, it's easy to accept it in politics," she added, explaining the rapid mobilization of conservative Christians behind morally questionable policies.
"Vertical morality feels safe in chaotic times when figuring things out feels daunting," Levings said. Hale agreed it is easier to measure faith by private devotion or rigid rules than by how one engages with the world's complexities. However, this focus on individual righteousness over collective responsibility can blind people to injustice and justify harmful behavior, fostering a society where cruelty is tolerated if performed by "good Christians."
"Our history is full of Christians causing human suffering because they believed they were obeying God," Ajoy warned, citing justifications for slavery and Klan activity. "Today, vertical morality is weaponized in the Trump administration. If they can convince people they are 'of God,' it doesn't matter who they hurt." This echoes the biblical critique of honoring God with lips while hearts remain distant.
Balancing Ethical Frameworks
Vertical morality's risks include its dependence on the benevolence of authority, reliance on unchallengeable ancient codes, and exclusion of diverse perspectives. "It can't consider modern advancements, evidence, or human progress," Levings explained. Yet, experts acknowledge that vertical morality can offer spiritual depth when balanced with horizontal ethics.
"Faith without works is dead. Personal piety can become performative if not rooted in love for others," Hale concluded. The ideal, as modeled by Jesus, integrates obedience to divine authority with compassionate action toward humanity, ensuring that morality serves both God and neighbor.
