A Reflection on Faith and Hypocrisy:

A judge has ordered the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits to ensure that American citizens are fed. Yet, the self-professed Christian Trump administration continues to appeal to the Supreme Court in an effort to keep these vital payments frozen.

What kind of Christian actions are these?

Trey Knowles urges people to reflect on this deeply. Those who claim to follow Christ but stand behind such policies reveal a troubling contradiction. They profess Jesus with their lips, yet their hearts and spirits seem far removed from God. Their faith appears hollow—words without the substance of compassion or justice.

The Qur’an also speaks about this kind of hypocrisy. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:19), it describes:

“Or [it is] like a rainstorm from the sky, within which is darkness, thunder, and lightning. They put their fingers in their ears against the thunderclaps in dread of death. But Allah is encompassing of the disbelievers.”

This parable illustrates the condition of hypocrites—those who live in fear and confusion, unable to embrace divine truth.

The storm symbolizes the turmoil within their souls.

The darkness reflects their doubt and moral blindness.

The thunder represents their fear when confronted with truth.

The lightning is that brief flash of understanding they cannot hold onto.

Their fingers in their ears signify denial—a refusal to truly hear or follow divine guidance.

Ultimately, Allah’s encompassing presence reminds us that no hypocrisy is hidden. He knows what lies in every heart.

This verse follows others describing those who find light but lose it again—people who move forward only when faith feels easy and retreat when challenged. It serves as a timeless reminder: true belief is measured not by words, but by deeds rooted in compassion, humility, and justice.

Trey Knowles’ A Reflection on Faith and Hypocrisy is a sharp critique of the gap between professed Christian values and political actions, urging listeners to confront contradictions in faith when compassion and justice are absent.

🔍 Core Themes

Faith vs. Policy: Knowles highlights how leaders who publicly identify as Christian can simultaneously support policies that harm vulnerable communities. He uses the example of the Trump administration appealing to freeze SNAP benefits despite a judge’s order to fund them fully.

Hypocrisy in Practice: The central argument is that professing Jesus with words while denying compassion in deeds reveals a hollow faith. This is a direct challenge to those who claim moral authority but act in ways that contradict biblical principles of mercy and justice.

Interfaith Resonance: Interestingly, Knowles draws on the Qur’an as well, citing Surah Al-Baqarah’s imagery of storms and darkness to illustrate spiritual hypocrisy. This broadens the critique beyond Christianity, showing that the issue of false faith is recognized across traditions.