Words have meaning. Words can change meaning. To give perspective, context is important. The theological identity statement by Tabor College President Jules Glanzer (Aug. 13) shows a breathtaking lack of understanding of the recent context. His full-throated embrace of the evangelical movement should be cautioned.

Yes, some of this is the college’s history. And 10 years ago, much of what he says would be fairly true. But in the 2016 U.S. election, 81 percent of evangelicals supported a presidential candidate who has proven to be the most obscene public official in U.S. history, sexually abusing multiple women and bragging about it. He has ridiculed Gold Star families who lost loved ones in the Iraq War, heroes and disabled people. He has called white supremacy groups and the Ku Klux Klan “good people.” He instituted a horrific immigration policy to separate children from parents and keep them in cages. It is documented that he has, since Inauguration Day, lied more than 4,200 times.

I want to ask evangelicals: Which of the above values are the values of Jesus Christ?

Glanzer is tone-deaf about this context. Either you’ve got to quit identifying with the term “evangelical,” or you’ve got to admit you are part of the sewer of today’s politics. The meaning of “evangelical” has changed. Keep up with today’s context.

Brian D. Stucky
Goessel, Kan.