On the same day the New York Times reported evangelicals will play a key role in the mid-term elections, conservative columnist Cal Thomas criticized fellow believers for their “unaccountable devotion” to President Donald Trump.

According to the Times, the coalition that helped drive 81 percent of evangelicals into Trump’s camp is gearing up for the Nov. 6 elections. The voting will decide all 435 House seats, 35 in the Senate, and 39 state or territorial governorships. 

The newspaper said the effort includes voter registration drives, fund raising, and efforts to persuade conservatives to avoid complacency.

However, the widely-syndicated Thomas questioned the support for Trump that underlies many Christians’ efforts. He lamented that “evangelicals” are perceived by many as a special interest group attached to the Republican Party and especially Trump.  

“There is a conceit among some conservative Christians that God is only at work when a person they voted for is elected,” Thomas commented. “There is no expectation, much less any command, for believers to prop up a fallen world through government. It’s quite the opposite.”