In the aftermath of the recent shooting incident at a rally where former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped harm, several of his allies have sparked controversy by drawing connections between the event and biblical scripture.
Senator Mike Lee, a staunch supporter of Trump from Utah, faced backlash after suggesting that Trump had resumed golfing shortly after the shooting incident.
Meanwhile, figures aligned with the MAGA movement have turned to biblical references. Jack Posobiec, a prominent right-wing personality known for his anti-democratic sentiments, referenced Ephesians 6:11, stating, “The bullets were fired at 6:11pm. Ephesians 6:11.” The verse encourages believers to “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Charlie Kirk, Executive Director of Turning Point USA, responded to Posobiec by quoting the subsequent verse, adding, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
In contrast, Jon Root, a commentator on faith, sports, and culture, condemned the use of biblical passages in this context, stating emphatically, “Stop abusing and misusing God’s Word. Stop.”
Former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis, who is facing legal scrutiny in Georgia alongside the ex-president, echoed Root’s sentiment on social media, quoting Matthew 16:4: “This is exactly what scripture tells us NOT to do.”
The reactions reflect a broader debate over the appropriateness of linking political events, such as the shooting incident involving Trump, to religious texts. Critics argue that such connections trivialize sacred scriptures and undermine their intended spiritual messages.