Trump’s religious overtones are dangerous

Former President Donald Trump, the leading Republican candidate running for president, is now shouting that there needs to be more religion and prayer in America and goes on to tout “his” Bible, which features the King James Version, the U.S. Constitution and the lyrics to the chorus of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The USA.”

Trump goes on to say, “All Americans need a Bible in their home, and I have many. It’s my favorite book.”

When asked what his favorite book in the Bible is or his favorite verse, Trump does not specify.

This leads me to wonder why Trump is selling Bibles. I believe he is building his case for being the salvation of the country. Bringing the Bible along in the process becomes a solid prop for his evangelical following. It makes him look religious. He is desperate for his message of power and piety to be heard and applauded. Trump is dangerously charismatic and divisive.

Trump is correct in saying we need more religion and prayer in our country. What we don’t need is “his” religion. His religion is one of hate, anger, divisiveness, violence and retribution. The Bible tells us that Jesus taught compassion, reconciliation, healing, hope and to love your neighbor as yourself. The man, Jesus, whom Trump wants to emulate could not be more different.

A New York Times story reported: “Russell Moore, the former president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s publicpolicy arm, said Mr. Trump’s rallies had veered into ‘dangerous territory’ with the altar-call closing and opening prayers from preachers describing Mr. Trump as heaven-sent.”

Christians do pray for the second coming of Christ. I do not believe that Trump is that.

Mary Perrin Scott

Delmar