Mark Burns, a pro-Trump pastor, has claimed violence should be used to return Trump to the White House in 2024. He justified the comment with his interpretation of the Bible.
The Pastor Made the Comments at a Pro-Trump Event
Burns made the comments at the ReAwaken America Tour, which started at the Trump National Doral in Miami. The pastor quoted multiple passages from the Bible to justify his message. “You got to get to the point where you realize that when they smack you in the face, you smack them back two times harder,” he said.
The Pastor Was Sharing His Interpretation of Matthew
The aforementioned comment was Burns’ unique interpretation of Matthew 5:38-40: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” Burns went on to say that the Bible says “the violent take it” and claimed it says to take things by force. He was interpreting Matthew 11:12, which reads: “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”
Burns Was Heavily Criticized by Other Christians
Baptist minister Brian Kaylor, who has a Ph.D. in Political Science, heavily criticized Burns on Twitter. “Pastor Mark Burns preaches the hope of a second coming of Donald Trump during ReAwaken America at Trump Doral. He also calls for war as he rewrites the Bible. This isn’t just politics; this is a syncretic religious movement,” he said.
The Minister Had More to Say
Kaylor called out another pastor – Brian Gibson – for anti-mask rhetoric. He said: “Pastor Brian Gibson, and wife Jessi, tell those at ReAwaken America at Trump Doral to fight against liberals by having many children. They argue masking was wrong since we’re made in the image of God and shouldn’t be covered up (they didn’t explain if this logic extends to pants).”
The Event Even Had a “Prophet”
Kaylor continued to criticize the event, posting a video of an alleged “prophet”, with the caption: “Amanda Grace speaking during ReAwaken America at Trump Doral to offer a word from God. She’s speaking as if from God, attacking ‘those fools that sit in the White House.’”
Kaylor Questioned Who’s Being Worshiped – God or Trump?
Kaylor talked about his experience attending the ReAwaken Tour and questioned who, at Trump Doral, is being worshiped. He said: “When I attended ReAwaken American in Branson, the most disturbing part was the baptism service. They’ll be baptizing more people into this movement tonight, but it’s worse because people will be getting baptized at Trump Doral. Who’s being worshiped?”
Commenters Were Shocked
Christian commenters were shocked and hurt; they felt Burns’ comments were blasphemous. One person wrote: “Absolute blasphemy.” Another said: ”I am not surprised at the level Republicans will go to promote violence. Using the Bible is just another step down into the swamp.”
Non-Christians Were Confused
Non-Christians were confused, with many raising questions about the role of a pastor. “Isn’t a pastor supposed to be promoting peace, not violence? Let me know, Trump cult,” one individual wrote. Another replied: “That is correct, but his so-called man is not a man of God.”
Conservatives Tried to Change the Subject
Trump supporters, conservatives, and other right-wingers tried to change the subject. “Joe Biden is a war criminal,” one person commented, not understanding that his comment would be largely ignored as the majority of left-wingers are not fans of the objectively right-wing Biden.
Good Christians Commented Bible Extracts Which Contradict the Pastor’s Words
Several Christians posted peaceful Bible extracts – extracts that promote unity over division. One person wrote: “Romans 16:17-18. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.”
Some Commenters Criticized Christianity and Churches
Many commenters used the opportunity to highlight widespread issues with Christianity and churches. One person wrote: “Many ‘churches’ are actually terrorist organizations hiding behind the Bible and should be on the FBI watch list. If they get involved in politics, tax them. Do not let them operate as nonprofits. By the way, why do preachers always suggest giving money to God, but give their addresses?”
Largely, the Comments Were a Reminder That Good Christians Still Exist
For the most part, the comments were a reminder that good, level-headed Christians still exist in the world – something that’s easy to forget, especially with how rude, insulting, and rash people can be on social media. Most Christians condemned Burns and said no true Christian would support Trump.
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