Known for his strong support of Trump, Pastor Mark Burns made headlines at the ReAwaken America Tour. During the event, he controversially spoke about specific Bible verses. These verses suggested that Burns justified violence to allow Trump’s potential return to the White House in 2024.
Words from the Stage
During the Trump National Doral in Miami, Pastor Burns voiced his strong feelings to the crowd. He declared to the audience, “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.” This suggested that he believed future responses need to be practical.
Bible Interpretation Controversies
Burns’ interpretation of the Bible raised several eyebrows, especially when he quoted Matthew 5:38-40. He claimed the scripture says, “Bible says the violent take it… and we take it by force.” However, the actual scripture in Matthew 5:38-40 is different, reading, “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Matthew 11:12 Put to Use
The pastor didn’t stop at Matthew 5. He referenced another verse, Matthew 11:12, to emphasize his stance. This verse says, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” To some, this indicated that Burns believed in a forceful approach to achieve the MAGA groups’s goals.
ADL Expresses Disagreement
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), known for its stance against hate, didn’t take Burns’ words lightly. Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL Director, described Burns’ comments in detail. He termed them as “objectionable” and “offensive.” Furthermore, the ADL went on record, categorizing the ReAwaken America Tour as essentially hosting “controversial far-right conferences.”
Baptist Minister Brian Kaylor Reacts
After watching the event, many Christians were shocked at Burns’s statements. In particular, one minister, Brian Kaylor, shared his thoughts. He posted a clip with the caption, “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 to cut ‘turn the other cheek,’ which Trump world often does.”
Additional Comments from Kaylor
He continues his criticisms, saying, “This isn’t just politics; this is a syncretic religious movement. Pastor Brian Gibson & 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 & thus shouldn’t be covered up (they didn’t explain if logic extends to pants).”
A Mysterious “Prophet”
Kaylor highlighted another notable figure from the event, a self-proclaimed “prophet” named Amanda Grace. Grace took the stage and claimed to offer words directly from God. Kaylor shared a snippet of her words, saying she spoke “as if from God, attacking ‘those fools that sit in the White House.'”
Prophecies and Predictions
Kaylor then discussed the event’s spiritual claims. He brought attention to Donné Clement Petruska. Petruska brought forth the “prophecies” of her late father, Kim Clement. She claimed that these prophecies indicated that “God ordained Trump to serve another presidential term & that ReAwaken America is part of God’s plan.”
Baptism Concerns
Perhaps one of Kaylor’s most profound concerns was the baptismal service held during the event. The location of this sacred rite, the Trump Doral, made him question the purpose of this event. He asked, “Who’s being worshiped?” questioning if the ceremony was more about political alignment than spiritual rebirth.
Eric Trump’s Words
During the event, Eric Trump openly praised the transformation of the Trump property. He boldly claimed, “his family made it great after it was run down.” Mockingly addressing CNN’s coverage, he “mocks CNN for being owned by Trump at the town hall.” Clearly, he took pride in the legacy his family has built and their influence on properties and politics.
January 6 Mentioned
Highlighting the severity of the January 6 insurrection, Minister Kaylor presented a clip featuring a felon who was previously convicted due to their involvement during this insurrection. Kaylor highlighted the irony of “one of those convicted for role in Jan 6 insurrection [asking] the crowd to join him in praying Lord’s Prayer as proof of their devotion to the cause he marched for on Jan 6.”
Public Calls For Democracy
In a passionate plea for democracy and a shift in strategy, a person remarked, “Here’s an idea for Republicans. Instead of desperately trying to cling to minority rule […] try Formulating policy, crafting a platform, and nominating candidates to enact these things a majority of voters will support. It’s called democracy. Give it a whirl, Republicans.”
Calls for Peace
Highlighting the contrasts between some leaders’ calls to action and foundational Christian teachings, a user said, “You know what would be awesome? One of these ‘Christian Conservatives’ preaching about Christ’s teachings of love, kindness, generosity, compassion, and acceptance.”
Tax Exemption Debates
With the ongoing debates and reactions, some users questioned the religious tax exemptions for individuals like Burns. “If that doesn’t disqualify his tax-exempt status, then why should I have to pay taxes?” Other people echoed these feelings, showing concern over religious groups’ involvement in political support.
Concerns About Peaceful Actions
Some individuals also expressed their utter shock at Burns’s apparent support for violence. One user said, “Seriously? A pastor preaching violence as the means to overthrow our democracy? They know not what they do because this won’t end well… for them. They’re going to get more than they bargained for because peaceful folks (like me) won’t sit by while they attempt to ruin the country. Nope… not happening.”
Questioning True Christianity
As tensions grow, there’s a call for reflection on the essence of Christianity. As one user shared, “True Christians don’t call for war, they call for peace and prayers. These men are not true Christians, even though they may be pastors. Jesus would say I do not know thee. Jesus would put Trump and his followers in their place.”
Bible Interpretation
The event also sparked conversations about how the Bible is interpreted and applied. Many argued that individuals like Burns were not ‘real’ Christians. They argued, “The majority of Christians refuse to live by the advice Jesus gave them. They treat the Bible the same way they treat the Constitution. They cherry-pick the parts they like and ignore the rest.”
The Future of Faith and Politics
With the ReAwaken America Tour event sparking controversy, many are now reflecting on how faith and politics are connected. Some argued that there should be clearer distinctions between the two, claiming America’s unity depends on it. Others claimed that Burns was entitled to free speech and interpreting the Bible as he pleased.
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