In a fervent critique, Senator Raphael Warnock, representing Georgia and also serving as the senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, took aim at former President Donald Trump for his collaboration with country music star Lee Greenwood in selling $60 Bibles.
During an interview on CNN, Warnock expressed disdain for Trump’s venture, emphasizing that the Bible doesn’t require Trump’s endorsement. He drew a parallel to Jesus’ actions, recalling the biblical account where Jesus expelled the money changers from the temple, condemning the act of commercializing sacred items.
Warnock didn’t mince words in his criticism of Trump, referencing the former president’s track record of failed business endeavors such as Trump Steaks and Trump University, both of which faced legal repercussions. He highlighted the discrepancy between Trump’s business ventures and the sacred nature of the scriptures he’s now selling at a premium.
The Georgia Democrat cautioned that Trump’s decision to sell expensive Bibles is a risky move, given the incongruity between the teachings of the Bible and Trump’s own behavior. He warned potential buyers that opening the scriptures might reveal passages that directly contradict Trump’s conduct, such as admonitions against lying and bearing false witness.
The Trump campaign remained silent in response to Warnock’s remarks when approached by NBC News for comment.
Trump’s promotion of the Bibles coincided with Holy Week, the lead-up to Easter, a significant period for Christians. In a video shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump touted the Bible as his favorite book and underscored the importance of religion and Christianity in the United States, urging their resurgence.
This venture is part of Trump’s longstanding practice of branding and selling merchandise under his name. Reports indicate that Trump stands to gain royalties from the sales of these $60 Bibles, though the specifics of the arrangement remain unclear.