Former President Donald Trump has announced the official sale of a patriotic edition of the Christian Bible, themed around Lee Greenwood’s iconic song, “God Bless the USA.”
"Happy Holy Week!" Trump declared on social media, encouraging followers to purchase the "God Bless The USA Bible" as Easter approaches.
The $59.99 Bible, first published in 2021, features the American flag and "God Bless the USA" on the cover, alongside the lyrics of the song, The Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and other historical American documents inside.
Promotional material shows Trump with country singer Lee Greenwood.
The announcement has sparked criticism, with some calling it sacrilege and heresy, citing biblical lessons against exploiting faith for profit. Rev.
Benjamin Cremer criticized the move as using Christianity for personal gain, while Jason Cornwall noted that it violates the commandment against taking God's name in vain.
Critics also argue that the project promotes Christian nationalism, suggesting that America was founded as a Christian nation, which historically has ties to prejudice, nativism, and white supremacy.
Historian Jemar Tisby warns against blending patriotism with faith, stating that the Bible's addition of political documents erases the separation of church and state.
Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty sees Trump's endorsement as exploiting fears rooted in racism and prejudice to promote a specific Christian ideology. He argues that such actions overlook the diverse views within American Christianity.
The "God Bless the USA" Bible had faced controversy before its publication in 2021, with HarperCollins Christian Publishing initially passing on the deal.
Tisby and other authors under HarperCollins' Zondervan imprint objected to the project, fearing its association with a sacred text.
Anglican vicar David W. Peters notes the diverse reactions within American Christianity, emphasizing compassion as a key tenet of liberal progressive faith.
He believes that while the Bible may not shake the faith of Trump supporters, it raises questions about the intersection of politics and religion.
Regarding the proceeds from the Bible's sales, the website clarifies that they will not go towards Trump's political campaign but does not mention whether they will support his legal battles.
EliteSource Pro, the marketing company behind the Bible, has not provided further details.
Trump has faced criticism for his use of the Bible in public settings, including a 2020 incident where he displayed the Bible during racial justice protests.
Religious leaders condemned the act, with televangelist Pat Robertson calling it inappropriate.