Terry Ebaugh

On May 7, 2026, Pastor Mark Burns led a dedication ceremony for a 22-foot statue of President Donald J. Trump. He stated, “It is a celebration of life and a powerful symbol of resilience, freedom, patriotism, courage, and the will to keep fighting for America. It also reminds us of the hand of God over President Trump’s life. We thank God for preserving him and not allowing his life to be taken, not once, but multiple times.”

Excuse me, but why is the hand of God over President Trump’s life? Where was God’s hand during the Holocaust? My Lai? Columbine? Where the hell was God when countless other people lost their lives? Let me guess, the Lord works in mysterious ways. 

Pastor Burns said he is amazed at how some people have compared the statue to the golden calf or idol worship. Quoting scripture such as Matthew 4:10, Romans 13:7, and Acts 17:24, Pastor Burns tries to make the case that he worships the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone. Pastor Burns claims, “My worship belongs to God. My gratitude can still honor people. My faith is in Christ.”

I have some advice for Pastor Burns. Instead of putting Donald J. Trump on a pedestal, try showing that your faith is in Christ.

Pastor Burns, did you counsel the President about immigration? Matthew 25:25-36. 1 Kings 8:41-44. Exodus 23:9.

Did you talk to the President about helping poor people here and abroad? Luke 6:20-21. Matthew 25:34-36. Mark 10:21-22.

Perception matters. Instead of supporting the wealthy, demonstrate you understand the “biblical mandate to care for the least among you” (Hesse, 2026, 9).

The United States faces many important issues that require attention. Healthcare, justice for the Epstein survivors, the war with Iran, the cost of living, Social Security, federal spending (1 billion for a ballroom?) and the budget deficit, just to name a few. 

I don’t see dedicating a statue of Presiden Trump as something that will save lost souls. Sometimes Pastor Burns, a golden statue of President Trump, is a golden calf.

Hesse, J. (2026). On fire for god: Fear, shame, poverty, and the making of the Christian right–A personal history. Pantheon Books.

Tags: Evangelicals, Religion

This entry was posted on May 9, 2026 at 9:46 pm and is filed under Politics, Trump. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.