Trump Joins Bible Reading Event Amid Controversy

President Donald Trump will participate in a marathon Bible reading session as part of the 'America Reads the Bible' event, organized by Christian conservatives. The week-long event began on April 18th and is being livestreamed from the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C., aiming to commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and encourage a 'return to the spiritual foundation that has shaped our country,' according to organizers.

Trump will read from 2 Chronicles 7:11-22, a passage often invoked by Christian conservatives in the United States, which calls for citizens to repent and for God to bless the nation. The specific verses voiced by Trump have long represented a clarion call for the Christian-right in the United States. Other prominent conservatives and members of the administration, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are also participating in the event.

The passage has been quoted at countless rallies, services, and events organized around the disputed belief that America was created as a Christian nation and needs to repent of its sins. It has particularly been associated with annual National Day of Prayer events. President Eisenhower took his oath of office in 1953 with his hand on a Bible opened to this passage, and President Reagan quoted it in a proclamation declaring the 1984's National Day of Prayer.

The event comes amid tensions between Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war. The Pope has criticized those who 'manipulate religion' for their own military, economic, and political gain, while Trump has defended his actions in Iran. Additionally, Trump faced criticism from some of his religious supporters after posting an AI-generated image that appeared to depict him as a Jesus-like figure healing the sick.

Critics argue that the event promotes Christian nationalism and is part of a larger project to connect America's upcoming 250th birthday with a Christian nationalist vision. Brian Kaylor, author of 'The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power,' described the list of participants as 'very much a right-wing MAGA, Christian nationalist effort.' Historian Jemar Tisby also criticized the event on Facebook, stating that 'You cannot quote the Bible while justifying violence, war and exclusion.'

Despite criticism, organizers maintain that the event is meant to encourage a return to spiritual values. Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, stated that reading the Bible alone isn't enough and that 'faith without works is dead.' The event will culminate in a 'National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving' on the National Mall.