In a fiery sermon, evangelical pastor Loran Livingston condemned a MAGA-themed Bible endorsed by former President Donald Trump, describing it as “disgusting” and “blasphemous.” Livingston, leading a service at Central Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, expressed his dismay over the Bible, which includes inserts like the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights alongside scripture.
Livingston criticized the blending of nationalistic elements with biblical texts, suggesting it was a distortion of Christian doctrine. He pointed out that the gospel is universal and not tied to any one country or political ideology, emphasizing, “The gospel is not an American gospel! It is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ!”
The MAGA Bible, marketed at $60—quadruple the cost of a standard Bible—is positioned as a tool to fund Trump’s escalating legal bills. It features not only traditional scriptures but also patriotic supplements, including a handwritten chorus of the song “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood, and is bound with a cover that sports the American flag.
During his sermon, Livingston lamented the conflation of God’s word with political and nationalistic symbols, questioning the spiritual integrity of such an item. He chastised his congregation and broader Christian audiences who might see this Bible as a meaningful celebration of their faith and patriotism intertwined, asserting that true Christian values should not be co-opted for political gains.
The pastor’s robust repudiation of the MAGA Bible underscores a broader concern about the commercialization of religious symbols and the potential for political figures to exploit spiritual beliefs for personal and financial gain. His message resonated with many listeners, stirring discussions about the intersection of faith, patriotism, and commerce in religious practices.