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The intersection of religion and politics sparked controversy when Episcopalian Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, during a sermon at the National Cathedral, urged former President Donald Trump to show compassion to immigrants and transgender children. Looking directly at Trump, Budde called on him to “have mercy” in line with Christian teachings.
Trump, however, dismissed her plea and criticized Budde on Truth Social, labeling her a “Radical Left hardline Trump hater” and claiming she was “not very good at her job.”
Budde’s sermon emphasized the teachings of Jesus, reminding Trump that the Christianity he claims to follow prioritizes care for the vulnerable, a stark contrast to the policies his administration promoted. This message of empathy, however, was met with fierce backlash from some right-wing Christians.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Utah-based Deacon Ben Garrett called empathy a “sin,” urging Christians not to listen to “snakes” like Budde. He accused the bishop of being a “deceiver,” drawing parallels between her and Biblical depictions of Satan.
Garrett referenced an Old Testament passage from Deuteronomy, advising followers that their “eye shall not pity,” implying Christians should take a hardline stance against perceived enemies. His rhetoric highlighted a selective reading of the Bible, prioritizing punitive messages from the Old Testament while ignoring the compassionate teachings of Jesus in the New Testament.
The backlash underscores a broader pattern in which some conservative Christians misuse scripture to justify regressive ideologies. For centuries, select passages from the Old Testament have been used to condone slavery, violence, and discrimination, including persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Leviticus, for example, has often been cited to condemn same-sex relationships. However, these interpretations neglect the central message of love, kindness, and humility taught by Jesus, as found in the New Testament.
Budde’s sermon aligns with Jesus’ teachings, such as his commandment to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” found in the Gospel of Matthew. This perspective is far removed from Garrett’s calls for hatred and vengeance, which echo some of the Bible’s most brutal and regressive texts.
The debate over empathy as a “sin” raises deeper questions about hypocrisy within Trump’s political and religious base. While condemning empathy and compassion, Trump’s supporters overlook the former president’s own transgressions.
Wrath, for instance, is evident in Trump’s frequent attacks on immigrants and transgender individuals. Lust is reflected in his extramarital affairs and allegations of sexual assault. Pride is showcased in his repeated self-aggrandizing claims about his achievements, and greed is exemplified by allegations of misusing his charity for personal gain.
These actions contradict the core Christian virtues of generosity, humility, and kindness, which stand in direct opposition to the seven deadly sins—pride, wrath, greed, envy, gluttony, lust, and sloth. Jesus’ teachings, such as “judge not lest ye be judged,” further challenge those who point fingers without reflecting on their own faults.
The criticism of Budde’s sermon and the broader rejection of empathy by Trump’s supporters reveal an ongoing struggle within American Christianity. As figures like Budde call for a return to the compassionate principles of Jesus, they face opposition from those who prioritize power, vengeance, and exclusion over love and inclusion.
