Former President Donald Trump has announced the sale of a patriotic copy of the Christian Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, “God Bless the USA.” The Bible, priced at $59.99, features the American flag on the cover along with the words “God Bless the USA” and includes the text of The Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and other historic American documents. Trump’s endorsement of a sacred text has raised concerns among religious circles, with some labeling it as sacrilege and taking advantage of people’s faith for financial gain. Critics argue that the project echoes the values of Christian nationalism, which historically has ties to prejudice, nativism, and white supremacy.
The promotion of the “God Bless the USA” Bible has been met with criticism for adding political documents like the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution to a sacred text, blurring the separation of church and state. Historian and author Jemar Tisby warns of the dangers of Christian nationalism, noting that blending devotion to God with love of country can be manipulative, especially when Trump is the spokesperson. Critics argue that the blending of patriotism with faith overlooks the diversity within American Christianity and fails to acknowledge the many Christians who do not agree with Trump’s politics or ideologies.
The controversy surrounding the “God Bless the USA” Bible is not new, as it had faced pushback when it was first published in 2021 by HarperCollins Christian Publishing. The decision to not publish the Bible was not based on pushback, according to HarperCollins, leading to the book being released using the King James Version of the text, which is in the public domain. The combination of a Bible and patriotic song like this particular version has had a significant impact on individuals, with some viewing it as a powerful display of American Christianity and others expressing concerns about the blending of faith with a political agenda.
While the FAQ section of the “God Bless the USA” Bible website clarifies that proceeds from the sales do not go towards Trump’s political campaign, questions remain about whether any profits will be directed toward his personal legal battles. The marketing company behind the Bible, EliteSource Pro, has not provided further details on this matter. Trump’s public display of the Bible in 2020 during racial justice protests and his statements about it being his favorite book have also sparked controversy, with religious leaders and critics condemning his use of the Bible for political purposes. In light of his history with using the Bible as a prop on multiple occasions, the release of the “God Bless the USA” Bible has reignited discussions about the intersection of faith, patriotism, and politics in the US.
