I’m not Catholic, but a former one, and I critique the Pope and Catholicism at times. Others critique my tradition. That’s ok if done with some level of seriousness, respect and decorum. In the end, amidst our differences, I understand we are one Church – some parts of the Church are healthier than others of course, and some are sadly corrupted by human sin.
Yet, I believe healthier Christians and non-Christians alike should agree that this infantile raging is a gross error and inappropriate especially for the President of the United States. It helps nothing. His meme depicting himself as a Messiah figure if not Christ is hubris if not sin. (Sadly, it is too often explained away or blamed on others.) Maybe the President “should get his act together.”
Yet, the current President’s behavior is likely not totally his fault. He has spiritual advisors like Paula White-Cain and other New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) leaders, often deemed sketchy if not heretical by other Christians, that speak of him as a messianic figure and flatter him. Ultimately, they likely hope to use him for their ends.
At a celebration of Good Friday on April 1, 2026, she foolishly compared the President’s suffering to Jesus’ own but then went further. As is common with NAR’s claims of special revelation, she said that she believed Jesus had told her to say, “because of his [Jesus’] victory, you [President Trump] will be victorious in all you put your hand to.” Well, that certainly doesn’t seem to apply to his feuding with the Vatican.
True enough, Christians have the right to hold varied political beliefs, but don’t put up with this drivel. Let’s not forget that Law and Gospel, Justice and Mercy, go together. Jesus taught us to do good to our enemies. Paul urged us to defeat evil with good. Certainly, there are likely other factors influencing the President’s late night, bad choices, but his spiritual sycophants aren’t likely helping.
Please understand that NAR wants a theocracy with their version of five fold ministry to govern it. They over focus on miracles, exorcisms and healings. Their “Apostles” and “Prophets” often claim direct divine revelation and spout teachings disconnected from any previous Christian belief. Their translation of scripture, the Passion Bible, strays so far away from the original manuscripts to falsely prove their teachings even Bible Gateway removed it as an offering. They specifically state their desire to control seven mountains of cultural influence, including politics, so you see them surround and financially support the President. Some call NAR “obsessed over Israel” because of their hope to rebuild the Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount. Some of them suggest this will help instigate a thousand year reign and Jesus’ return. They tend to see money as intimately connected to God’s blessing. Through a Prosperity Gospel, they as pastors often get rich. They tend not to have oversight which has seemingly facilitated criminal offenses.
Although there are likely other issues causing this kind of behavior, it seems like the President just might be listening to these kind of “spiritual advisors,” and that’s not likely a good thing. As Jesus taught, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). We are in this world but no longer of it (John 17:14–16), so in our conversation and conduct, we are to strive to reflect a better way. Test teachings and look for good fruit. As Luther taught, yes, the Spirit helps us understand, but it’s best to listen to the voices of the past and present as you discern scripture. We can deceive even ourselves, so scriptural interpretation is better done in community.
Whatever political party we associate with, we are to be Christian first. Let’s demand better of our leaders rather than ignore such error or explain it away. Ultimately, share the Good News as best as one can, and do not be afraid.
You can learn more about NAR and associated teachings from my interview on Secrets & Spies, and I include further references and resources as we close.
Audio – https://pod.fo/e/3ef111
YouTube – https://youtu.be/YIwzJgdEU8g
© 2026 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author unless under terms of fair use and properly attributed. Scripture passages when used are from the NRSVue translation unless otherwise indicated.
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