Commentary 26/04/29 Bible reading in a pluralistic society

[성기화 요셉]

It might appear to be an innocuous exercise or performance of the faith, but it can also be a politically charged exercise

A file image of US President Donald Trump holding up a bible in front of St John's Episcopal church after walking across Lafayette Park from the White House in Washington, DC. (Photo: AFP)

By Ruben C. Mendoza 

Published: April 29, 2026 12:36 PM GMT

Updated: April 29, 2026 12:37 PM GMT

The text in question is often used by Christian nationalists to justify their ideology that the United States was created as a Christian nation, which is a highly dubious claim.

As an American Baptist pastor puts it, “This verse [2 Chronicles 7:14]  is not about the United States.”  Rather, it is “a promise made to one particular person in one particular moment. It doesn’t really work to pull it out of context and apply it to whatever you want to.”

One wonders how those who espouse the Christian nationalist interpretation regard those who belong to other (religious) traditions. Plurality, it seems to me, is a fact of life in the US.

Trump has used that Christian nationalist interpretation to his political advantage, particularly since a crucial part of his electoral base is precisely those people. In choosing Trump, Hegseth, and Rubio to be among the 500 persons to read the Bible, the event organizers hoped that their view would not only be validated but also that it would give the impression that those powerful figures were promoting and endorsing it, even if only implicitly.

To be clear, there is nothing wrong with reading the Bible as long as the same right is accorded to those who belong to other religious traditions and who would like to promote their own sacred texts. Otherwise, it privileges one religious tradition over another, which ought not to be the case in nations where there is a separation of church and state, and where citizens have the right to their own religion. One has every right to practice one’s faith in the public sphere as long as there is due respect for others who don’t share one's faith.

What the Bible-reading event shows us is the intersection of personal interests, politics, religion, and ideology. Politics can be used by different actors to promote their own agenda.

In this case, Trump hoped to shore up the support of religious actors who have sided with him since he ran for president in 2016, especially in light of his recent spat with Pope Leo.

In turn, the organizers wanted the participation of Trump, Hegseth, and Rubio as an endorsement of their Christian nationalist ideology. At the same time, the understanding of faith by the different actors is influenced and perhaps, even unduly determined by their ideology and politics.

That is why it is crucial for people of faith to always be aware of their positionality and to always practice self-reflexivity. Our social location is always our starting and vantage point in knowing and interpreting reality, including who we are, what our society is, how society ought to be, and how we are to relate with others. Our positionality will inevitably influence how we see things, how we react or act, and how we consider right from wrong, good from bad.

If we are more aware of our own positionality, then people of faith can be more deliberate in our choices and the perspective that they take. They can make choices that are based on and inspired by their faith. Knowing that they have their own perspectives and even biases, they can be open to being questioned. They can even question whether their interpretation is faithful to the Christian faith or whether their choices redound to the common good or are merely reflective of their narrow self-interests.

Moreover, their awareness of their positionality ought to come with the humility that their own perspective is limited. They don’t see everything. That is why they can learn from others in expanding their horizons and in deepening their understanding of what it means to be faithful in a pluralistic society.

Bible reading might appear to be an innocuous exercise or performance of the faith. However, it can be weaponized to justify the exclusion of those who don’t share one’s ethnicity or religion. It is a politically charged exercise. For sure, there will be various interpretations given to that exercise, including Trump’s reading of the Chronicles text.

It is thus imperative for Christians, who are aware of their own positionality, to ask themselves whether their interpretation and its real-life implications are faithful to Jesus’ message of the Kingdom or are merely reflective of their own prejudices and preconceived notions.

Biblical texts may have multiple meanings, but every interpretation must be measured against Jesus’ message of love, mercy, and justice. Any interpretation that discriminates against others, excludes the powerless, justifies senseless violence, promotes selfish interests, and perpetuates an unjust social system ought to be rejected.

The Word of God draws us to encounter the compassionate God of Jesus in our lives in the here and now. It is meant to inspire and empower us in creating a just and inclusive world as God intends it to be.

*The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official editorial position of UCA News.