Have we now come to the point where newspapers are printing letters to God rather than letters to the editor? Are we at the point where outrageous conspiracy theories are printed on the editorial pages of our newspapers instead of well-reasoned opinions? Are we at the point where “Almost Heaven, WV” suffices to identify the municipality of a contributor to the paper?

These questions are prompted by the printing of a piece in the July 9, 2024, Marietta Times.

The author identifies herself as a storyteller, and she certainly is. The problem is that the story she tells is not one that elucidates truth but rather one that perpetuates a lie. The story that Donald Trump has been chosen by God to save the United States of America is a lie.

What convinces me of this? As a student of religion and a practitioner of Christianity throughout my life I have learned that when God chooses someone as a leader of His people, that person is humble, gentle, honest, faithful, slow to anger, reverent, kind, and spends a lot of time in prayer. Consider Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, and yes, King David.

The author wants to equate the ancient King of Israel, David, with Donald Trump.

This is a great disservice to the legacy of the biblical David — a man who loved God and expressed his devotion in word and deed. He composed many psalms of praise, thanksgiving and awe, which still are recited today in churches and synagogues around the world as some of the most beautiful expressions of faith ever penned. To my knowledge Donald Trump has never penned or uttered any memorable prayer, or hymn or confession of faith.

The biblical David was a poor shepherd boy. Donald Trump, on the other hand, has always lived in luxury. David courageously fought in and led military battles. Donald Trump has not served his country in the armed forces nor does he honor those who have.

The point of intersection between King David and Donald Trump for the letter’s writer is that they both were “not perfect.” Yes, they were/are both adulterers. However, David repented of his sin when confronted by Prophet Nathan.

Nevertheless, David was punished severely through the death of his son, the rape of his daughter, the murder of his first-born son, and a civil war instigated by the heir to the throne.

On the other hand, Donald Trump never publicly repents or apologizes for his crimes or sins, continually blames others, portrays himself as a victim when he is called to account, and continually accuses others of the malfeasance he perpetuates himself. The one point of commonality — that of being an adulterer — is woefully insufficient for equating Donald Trump with King David.

The author bases her false story on the claim that there have been and are prophets today who have announced that “God was raising up a businessman in New York City to bring this country back to God’s original purpose.” Even if this were true, there are hundreds of thousands of businessmen in NYC. How does she know Trump is the one? And who are these supposed prophets? The Bible repeatedly warns of false prophets that lead people astray (see Matthew 7: 15-20). Given that the letter writer doesn’t provide any names, no credence can be given to her claim.

I join the writer in her prayers for protection, wisdom, strength and greater love for our country and for all people. However, true wisdom, strength and love are not built on lies.

There is trouble ahead for anyone who knowingly gives false witness. Jesus said, “But if anyone leads astray one of these little ones who believe in me he would be better off thrown into the depths of the sea with a millstone hung around his neck! Alas for the world with its pitfalls! In the nature of things there must be pitfalls, yet alas for the man who is responsible for them! (Matt. 18:5)

There appears to be a concerted movement afoot to alarm, deceive, misinform and manipulate the voting public by demonizing certain candidates and their political party.

Newspapers should not allow themselves to be sucked into this initiative.

Do some fact checking. Do not print what is not true. This includes on the editorial page.

A lie dressed up in religious garb is still a lie. Let all who love God and love their religion, stand up and say so. Beware of using religion to promote a partisan political agenda. No good can come of this. Such actions may even come back to bite you. The name of God is not to be used in vain (check the 10 Commandments)!