In these turbulent times, with rapid changes emanating from Washington D.C., it's easy to feel overwhelmed. President Trump's swift actions have sparked resistance, but calling for violence in the name of faith is unacceptable.
Rev. Steve Caudle, speaking at the Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church of Chattanooga, Tennessee, suggested that violence might be necessary, citing global conflicts and implying a similar threat within America. He then made an unusual accusation against Elon Musk, claiming he aimed to exploit the U.S. Treasury. Caudle justified his call for violence by referencing biblical passages about the kingdom of heaven being taken by force, characterizing it as a "war zone."
President Donald Trump speaks as Elon Musk, joined by his son X Æ A-Xii, listens in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
This call for violence echoes similar sentiments from other figures. Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) urged people to "shut down the city" and declared "we are at war" during a protest outside the Treasury Department. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) also encouraged fighting President Trump's agenda "legislatively, in the courts, and in the streets."
It's deeply concerning to see faith weaponized to justify political agendas. True faith should guide us toward love and understanding, not violence. Instead of succumbing to hate, we should focus on building faith and empowering our communities. My work on Chicago's South Side, developing a Leadership and Economic Center, demonstrates the transformative power of faith and community building.
It wasn't hate or violence that fueled this project, but faith in God and humanity. This faith led me down a challenging yet rewarding path of development, away from destruction and despair. A strong person believes in Jesus, not uses him. Now is the time for faith, not political division.
