Social media erupted after the Republican National Committee Christmas message allegedly used biblical reference in a political context. Some people interpreted that Trump was being compared to Jesus.
The RNC’s message made a reference to a “new king,” and some people understood that this biblical term was being used to refer to Donald Trump’s arrival to the White House. However, it was denied by Priebus, who is the RNC Chair.
“Merry Christmas to all! Over two millennia ago, a new hope was born into the world, a Savior who would offer the promise of salvation to all mankind. Just as the three wise men did on that night, this Christmas heralds a time to celebrate the good news of a new King. We hope Americans celebrating Christmas today will enjoy a day of festivities and a renewed closeness with family and friends,” stated the RNC’s Christmas release.
Is Donald Trump a ‘new king’?
Every year, the Republican National Committee releases, as a holiday tradition, a Christmas statement wishing people the best during the holidays and for the upcoming new year. However, 2016 has been an entirely different and surprising year.
Everything was politicized during the presidential campaign, and after Trump’s victory, there is not much certainty about the future of politics in the U.S. given that everything regarding Trump is controversial. Therefore, the Republican National Committee has spent all Christmas day tried to defend itself from the growing criticism it received after this year’s Christmas message.
All the controversy arose when the RCN made the biblical reference of a “new king” in the letter. It stated we had to celebrate the good news of a new king. Instead of thinking that they were talking about baby Jesus’ birth, social media interpreted that they were talking about the arrival of Donald Trump as the new King. Therefore, they criticized the fact that Trump was somehow compared to the Messiah.
The RNC has spent all afternoon denying the whole thing, including RNC Chair and incoming chief of staff, Reince Priebus.
Sunday has been a day of reaction and counter-reactions to the RNC’s reference of ‘new king.’ This biblical reference is common among Christians.
Tough it is routinely used to make reference to baby Jesus, this time it was excessively polarized, reflecting the existing division and discord after the presidential elections.
AS well, RNC communications director and incoming press secretary, Sean Spicer wrote on his Twitter account that the message was apparently referring to Jesus. He also said that the whole discussion was disappointing.
“Christ is the King. He was born today so we could be saved. It’s sad & disappointing you are politicizing such a holy day,” Spicer tweeted.
At the moment, Donald Trump has not made any comments on the controversy. He did take the time to wish people a merry Christmas and a happy new year via Twitter.
Source: NY Daily News