It seems that flocks of wear-my-religion-on-my-sleeve, self-proclaimed "Christians" have discovered a new and improved messiah-Donald Trump. Moreover, their top-of-the-food-chain shepherds apparently place as much, if not more, of a premium on passing through the gilded doors of Mar-a-Lago than through those pearly gates of heaven.

And the pumpkin-pated, flimflam-focused former president is making the most of their ignorance and naivete.

Trump now concludes his campaign rallies with a 15-minute finale that, according to New York Times reporter Michael Bender, "evokes an evangelical altar call, the emotional tradition that concludes some Christian services in which attendees come forward to commit to their savior."

Working the word "God" into his solemn-toned sermon as often as possible, Trump drones on, "We will pray to God for our strength and for our liberty. We will pray for God and we will pray with God. We are one movement, one people, one family and one glorious nation under God."

Of course, saying "We will pray for God and we will pray with God" makes no sense, whatsoever. Why would you pray "for God"? Why would God need your prayers, for chrissakes? So that He'll have a short stay in Purgatory or won't wind up in Hell? Trump says, "We will pray with God."

Since when does God, Himself, pray? Who does God pray to? Jesus? The Holy Spirit? Himself? Why does he need to pray: He's omnipotent, is He not? Being "all powerful," He can do anything, can He not? Why bother praying? He could just grant Himself whatever He would purportedly being praying for, could he not?

It's just a way for Trump to work the word "God" into his blithering blather two more times. A popular T-shirt at Trump rallies reads "Jesus Is My Savior, Trump Is My President." That distinction is beginning to blur as comparisons to Jesus increase. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said both the former president and Jesus had been arrested by "radical, corrupt governments." Rally attendees have asserted that "He's definitely been chosen by God" and "They've crucified him worse than Jesus."

Trump, in typical Trumpian fashion is prone to tooting his own horn to encourage this comparison. Times reporter Bender has written: "Trump shared an article on social media with the headline 'The Crucifixion of Donald Trump.'"

Moreover, according to Bender, "Trump has shared a courtroom-style sketch of himself sitting next to Jesus and a video that repeatedly proclaims, 'God gave us Trump' to lead the country."

Needless to say, if there is any way Trump can make a buck off his latest scam, in addition to duping religious dullards into voting for him, he's on it like a turkey vulture on roadkill.

Hence, the "God Bless the USA Bible," which Trump began touting just before Easter. In his infomercial hawking The Good Book, Trump avers that "All Americans need a Bible in their home, and I have many. It's my favorite book."

Sure, he does; of course, it is.

I wonder what other religiously oriented items might be coming next. I have a few suggestions. How about a set of Holy Cards featuring Trump's favorite saints or a Trump home holy water font with a 16-ounce bottle of Trump holy water? A blank CD with the Bible verses that have most inspired the former president seems practical. "I like God" lapel buttons in various sizes along with bumper stickers and yard signs.

Priests and Protestant Pastors could draw ooh's and ah's at the communion service with Trump Communion Hosts, each embossed with Trump's iconic mugshot. For an additional charge, they could upgrade to something really special, flavored hosts in undiscerning Donald Trump's two favorite flavors-Diet Coke or ketchup.

Bob Ried,
Wisconsin Dells