I believe that Iran has been – and still is – an existential threat to much of the world. Much like the nuclear arms race of the 1970’s and 80’s, we are all on the brink of the end. In fact, the Doomsday Clock, which was set at 17 minutes until midnight in 1991, is not at 85 seconds. This clock is, of course, a dramatic interpretation – a metaphor, if you will – that should make us all ponder our present situation. And that 85 seconds was announced this past January. On April 7, Mr. Trump said, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.” I have seen some people explain this away as metaphor – bluster – Trump be his obnoxious self – he’s just kidding, they explain – you know how he is! If this was something your drunk uncle or grandpa with dementia said, I would agree – people say things that are dumb or dangerous when they aren’t quite right. Was this statement a metaphor, or was he just kidding?
A week later, Mr. Trump, in his back-and-forth argument with Pope Leo, posted the picture that is accompanying what I am writing today. It shows a much younger Trump healing someone, American flag unfurled – statue of Liberty in the background – adoring people watching – and the rest, you can interpret. When he was called on it, he claimed that he was portraying himself as a doctor, not Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I have never been treated by a health professional in that kind of robe with something glowing in their hand. Is this the way he actually sees himself, or is it a metaphor? Or is he just kidding around? Again, it is being explained away by some Trump apologists, but I honestly don’t get it. Mr. Trump regularly questions whether he will get into heaven – has his Messiah complex overridden those doubts?
Remember when Muslims got angry – and some, violent – when the Prophet Muhammed was depicted in cartoons some years ago? For the first time, I kind of get what they were feeling. I like a good joke, and I use a lot of metaphors – I got that from Jesus, by the way, who could be snarky and funny and metaphorical with the best of them. In fact, there are very few things in life that I won’t joke about, like Nazis and racism and misogyny. These two events, however, aren’t just unbecoming of a president – they are unbecoming of a human being. Threatening genocide against Iran isn’t a metaphor or a joke – portraying yourself as Jesus isn’t either. If someone walking down the street were to behave in these ways, they would be arrested and treated by a psychiatrist. Which may be the answer we are coming to. Not metaphors – not funny – not acceptable. Prayer – Holy God, forgive our president for what he has done, and lead him towards repentance so that he can begin to behave better. Amen.