Rick Holtz
I had planned for a light-hearted column this week reflecting on something fun I did with my kids over the weekend. But sometimes those plans have to change.
President Donald Trump has a way of shifting the news cycle simply by walking into a room. On Monday, he did it with a social media post.
The President shared an AI-generated image designed to look like a painting. In it, he is depicted in a long white robe with a red cloak draped over his shoulders. Light shines from his hands as he reaches out to a man lying in what appears to be a hospital bed.
I’ll admit, the image made me uneasy.
There’s something about that kind of imagery that doesn’t sit right. Maybe it’s the symbolism. Maybe it’s what it suggests. Either way, it crosses a line for me.
The post was later deleted after drawing backlash from across the political spectrum. When asked about it Monday afternoon, the President said he didn’t see it as a depiction of Jesus. Instead, he described it as himself portrayed as a doctor or a Red Cross worker.
Do I believe him? No. But am I shocked? Also no.
President Trump has identified as a Christian, but at times his comments about faith have raised questions about what that means to him. He has spoken in the past about hoping his good works will help get him into Heaven.
Scripture tells us that a tree is known by its fruit. While I cannot know a person’s heart, I can observe the fruit that is produced.
Was the image blasphemous? I believe it was.
So how should we respond?
It would be easy to react with anger or frustration. But that’s not what we are called to do.
At the end of the day, every one of us — regardless of title or position — will stand before God and answer for our actions.
That includes presidents. That includes me. That includes you.
Moments like this are a reminder that Christians are called to respond differently. Not with outrage, but with prayer.
Pray for the President. Pray that his faith is real and growing. Pray that his understanding of who Jesus is continues to deepen.
Because Christians are called to be like Jesus — not replace Him.
Rick Holtz is one of the co-owners of the Nance County Journal. Read his column each week in the newspaper and on the website.