Originally published in Charisma
A massive gold-coloured statue of President Donald Trump is stirring intense debate in the United States after a public dedication and prayer ceremony at Trump National Doral Miami drew accusations of political idolatry from critics across social media and Christian circles alike.
According to The Christian Post, Pastor Mark Burns strongly rejected comparisons between the statue and the golden calf described in Exodus 32, insisting that Christians involved in the event worship “the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone”.
The towering 6.7m monument, reportedly covered in gold leaf and nicknamed the “Don Colossus,” depicts Trump raising his fist after surviving the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. Burns participated in a public blessing ceremony surrounding the unveiling, which quickly ignited online backlash.
“This is not a golden calf,” Burns said, according to The Christian Post. “We worship the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone.”
Burns defended the ceremony as patriotic rather than spiritual worship, saying the statue was meant to symbolise perseverance, courage and what many supporters believe was God’s protection over Trump during the assassination attempt.
Still, critics argued the imagery was deeply troubling.
Videos and photos from the event spread rapidly online, with many Christians expressing concern over ministers publicly praying around a giant gold statue tied to a political figure. Some pointed directly to the biblical account in Exodus, where the Israelites fashioned a golden calf while waiting for Moses to return from Mount Sinai.
Others defended the tribute, arguing that statues honouring political leaders or historical figures are common in American culture and do not automatically constitute idol worship.
Scripture repeatedly warns us about the deceptive nature of idolatry. Idols are not always carved images sitting in ancient temples. Often, they are the things people exalt, defend and prioritise above obedience to God.
Power can become an idol.
Influence can become an idol.
Political movements, personalities and even patriotism can slowly begin to occupy a place in the heart that belongs to Christ alone.
The danger of idolatry is not merely outward — it is spiritual. An idol is anything that competes with God for affection, trust, reverence or identity.
The biblical warning remains as urgent now as it was in Exodus: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Anything that attempts to rival God’s rightful place in our hearts must be torn down before it quietly becomes an idol.
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God alone is to be worshiped.
Trumps leadership has been by the mercy of God – for His glory.