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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPastor's 'MAGA vs. Jesus' TikTok Series Dismantling Right-Wing Theology Draws Millions
http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/bill-berkowitz/115444/pastor-s-maga-vs-jesus-tiktok-series-dismantling-right-wing-theology-draws-millionsPastors MAGA vs. Jesus TikTok Series Dismantling Right-Wing Theology Draws Millions
by Bill Berkowitz | November 16, 2025 - 5:53am

Reverend Dr. Caleb J. Lines, the pastor at University Christian Church in San Diego, California, had heard enough bull-puckery from MAGA Christians about their interpretation of the Bible. According to The Daily Dots Rachel Kiley, Rev. Lines has created a series of videos in which he uses Bible verses and Jesus to rebuke MAGA talking points.
The teachings of MAGA are simply incompatible with the teachings of Jesus Christ, Lines says, so he established a MAGA vs. Jesus series on TikTok. And the series is drawing millions to his videos. The videos are short-form, social-media friendly (TikTok, Reels, etc.), often framed with Lines holding signs or delivering direct statements like MAGA says real Christians support Trump.
In MAGA vs. Jesus, Rev. Lines goes through MAGA talking points and fires back with Bible verses that contradict them, Kiley reported. In his most popular video, which has racked up over 5.5 million views, Reverend Lines tackles abortion, cancel culture, the need for manly men, and fake news.
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In one video, refuting the notion that real Christians support Trump, Rev. Lines cites 1 John 4:20: Those who say they love God but hate their neighbor are lying.
You cannot follow Jesus Christ while actively supporting politicians or policies that hurt your neighbor. You know, like cutting their food aid or their healthcare, he says.
In these days of rising Christian nationalism and new and powerful religious movements like the New Apostolic Reformation, Rev. Dr. Lines is doing dare I say it Gods work!
democrank
(11,941 posts)Obviously a man of conscience. I deeply appreciate his message.
multigraincracker
(36,711 posts)schools, Id rather see the Beatitudes, and Im a nonbeliever.
Wednesdays
(21,339 posts)Funny how the ones who say they love JAYYYZUS don't really pay much attention to his actual words.
multigraincracker
(36,711 posts)patphil
(8,500 posts)And yet the MAGA's can't see it.
It goes right along side the broader teaching, "Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, you do unto me".
thucythucy
(9,006 posts)Funny how right wingers somehow never mention that particular passage.
multigraincracker
(36,711 posts)If you wish to follow me? Sell everything you own and give to money to the poor.
Permanut
(7,761 posts)Otherwise Kenneth Copeland, Jesse DuPlantis, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn and Joel Osteen would have to sell their private jets and use the proceeds to feed hungry children.
That won't do.
YodaMom2
(137 posts)He takes on MAGA and Christian nationalism directly with scripture that either directly contradicts or seriously undermines their claim that their beliefs and policies are grounded in their supposed Christian faith. And he does it with gentle humor.
For those who arent familiar with Fugelsangs background, his father was a Franciscan brother and his mother was a nun when they met, so John was steeped in Catholic teachings from birth. He like to say his father the brother and mother the sister married, had him, and now he does comedy because he cant afford the therapy.
twodogsbarking
(16,788 posts)pnwmom
(110,153 posts)babylonsister
(172,488 posts)be an issue for some as I go there daily. No need to scold me.
pnwmom
(110,153 posts)before they clicked on the link, not after.
KS Toronado
(22,116 posts)proud patriot
(102,321 posts)They are right on the mark
summer_in_TX
(3,936 posts)Like Reverend William Barber, Benjamin Crump, Zach Lambert, James Talarico, and several more I follow.
Thanks for introducing another.