Pastor's 'MAGA vs. Jesus' TikTok Series Dismantling Right-Wing Theology Draws Millions [View all]

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/bill-berkowitz/115444/pastor-s-maga-vs-jesus-tiktok-series-dismantling-right-wing-theology-draws-millions

Pastor’s ‘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 Dot’s 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 … God’s work!