‘Antithetical to Christianity’: Trump Comes Under Fire for Celebrating a Pagan Holiday in the Oval Office

Conservative News DailyOctober 24, 2025
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The article discusses President Donald Trump’s participation in a White House ceremony celebrating Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. Trump personally lit customary oil lamps (diyas) during the event,which drew important criticism from many Christians who viewed the ceremony as contrary to Christian beliefs,describing it as a prayer to false gods and labeling it “antithetical to Christianity.” Some critics expressed their disapproval on social media, citing biblical verses and condemning the president’s involvement in what they consider a pagan holiday.

Though, the article also presents a more nuanced perspective, referencing Christian author C.S. lewis, who suggested that Christianity can recognize truth in other religions without compromising its core beliefs. It notes that Trump’s administration includes prominent Hindu officials, implying a gesture of inclusion and respect toward different faiths by participating in the Diwali festivity.

The author reflects personally, acknowledging the objections but emphasizing that how God judges such actions depends on individual hearts rather than outward ceremonies. The article concludes with a reminder for self-reflection on one’s own faith and relationship with God, suggesting that God cares most about inner sincerity rather than external appearances.

President Donald Trump has the unenviable task of trying to hold together a broad Republican coalition.

Thus, along the way he undoubtedly has made what some otherwise strong supporters of his would regard as serious or even dangerous missteps.

For instance, on Tuesday in the White House’s Oval Office, the president participated in a ceremony marking the beginning of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, prompting substantial criticism from Christians who regard the ceremony as a prayer to false gods and thus, in the words of one user on the social media platform X, “antithetical to Christianity.”

On X, the White House showcased Trump’s participation. Indeed, the president personally lit the diyas, traditional oil lamps commonly used during Diwali.

“What a wonderful culture and what a wonderful group of people,” Trump said in a lengthier video, also posted to X.

From there, the president treated the event as part-Diwali celebration and part-news conference.

To put it mildly, many Christians objected. Some quoted Bible verses, while others called the event “appalling,” “infuriating,” and “antithetical to Christianity.”

The main objection, as another X user explained, stemmed from Trump’s personal participation.

“Big L for Trump. Christians do NOT celebrate Pagan holidays. We allow those that want to reject God to reject him. We allow others to believe whatever they want Peacefully. But we do NOT participate,” the user wrote.

To all of these objectors I would say, simply, fair enough.

Indeed, as a lowly commentary writer, I have no right to tell other Christians how they should feel about this.

Moreover, I understand the objections. After all, Jesus healed the Roman centurion’s servant because the centurion believed in Him, not to honor Rome’s pagan gods. (Matthew 8:5-13)

On the other hand, I cannot disregard the wisdom I find in some of history’s greatest Christian apologists.

For instance, in “Mere Christianity,” legendary author C.S. Lewis took a different view of Christianity’s relationship to other religions.

“If you are a Christian you do not have to believe that all the other religions are simply wrong all through,” Lewis wrote. “If you are an atheist you do have to believe that the main point in all the religions of the whole world is simply one huge mistake.”

Lewis added that Christians, unlike atheists, are “free to think that all these religions, even the queerest ones, contain at least some hint of the truth.”

“But, of course,” Lewis concluded, “being a Christian does mean thinking that where Christianity differs from other religions, Christianity is right and they are wrong. As in arithmetic — there is only one right answer to a sum, and all other answers are wrong: but some of the wrong answers are much nearer being right than others.”

This passage has helped me a great deal.

Trump, after all, has staffed his administration with many prominent Hindus. That list includes FBI Director Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. It also includes second lady Usha Vance.

By participating in their Diwali ceremony, did Trump offend God? Perhaps.

The better question, though, is always, “How do I offend God?”

For instance, what if I participate in the grotesque commercialization of Christmas? In that case, do I serve money rather than God? (Matthew 6:24)

When Christ returns, will he overturn the tables of the holiday money-changers? (Mark 11:15-18)

Again, I am but a lowly writer unfit to pronounce with certainty how others will or will not offend God. But I do believe that God cares first and foremost about what He finds when He looks into Trump’s heart.

Either way, I know for certain that I had best get right with God myself. Part of that includes encouraging others to freely choose Jesus. All other concerns I leave to Him who made me.




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Conservative News DailyOctober 24, 2025
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