Editor's Note: This column is co-authored by Bishop B. Dwayne Hardin and Marc T. Little.
In a recent sermon, Rev. Steve Caudle of Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, delivered what some would call a sermon that ignited a fire. On February 9, 2025, Caudle spoke against the Trump administration’s collaboration with Elon Musk and their efforts to root out fraud, waste, and corruption in the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Citing Matthew 11:12, Claude, in his vitriol, appeared to advocate for a violent response to Trump’s efforts; he stated, “sometimes violence is necessary to prevent perceived governmental overreach.” If that wasn’t bad enough, he inaccurately claimed that these reforms would lead to the withholding of Social Security checks, particularly affecting Black Americans, a scare tactic long used by liberal preachers. Enough is enough. We must let truth be our guide.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was discussed during the Clinton years and more formalized during the Obama administration as a means to streamline government operations and reduce unnecessary expenditures, so those administrations said. The mission was rooted in limited government, a foundational concept envisioned by the Founding Fathers. They advocated for a government restrained in its powers, ensuring that individual liberties remained protected from potential governmental overreach. It was a popular effort until Trump actually began to carry out the mission. The establishment of DOGE aligns with the goal of the Founding Father’s design for our limited government which produces greater liberty for all Americans. After all, who really supports sending billions of taxpayer dollars abroad supporting transgender ideology? Perhaps that should have been Claude’s sermonic emphasis. Proper stewardship is indeed a biblical principle.
Caudle’s invoking of Matthew 11:12, which speaks of the kingdom of heaven suffering violence, has raised concerns, especially when used to justify potential physical aggression against government officials. Such interpretations can be dangerously misleading and plays into the atmosphere of assassination that plagues our president. Caudle’s sermon was shameful, frankly. The broader biblical narrative emphasizes peace, love, and reconciliation and this is the hope for the pulpit in this season. For instance, Romans 12:18 urges believers, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Similarly, Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” These passages underscore the Christian commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts and the rejection of violence as a means to achieve ends. The Black community has a long and successful history of applying these biblical principles.
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In response to the sermon, many Black clergy and community leaders have expressed strong opposition to Caudle’s rhetoric. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp called for Caudle’s resignation from the Chattanooga Regional Planning Commission, stating it was “totally unacceptable” for Caudle to use the pulpit to justify violence against the Trump administration and Musk. No truer words have been spoken. These leaders prioritize peace and lawful protest as appropriate responses to policy disagreements. They are correct. The civil rights movement, led by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., exemplifies this approach, demonstrating that meaningful change can be achieved through nonviolent means.
Furthermore, Caudle’s assertions regarding the fiscal impact of DOGE’s initiatives are not supported by the evidence. There is no indication that the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce governmental waste would result in withholding Social Security benefits from citizens who are alive and eligible. Such claims are patently false and incite unnecessary fear within all communities. Without truth (especially from the pulpit), we cannot foster informed and constructive dialogues.
The Trump administration’s commitment to “Make America Great Again” includes plans that many Black clergy find favorable, particularly concerning religious liberty. Efforts to protect the rights of religious institutions and individuals to practice their faith without undue interference resonate with many in the Black church community. These initiatives are seen as steps toward preserving the moral and ethical fabric of society, allowing religious organizations to continue their vital work in education, charity, and community building.
In conclusion, while robust debate and dissent are cornerstones of a healthy democracy, it is imperative that disagreements remain rooted in truth and mutual respect. Caudle’s recent sermon, with its calls for violence and dissemination of misinformation, stands in stark contrast to biblical principles to which he ought to hold dear. As Black clergy committed to achieving Godly outcomes in political discourse, we denounce any form of violence against elected officials. We advocate for peaceful protest and informed dialogue as the preferred paths to address policy disagreements. The Trump administration’s efforts to enhance governmental efficiency and to uphold religious liberty, deserve our collective support, free from misinformation and the distortions of fear and falsehoods from God’s pulpit.
Co-written by Bishop B. Dwayne Hardin, Founder, Spiritual Legislative Council and Senior Pastor Embassy Church ATL and Pastor Marc T. Little, Board Member, Spiritual Legislative Council, president, CURE America Action, Inc., and a licensed attorney in California and Texas.
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