Trump's favorite Bible passage is 'an eye for an eye,' because of course it is
Donald Trump has called the Bible his "favorite book of all time," claiming nothing can beat it, "not even The Art of the Deal," which is obviously high praise coming from him. But when pressed on a radio show Thursday to cite a "favorite Bible verse or Bible story that has informed your thinking or your character through life," Trump didn't mess around and went straight for the Old Testament.
"Look, an eye for an eye, you can almost say that. That's not a particularly nice thing," Trump answered, apparently referencing Exodus 21:23 (or the 3700-year-old Babylonian Code of Hammurabi).
Trump went on to explain why he likes the teaching — although, really, the fact that "an eye for an eye" is Trump's favorite Bible passage doesn't exactly need an explanation. One might advise Trump to keep reading, however; there might even be something he can learn from Matthew 6:14-15.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Listen to the interview, below, or visit BuzzFeed for a partial transcript. Jeva Lange
Making sense of the week's political news, delivered every Wednesday
Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.