The recent uproar over Donald Trump posting an AI-generated image of himself as a Christ-like healer has sparked a debate: if you were the saviour of humanity, how would you convince people? The US president deleted the image after backlash, claiming it was meant to depict him as a doctor. But even Jesus Christ struggled to be accepted as the messiah, though that was part of the plan, as noted by Bob Kenny from Dublin.
Readers Offer Their Takes
The question, originally posed in The Guardian's long-running series, elicited a range of responses from readers. Many emphasized the need for miracles, humility, and a collective approach to salvation.
The Role of Belief and Gullibility
A reader named Agrajag argued that it takes "plenty of front from the self-proclaimed messiah, plenty of gullible people, and an ability to spread the message." They added that a willingness to suspend disbelief and a desire for someone else to fix problems are crucial. "That people believe that such a man can exist is part of the problem," they concluded.
Michael Broadbent offered a simpler view: "It's quite easy. You simply perform miracles. People soon come around you and believe. It helps if you believe it yourself."
Collective Responsibility
CybeleSettler countered that "saving humanity is a collective effort." LorLala expanded on this, stating that those who seek power tend to deify themselves, but it usually falls apart. "We are each an atom of the whole and therefore a minuscule piece of a saviour. It is our joint responsibility. There is no one saviour." They advocated for care, love, and humility.
Denial as a Strategy
Tortinwall referenced Monty Python's Life of Brian, suggesting that denying being the messiah is a good start because only the true messiah would deny his divinity. Another reader, thatringsabell, noted that Trump has an advantage over Jesus: a system to broadcast misinformation to millions instantly.
Religious and Historical Perspectives
Kipya_mitzov pointed to a quiz in the Jewish Museum in Berlin, which lists 12 criteria for the messiah, including not using the internet on Shabbat. Trump would likely fail. Xcr47d55ngd4 outlined a three-step plan: get arrested, die, resurrect, and ascend to heaven. Trump is stuck at the first stage, which is the easiest.
Leadballoon humorously admitted, "It is hard, but I do try to keep a low profile."
Ultimately, the responses highlight the fine line between divine claims and delusion, with many readers suggesting that true messianic status requires actions beyond mere self-promotion.
