Prominent pastor and theologian John Piper is known to vocally weigh in on the issues of the day. From lambasting marijuana legalization to warning his fellow preachers to "avoid the sinful seduction of money," the faith leader is not afraid to delve into contentious territory.
And now, Piper has chosen a creative way to respond to businessman Donald Trump's recent tweets against bringing two Ebola-afflicted American missionaries who contracted the virus in Liberia back to the U.S. for treatment.
The preacher penned a passionate poem defending the decision to care for Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, describing the horrors of the Ebola outbreak and calling for grace and compassion to "trump" all.
"But now two treasured ones, struck down, Contagious still with death — and love — Fly back to us, our joy, our crown, A touch of grace, a gentle dove, Yet through a plastic glove," reads Piper's poem, which was published Monday by World Magazine. "While in our land we see today Another virus spreading, dumped, More deadly, in the soul. They say, 'Why bring them home?' Though you be stumped, This grace will not be trumped."
Read the poem entitled, "Ebola Summer 2014," in its entirety here.
In a series of tweets beginning on July 31, Trump made it clear that he believes it is a mistake to bring the inflicted Americans to the states.
"Ebola patient will be brought to the U.S. in a few days - now I know for sure that our leaders are incompetent. KEEP THEM OUT OF HERE!" he wrote.
See the tweets below:
Ebola patient will be brought to the U.S. in a few days - now I know for sure that our leaders are incompetent. KEEP THEM OUT OF HERE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2014
Stop the EBOLA patients from entering the U.S. Treat them, at the highest level, over there. THE UNITED STATES HAS ENOUGH PROBLEMS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 1, 2014
The U.S. cannot allow EBOLA infected people back. People that go to far away places to help out are great-but must suffer the consequences!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2014
The U.S. must immediately stop all flights from EBOLA infected countries or the plague will start and spread inside our "borders." Act fast!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2014
The fact that we are taking the Ebola patients, while others from the area are fleeing to the United States, is absolutely CRAZY-Stupid pols
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 2, 2014
Trump continued defending his stance on the matter Monday evening, but has not yet responded to Piper's poem.
(H/T: World Magazine)