Pastor says controversial sermon is being taken out of context

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-A Chattanooga pastor is at the center of controversy after his sermon this past Sunday went viral on social media.

Dr. Steve Caudle is the lead pastor at Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church.

He also holds a seat on the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency Commission.

He is in the middle of a firestorm after comments made on Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency.

Dr. Caudle said during his sermon,

“No one likes violence, but sometimes violence is necessary. Elon Musk forces his way into the United States treasury and threatens to steal your personal information, and your Social Security check, there is the possibility of violence. Sometimes the Devil will act so ugly, that you have no other choice but to get violent and fight. Well someone will say, “Reverend, you know you shouldn’t be talking about violence, this isn’t the Christian thing to do.” Well I say, why not talk this way because Jesus did.”

This is the portion of Dr. Caudle’s sermon that has been shared all over social media.

In a post seen over 11 million times, Musk posted that quote, “This tells me that he is trying to hide MASSIVE fraud.”

Despite the firestorm of controversy, Dr. Caudle says his words are being taken out of context.

Dr. Caudle told us in an interview, “The context is that they have picked certain parts out of the sermon that deal with the issue of violence but they never go to the portion that talks about what I am speaking of spiritual warfare.”

He says that his sermon, centered on Matthew 11:12 and Ephesians 6:12, was centered around an eternal battle.

Dr. Caudle said, “This is the first time I have had a chance to say spiritual warfare is the focus of this message. This battle was won at Calvary when Jesus rose from the grave. I’m a preacher, and you preachers who hear me know this is true.”

He has been asked by Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp to resign from the RPA.

Mayor Wamp posted on his social media that quote:

“Totally unacceptable for Rev. Caudle to use the pulpit to justify violence against the Trump Administration and @elonmusk. Hateful rhetoric has no place in Hamilton County, especially from a pastor. I have asked for his immediate resignation from the Regional Planning Commission. DOGE and the efforts of @elonmusk to make the federal government more efficient and accountable have the overwhelming support of the people of Hamilton County, TN. In fact, we have already launched a DOGE-inspired task force to eliminate waste in Hamilton County Government.”

Dr. Caudle does not intend to abdicate his seat, accusing the mayor of avoiding discussing the situation with him.

“He could’ve come to me and asked,” Steve, what is the story, is this true, are we getting it right?” Should I just rely on the little clip that I’ve gotten or do I need more context? He didn’t do it. He should have done it. Any decent leader would have done that,” he said.

Dr. Caudle also had this to say on Musk’s accusation of fraud.

“I have no idea what this man is talking about, he doesn’t even know me! What fraud does he have? If he has some evidence of fraud perhaps he should present it, and if he doesn’t, we need to appear in some sort of legal environment,” he said.

Dr. Caudle also added that his family, church, and himself have been receiving threats since the incident took place, and is looking into security measures.

He says however it will not deter him from spreading his message, adding that many preachers in the Civil Rights Era faced similar resistance.