Donald Trump Vs Hillary Clinton: What your favourite Bible verse says about your politics
The intriguing intertwining of religion and politics continues.
Citing Bible verses has long been used to back up believers' politics, whatever the colour. But new data from the Bible Gateway website suggests it might work the other way round with politics affecting your choice of scripture.
The online tool has mapped out the most popular verses searched for on Bible Gateway in 2017 and it finds the US is divided into two stark camps.
In 32 states Jeremiah 29.11 was the favourite Bible verse - 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
In the remaining states, Philippians 4.13 was the favourite - 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'
This data excludes John 3:16, which was the most-popular verse in every state except Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Director of Digital Products at Bible Gateway, Stephen Smith, notes: 'If Jeremiah 29:11 were a US presidential candidate, its thirty-two states would carry the election with 302 electoral votes, or two fewer than President Trump received in 2016.'
But Jeremiah 29.11's state wins are actually remarkably similar to Trump's victories in last November's election. Compare Bible Gateway's map with the BBC's map below, showing the election result:
In all but a handful of examples, Jeremiah 29.11 matches with states backed Trump. And Philippians 4.13 matches with states who voted for Hillary Clinton.
What this says about Trump supporters' emphasis on God's providence, or Hillary fans' belief in Christ's redemptive power, we couldn't possibly say.