Rep. Mike Johnson, the newly elected Republican House speaker, used to conduct a seminar in churches premised on the idea that the United States is a “Christian nation.” This ministry, as he has referred to it, is yet more evidence that Johnson is committed to a hardcore Christian fundamentalism that shapes his views of politics and government.
The seminar, titled “Answers for Our Times: Government, Culture, and Christianity,” was organized by Onward Christian Education Services, Inc., a company owned by his wife, Kelly Johnson, a Christian counselor and anti-abortion activist who calls herself a “leader in the pro-family movement.” The website for her counseling service—which was taken down shortly after Johnson became speaker—described the seminar, which featured both her and Johnson, as exploring several questions, such as, “What is happening in America and how do we fix it?” The list includes this query: “Can our heritage as a Christian nation be preserved?” There were different versions of the seminar running from two-hour-long lectures to retreats lasting two days.
Yeah, something like ~30% are unaffiliated or outright unbelievers. I look forward to the day when the sum total of xtians is under 50% and all the pandering to xtians can finally just stop. So sick of it. They are welcome to have their faith and practice it in their house or place of worship, but I’m sick of pols that wear it on their sleeves, or worse, assume it is the government’s role to create more xtians.
I would say the same thing if Buddhists were >50% and all the pandering was just nonstop to them. We’ll all be better off if no group has a majority and no pol feels compelled to cater to them.
By the way, it’s interesting that “just Christian”, Catholicism, Protestantism, and “Mormonism” are broken out differently - they are all xtians. I mean Protestants have many sub-sects within them, and hardly agree on all the finer points of doctrine.
I remember my mind being blown the first time that I learned China was a largely Atheist country. They have tons of their own issues but even in our media we presume every other nation must be largely god-driven with religious dogma often being one of their defining characteristics.
Chinese? Must be buddhist! India? Must be Taoist! Japanese? Better have them praying at a shrine with secret christians in the mix.
I also can’t wait. Honestly a lot of the ‘Just Christians’ I’ve met are just secret atheists who don’t want to upset family too. Or those who managed to brainwash themselves so they don’t have to be so scared of oblivion lol. The one part about religion I’m envious of.