Commentary

Johnson: Is America a Christian country?

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by Shannara Johnson

I just found this gem of a question on Quora: “America is a Protestant country, not Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, or otherwise. Do we need President Trump (a Protestant) back to lead us, as opposed to Biden, who is Catholic?”

Boy, oh boy, oh boy. There are so many false premises and misconceptions in this question, it’s hard to know where to start.

First of all, let me tell you: Joe Biden is as much as a Catholic as Elizabeth Warren is a Native American.

Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Anthony Fauci are pretty much the opposites of what a Catholic (or anyone calling themselves a Christian) should be. And make no mistake: Trump is not much more of a Christian than they are. Asked at a town hall meeting about his personal faith journey, he sputtered and stammered, and finally saved his hide by raving about all the “fine evangelical Christians” he’d met during his time in office.

I think it’s fair to say that 99.9% of politicians who profess to be Christians are faking it to get the Christian/Catholic votes of the gullible and uninformed. The simple reason that there are so few politicians who are truly practicing Christians is that politics doesn’t mix well with religion, which generally forbids the faithful to lie, cheat, steal, manipulate others, and engage in things I won’t even mention here.

Most recent case in point: Fani Willis, DA of Fulton County, GA, who is accused of adultery, stealing public funds, and hiring her married lover to prosecute and destroy a political enemy (Donald Trump), just received the Black Achievement Award at her church. Accepting the trophy, she held a brief sermon quoting the Bible verse, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”

The Lord is truly merciful and good—because frankly, if I were Him, I’d feel like raining fire and brimstone down on this evil, degenerate world 24/7. (Not that He won’t eventually, but His patience is amazing.)

Another misconception is that America is a Protestant country. The debate about whether the Founding Fathers were Christians has been raging for centuries, but the answer is quite more nuanced than the question above.

While it is true that most of the Founders were raised in one or the other Protestant denomination (from Anglican to Presbyterian, Congregationalist, Lutheran, and more, with a few Catholics strewn in for good measure), some of them were Deists rather than Christians.

Here is a detailed article by Encyclopedia Britannica that describes the vast influence of Deism on 18th-century Americans. Britannica defines Deism as a “natural religion, the acceptance of a certain body of religious knowledge that is inborn in every person or that can be acquired by the use of reason and the rejection of religious knowledge when it is acquired through either revelation or the teaching of any church.”

How do you know a Deist from an orthodox Christian? By their fruits you shall know them, says Britannica. Most likely…

  1. Deists would not have attended church as much as orthodox Protestants.
  2. Deists may have been baptized, but were less likely to have been confirmed or to receive communion on a regular basis.
  3. Deists were more likely to use non-biblical language to describe God, such as Providence, Merciful Providence, Divine Goodness, the Creator, Ruler of Great Events, or Nature’s God.

There were Christian and non-Christian types of Deists. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, says Britannica, were likely among the first type, whereas Ethan Allen, James Monroe, and Thomas Paine—who wrote impassioned diatribes against the God of the Bible in his book, The Age of Reason—were non-Christian Deists.

What the Britannica article doesn’t mention is that some of the Founders—especially among the Deists—were also Freemasons.

The website georgewashington.org claims that Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Richard Henry Lee, John Hancock, and of course George Washington himself were Freemasons. (See the painting of Washington in full masonic garb above.)

In contrast to what it claims to be—a benevolent fraternity that aims, through philanthropy, to make the world a better place—Freemasonry is a secret society whose philosophy is not only non-Christian but literally ANTI-Christian. There is a good reason that the Catholic Church does not allow Catholics to be Freemasons too.

It is not openly talked about, and even the lower ranks of the Freemasons themselves often don’t know this: Freemasons are at their heart Luciferians. In his seminal work, Morals and Dogma, to this day one of the most important books to Freemasons, Albert Pike, one of the much-revered grandmasters of Freemasonry, writes,

LUCIFER, the Light-Bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, the Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the light and with its splendors intolerable blinds feeble, sensual, or selfish Souls? Doubt it not! for traditions are full of Divine Revelations and Inspirations: and Inspiration is not of one Age nor of one Creed.

Freemasons engage in magic, witchcraft, and the worship of Egyptian deities, all things strictly forbidden by God. They are one of the powerful forces behind the modernization and secularization attempts in the Church.

If you have any further doubts that Freemasonry is bad news, consider that in the Catholic rites of exorcism, there are specific prayers to break the “Freemasonic curse”—a curse that, through the taking of solemn and cruel oaths, is handed down for generations by members of the lodges to their descendants.

Now consider that many of the Founding Fathers were deeply immersed in this masonic mindset.

That’s why we should never put too much trust and hope into any one politician (or any one human in general). No matter how much some people would like to believe it, Trump is not the messiah or our savior. (FYI, he’s not the devil either. Looking at you, Democrats.) Only Jesus can save us, and we’ll do well to remember this as the election year ramps up.

God bless you!

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Categories: Commentary

32 replies »

  2. Is the VTGOP defined by Gov Phil Scott?

    It’s an interesting question. The populace would not have been fooled by much of what is going on today, why? Because they had some wisdom.

    Early Americans abhorred the Catholic Church, due to its theocratic nature. The reformation was not without reason. Many of the church denominations today still have that theocratic thread, which was not present in the very early church, to which our founders we looking to recreate, by founders I mean the average people looking to start a new life, away from the confines of a corrupt church and a corrupt government.

    The Bible was often the only book in a household, it was what people learned to read from, a college level text in today’s world I might add. There were blue laws, I remember them in Vermont, that promoted Sundays as a day of rest. People knew the Lord’s prayer. People knew what Jesus did. There were the 10 commandments that pretty much everyone knew, they were often posted at schools.

    Early folks would have scoffed at the idea of taking on debt for a worthless degree. Neighbors often helped each other.

    What is the foundation of a life built upon?
    What is the foundation of a family built upon?
    What is the foundation of a country built upon?

    Perhaps we should be looking at the foundation, rather than the weathervane, as it easily changes direction.

    And this is true for our leadership in the VTGOP, what is the foundation? What is the team? What is the mindset, the system, the narrative of the body of people?

    You can tell a tree by it’s fruit. What of the VTGOP?

    America used to have many followers of Jesus Christ.

    • Article 3, Chapter 1 of the Vermont Constitution encourages all Christian denominations to honor the sabbath and worship. Article 18, Chapter 1, calls for virtues necessary to preserve liberty. “adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry, frugality are absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty; and keep government free.” We have none of these qualities in Vermont right now.

  3. Despite the portrait of Washington, and many of our other Founding Fathers as Free Masons; when Washington was asked he said I went to a few meetings when he was was a young man (French Indian war era). When asked he said there are so many things I would like to be remembered as, but being a Mason had no part of the majority of my life as a man. When Washington died, they wanted to paint a picture of him wearing a Masonic Apron, of which Martha Washington refused to give them permission. When Martha died the same artist again contacted George and Martha’s children. Again, the children refused to give them permission to paint a picture of George wearing a Masonic Apron. It wasn’t until all the children died that the portrait of Washington wearing a Masonic Apron was done; without permission.
    These are historical facts, but most people (including well meaning Christians) don’t check all their facts before they label Washington, our 1st President, as a Mason. Actually Mason’s never gained any traction until the 1820’s in the U.S. One has to question the other Founding Fathers, their level (if any) to Free Masonry.

  4. So the author didn’t answer her own question. The answer is, no, America is not a Christian country. America is a free country, wherein people of all religions, or of no religion, are treated and governed equally. Of course, the radical Christian right is working to change that.

    • Are you kidding me? Go read the Florida Supreme Court’s decision on IVF. Take a look at Speaker Mike Johnson’s white Christian nationalist views. Or Franklin Graham’s. Or the language used by the extreme Christian right on access to abortion or gay rights. BTW, deists are not Christians.

    • Western Civilization is based upon Judeo/Christian thought, to say the least. It is so dominant people have no understanding, mostly because nobody has even read the Holy Bible.

      Brian, take a read of Deuteronomy and get back to us.

      They did leave out one important rule, those who falsely accuse/sue their neighbor should themselves serve out the sentence they were trying to falsely accuse their neighbor of….

      Deuteronomy 19:18-19
      King James Version
      18 And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;

      19 Then shall ye do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shalt thou put the evil away from among you.

      Think of how transformational that one law would be.

    • I highly recommend all of Dr. Peterson’s work done on the Daily Wire. To include “Exodus”. Also, Jonathan Pageau on “The End of The World”.
      For those that revile faith, religion and specifically Christianity, you cannot discuss with them for their minds are closed. It would be fruitless. And a waste of your energy, time and brainpower. Just my humble opinion.
      If they had a tiny possibility of being open and agreeable (Jungian precepts) then it would be worth the expenditure.
      Respectfully,
      Pam Baker

    • How many benzos was he on when he spouted this nonsense? I like my philosophers to not be drug addicts that prey on angry, young men

    • Read the guardian article, is there some redeeming quality about marxism you’d like to expand upon, they do make a few points, but they don’t seem to argue any of the points, but more call him names.

    • How so? Your Biden administration are the ones who ordered the FBI to infiltrate Catholic churches in attempts to “report” on the religious FREEDOMS of those who oppose abortion. It is your democrat party who attempts to force physicians & other medical personnel to perform/assist in abortions in hospitals despite their Constitutional right to not participate on religious grounds. It is your democrat party in VT attempting to avert the US Supreme Court’s decision that a state government may NOT discriminate against religious/parochial schools within school-choice programs.

      It looks to me like the extremist, radical left is the one working constantly & consistently to deny Americans’ their Constitutional Rights to Freedom of religion 24/7.

  5. You live in the least religious state in the country. If you want to live in country governed by ancient religious texts please move to Afghanistan or Iran – different texts, same idea.

    • It is clearly NOT the same idea. Which is why in Afghanistan and Iran the Bible is Banned, why Christianity is banned. Lies cannot stand when the truth is brought to them. Which is why any theocracy or despotic country will not allow the teachings of truth and love in their country. It is way Vermont is trying to ban religion, their lies cannot stand to be exposed to truth and love.

      Once people experience the love, the forgiveness they don’t go back, they don’t want to go back. Most of our problems are created in Vermont because we believe our selves to be God, In Vermont Strong, we don’t need God. We know everything we couldn’t possible be wrong about anything, we are completely filled with pride, I’m right and you’re wrong. This is the fundamental issue in our state.

      Or in bible,

      And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

      When we can’t see any of our own errors or admit we could be wrong, ….pride goeth before the fall.

      If you loved someone and they didn’t believe in the law of gravity, how would you interact and treat them? If you loved a neighbor you disagreed with, if you put value upon them being a human being, a person like you, how would you treat them?

      How are we treating our neighbors in Vermont? Are we loving them? Are we canceling them? Are we talking with them in kind tones or calling them names?

      Are we willing to listen and try and understand others point of view or do we just argue to prove our point, to win the discussion vs. finding the truth?

      Take some time, explore, you’ll be surprised in a quest for truth, where you land, I certainly was.

    • So your ancient religious text is superior to the ancient religious texts of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, the Koran, the Talmud? I think you missed my point.

      And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

    • You suggested they were all same, there is huge difference, but if you don’t know the difference, I could see how one might confuse them. Islamic countries don’t allow Christianity, so that’s an issue in itself, it’s very much a theocracy. Cheers.

  7. “For those that revile faith, religion and specifically Christianity… “, if that was a reference to me, Pam, it was misguided. I was raised Roman Catholic, most of my family are practicing Roman Catholics. I have no animosity towards Christians or any other religious people. I do, however, revile those radical religious people and institutions (of any faith) that want to demonize all who believe in another god, or another faith, or no god. I believe that every religions’ holy books teach many good rules to live by; they also, throughout history, have been interpreted as justification for most wars and genocides against infidels and ‘savages’.

    Believe what you want to believe, but please don’t chastise me for not believing what you believe.

    • Mr. Costello (I do hope I got that correct),
      When I wish to address someone specifically, I am forthright enough to do just that. I have done just that very thing with you in the past, if you recall.

      If you feel chastised, that is not something I can help you with sir.

      Respectfully,
      Pam Baker

    • Brian, Pam – you raise one of the most common and unnecessary problems in the comments section: taking personal offense when none is expressly given. Too much tit for tat – let’s all try to avoid that. I do commend you both for using your real names and for engaging on issues and not other people’s personalities. You are both good Vermonters who have given much to your communities.

    • So, I want to reply to my reply. Reading the comment thread more closely, Brian, Pam did not reference you, or anything you specifically said. Let’s try to not assume and then criticize, please. But please do keep the comments coming.

  8. Interestingly, when someone cannot legitimately, intelligently speak on a controversial subject, and they want their ego boosted, then they come back with an ad hominem attack. It’s so much easier to attack a person than an idea/concept/precept. It requires no education, no perspicaciousness or serious commitment to truth. Just spout nasty snipes. Simple. No need to engage in discussion, ask questions, seek understanding of someone else. Just a perfect example of the ills of our society.
    I applaud Mr. Johnson for attempting to engage in calm, mature discussion with commenters here on VDC. That takes a great deal of patience and charity and I appreciate the example you set sir.
    Respectfully,
    Pam Baker

  9. Deceive, distract and destroy – the great debates of the USA’s Christian values vs. having seemingly no values whatsoever. Seems clear George Washington and Company’s main objective was to get out from under the Crown’s control and tax rolls. Too bad we ended up right back in the same place – under Crown control, just add the Vatican as a co-owner, and other underwriters such as China and Saudi Arabia as needed to shore up Fed and Treasury. The great ponzi scheme has nothing to do with God – it is all the works of Satan. I hope people will come to realize that before it is too late for them.

    The Freemasons is another great debate – are they good or bad? I guess you have to ascend to the 33 level to find out for sure. It is all about the numbers and secret societies.

    One thing I know for sure, a covenant with God, written on paper, is as good as the paper it is written upon. Breaking away from such covenant is a fatal mistake and only man is the fool to think otherwise. At this juncture of world events and the tomfoolery in the United States, we are walking straight off the short pier divided to the bitter end. All by design. When God decides he’s seen and heard enough, the debate will be settled once and for all. No one will or can stop Him from his judgement and not everyone will live to tell the tale. 2000+ years of history proves it to be so.

  10. Before getting too deep into the weeds, and while the consensus of opinion is that the U.S. was founded on Judeo-Christian tenants, the words God, Christian, Jew, Jesus, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, Pagan, Heathen, etc., are nowhere to be found in the U.S. Constitution. In fact, the only reference to the word ‘Religion’ is in the 1st Amendment, the second clause of which clearly stating that Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

    The Declaration of Independence cites ‘God’ once. And in that context, it is only ‘Nature’s God’.

    Are there other references to ‘God’ in the American metric? Yes. “In God We Trust” is the official motto of the United States, reportedly first cited in 1861 with regard to U. S. currency. The use of the word ‘God’ in an Oath of office is not dictated by Article II, Section One of the U. S. Constitution either. And ‘so help me God’ wasn’t prescribed as being part of the Oath until 5 U.S. Code § 3331 in 1966.

    So, you’re all correct. In their profound wisdom, the Founders set the table for our Republic as well as, if not better than, any governance preceding it. We should, all of us, appreciate that wisdom. You can believe and act upon any derivative of ‘Nature’s God’ you choose – so long as you don’t force anyone else to do as you do.