To the editor: Thanks for together with the image of eight members of Congress – together with Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), who had not but turn into speaker — piously poses for a bunch prayer within the Home Chamber. This picture speaks volumes for Johnson’s lame try to justify his disdain for constitutionally mandated separation of church and state. (“McCarthy and Johnson are each conservative Christians. Just one is on the ‘entrance traces of the tradition warfare,'” December 5)
Whereas Johnson admits {that a} “nationwide faith” is prohibited, he encourages “everybody’s residing expression of religion.” Why? Public shows of piety serve non-believers the higher to marginalize and ostracize them — thereby diminishing their political help, particularly from the prized evangelical voting bloc.
The place the compulsion to take part in such staged shows stays nominally hidden, courts will stay reluctant to exclude them. Do not forget how these reveals encourage diabolical groupthink to additional the political targets of Christian nationalists – together with the merging of church and state.
Dennis Alston, Atwater, California.
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To the editor: I discover your article about Speaker Johnson’s beliefs slightly complicated.
Is it a foul factor for members of Congress to go to church and likewise pray in conferences? The place are we going with this? Can we want they do not?
Jerry Marcil, Palos Verdes Estates
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To the editor: Johnson’s assertion that “the Bible could be very clear that God is the one elevating them up with authority” is as appalling as it’s absurd.
In advocating the idea of the divine proper of kings, he has clearly expressed his utter contempt for democracy, the place individuals are “raised” by their fellow residents or appointed by those that have elected workplace.
Individuals who have been “raised up” up to now have usually, to the detriment of their topics, failed to watch a single advantage that Jesus required of his followers.
As a reminder to Johnson of those virtues, I counsel he think about humility, kindness, compassion, tolerance, respect, and forgiveness. I submit that neither he nor his MAGA colleagues ever proposed, not to mention carried out, any coverage primarily based on these qualities.
Elliott Rothman, Santa Monica
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To the editor: Johnson says, “The Bible could be very clear that God is the one who raises them with authority.”
If true, Johnson ought to acknowledge that President Biden has been raised, presumably by God, even larger in authority. As a God-fearing man, Johnson ought to help all the things the president does.
Gisela Meier, Orange
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To the editor: Johnson defends conventional values as described within the Bible. He believes that our nation and our structure are primarily based on these values.
A number of the most honored males within the Bible had a couple of spouse, usually fairly a couple of. Ought to we modify legal guidelines to permit polygamy? Can we dispose of spousal abuse legal guidelines since girls are thought-about property in components of the Bible? Ought to we convey again slavery?
What about violating our personal structure by having extreme biblical penalties – even execution by stoning – for offenses akin to being a rebellious baby, swearing, engaged on the Sabbath, working towards one other faith, having adultery or having intercourse earlier than marriage?
What number of in Congress would pay the last word value?
Cathy Goldberg, Seal Seaside