(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Mike Johnson Sets Foreign Policy by the Bible--Good--Look Forward to Working with Him...um, Right? [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2023-11-06 In a Fox interview Speaker of the House Mike Johnson stated his views on Foreign Policy could be defined by the Bible. A fellow member of the Daily Kos community building on the famous West Wing scene where President Bartlet asks about how the Bible states that handling a dead pig makes one unclean, asked about his opinion on writings that deal with collecting foreskins and such. While amusing, I found it a missed policy opportunity. It focused more on belief in all aspects of the Bible overall, rather than tangible policy. As background, I arrived at my progressive political views BECAUSE of my Christianity. Also, of the Bible—I only read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John of the New Testament), I figured if I were to focus on any part it should be the word of Jesus. Back to the new Speaker. Now while any Christian is a buffet Christian picking out parts that resonates with them. (For example, Jesus often speaks against divorce. My parents divorced and I think nothing of that, yet I still consider myself a Christian) However, I feel there are underlying foundations, for Christians that should be foundational. Aspects consistently spoken in the gospels of love, forgiveness, and empathy. As such, I would ask the Speaker, how does his stated view of what guides his policy not lead to the following: So how much will we be increasing foreign aid? The Bible, and specifically Jesus, states, “What you have done for the least you have done for me.” So, will we not be increasing aid for schools, food, etc. to other countries? (Matthew 25:40) How many more asylum seekers will we welcome? Jesus states, “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in” (Matthew 25:35). Will we be raising the limit of taking in refugees? Housing them? When will we be apologizing for fostering Coups in Iran, Chile, and other such countries? Jesus specifically states for us to, “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5) Our country has caused numerous foreign policy disasters, will we remove the plank? What treaties and engagements will we be doing to address the climate crisis? Some Christians often like to point to interpret Psalm 91:11, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” as God will always protect us. Satan confronts Jesus with this as he taunts him to jump off a parapet of a temple, to which Jesus responds, “It is also written, you shall not put your god to the test.” (Matthew 4:7) So, why do we keep putting God to the test with lack of action on Climate, and its impacts on God’s creation? Granted, I believe in a full separation of church and state so talking policy and the bible with someone third in line to the presidency is absurd. However, when someone puts forth why they stand/act in a particular manner, it is fair to ask how they feel they are living up to that standard. I feel adherence to those standards separates those that believe in love, forgiveness, and empathy and those described in Matthew 23… those that love places of honor at banquets, that lay heavy burdens on others, but do not practice what they preach. Thanks for reading. [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/11/6/2204049/-Mike-Johnson-Set-Foreign-Policy-by-the-Bible-Good-Look-Forward-to-Working-with-Him-um-Right?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/