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January 1, Speaker Johnson Silences CNBC Anchor With History Lesson
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) clarified the often-misunderstood concept of “separation of church and state” during a recent interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”
Host Andrew Ross Sorkin questioned Johnson about the public perception of his decision to pray on the House floor after being sworn in as speaker, implying that he had violated a principle that prohibits faith from the public square.
Johnson responded by emphasizing the importance of faith in American history and tradition. He explained that the founders of the United States intended for a vibrant expression of faith in the public square, as they believed that a general moral consensus and virtue were necessary for maintaining the nation’s system of self-governance.
Lots of misleading headlines. Take a look at what I actually said here: pic.twitter.com/Vw3AHzoRvT
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) November 15, 2023
The speaker then addressed the misconception surrounding the separation of church and state, stating that it is a “misnomer.” Johnson explained that the phrase originated from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson and is not actually in the Constitution. Jefferson’s intent was to prevent the government from encroaching on the church, not to exclude faith from public life.
Johnson also quoted George Washington and John Adams to further illustrate the significance of faith in the nation’s founding:
- Washington: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports”
Adams: “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other”
Johnson concluded by emphasizing the need for a vibrant expression of faith in the public square, not as an establishment of a national religion, but as a crucial part of America’s identity.
The First Amendment addresses religious liberty with two important clauses: the Establishment Clause, which states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,” and the Free Exercise Clause, which prohibits Congress from making a law “prohibiting the free exercise” of religion.
As Johnson explained, Jefferson believed that these clauses created a wall between church and state to protect the free exercise of religion from government interference, not to keep faith out of government.
Why It Matters
Speaker Johnson’s response to CNBC’s Sorkin is a wake-up call for those trying to remove faith from our nation’s foundation. As a conservative, I believe our country was built on religious values, and Johnson’s history lesson proves it. Separation of church and state doesn’t mean banning faith from public life; it protects churches from government interference.
Our founding fathers knew that a moral and religious people were essential for maintaining self-governance. Silencing prayer and faith in the public square only weakens our nation’s identity and disregards our history. Ignorance of our roots will only lead to the loss of the very freedoms we hold dear.
Let’s stand up for our values, just like Speaker Johnson did.
As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.
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J
November 21, 2023 at 8:12 am
Everything the Speaker said is so very true.
John McGee
November 21, 2023 at 8:17 am
FINALLY we have a SPEAKER that reflects the FOUNDERS OF AMERICA. Now if we can just GET RID of that RHINO MITCH MCCONNELL who is as big of a problem going forward as the DEMOCRATS with their heads up their ASSES SUPPORTING SOCIALIAM.
Ruth Broch
November 22, 2023 at 12:14 am
I didn’t know who Mike Johnson was when he became Speaker – but I sure am glad he now is!!
Delbert Grover
November 21, 2023 at 9:00 am
That is a very good lesson from history, which is most often forgotten or ignored by people today.
Colleen
November 21, 2023 at 11:36 am
Does anyone think the “anchors” on CNN, MSNBC, or even The View are smart in any way, shape or form. When a female journalist was speaking with Don Lemonhead, she schooled him on the truth about slavery and he was flabbergasted and I thought he was going to cry, all he said was “I’ll have to look into it. And cut too commercial. Yeah right.
Suzanne
November 21, 2023 at 12:06 pm
God bless Speaker Mike Johnson!
Sunshine Kid
November 21, 2023 at 1:33 pm
The separation of church and state means only that the state cannot set up a church, such as the British did when they broke from the Catholic faith to set up the Church of England. In no way was the separation of church and state intended to be that public prayer was to be outlawed. That is simply atheism, nothing more.
LMB
November 21, 2023 at 1:34 pm
The Speaker is Spot On!!! In addition to what he stated, the founders didn’t want to establish a governmental Recognized religion/church of any kind!! The Founders saw from past experience what the Church of England was doing and the influence it had over the monarchy. This was also part of why they wrote these clauses (see the use of a clause) And gave the citizens the religious freedom that they intended to protect the citizens and the government from religious interference.
kurt gandenberger
November 21, 2023 at 1:46 pm
before the 1830’s a vast number of people in south carolina were episcopal. there was some thought of making membership in the episcopal church a requirement for state offices. fortunately, some politicians and even some church leaders told the citizens such ideas were unconstitutional.
Marilee Brockbank
November 21, 2023 at 3:25 pm
Mike Johnson is eloquent, smart and not easily intimidated. Just what we need in congress. So many people in politics today have reached their high positions without the basic knowledge of our foundation. Bless Mike Johnson for all he has learned, his ability to speak and teach those who have no clue what they are doing or saying.
Laura R Wagner
November 22, 2023 at 5:26 pm
My family originally came from France. They were Huguenots (protestants) under a Catholic king. For those that don’t realize, if you recall the story of The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas, there was a war going on as the background to the main story. My family were members on the other side. When we lost, most of the middle class left France, leaving the country without skilled labor. We were the blacksmiths, the carpenters and builders. It took France a century to recover from our departure. We came here to America to be able to worship as we chose. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the Founding Fathers making Freedom of Religion the first article in the bill of rights. I support all of our rights found in the Constitution and find it abhorrent that those who have sworn to protect those rights are the ones attempting to destroy them. Thank you Mr. Speaker for correcting this misconception.