The United States finds itself facing a perilous threat to its core principles, not from the remnants of Trumpism, but from a rising movement known as Christofascism. The recent election of Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives signifies a dangerous stride toward imposing extreme religious views on the nation, jeopardizing fundamental freedoms that Americans have long held dear.
Despite Johnson’s claims of being a constitutional “originalist,” his unanimous election by Republican colleagues has propelled the nation closer to the nightmare scenario that the Founding Fathers fervently sought to avoid.
Thomas Jefferson, one of the framers of the Constitution, emphasized the crucial need for a separation between church and state. The very First Amendment of the Bill of Rights underscores this principle, stating that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The founders deliberately omitted the word “God” from the Constitution, breaking away from the European tradition where rulers claimed divine right. They believed that government’s power should stem from the people’s consent, not religious doctrines.
However, Speaker Johnson represents a movement that seeks to institutionalize evangelical Christian beliefs into law, despite the clear warnings of historical figures like Jefferson and Madison. This Christofascist ideology strives to impose its views on society, undermining established laws and curbing accepted freedoms, all in the name of advancing their version of Christianity.
Johnson’s ascent to power has revealed alarming views. He has advocated against LGBTQ+ rights, vehemently opposing same-sex marriage and championing legislation to restrict personal choices. He has been a staunch advocate for anti-abortion measures and has even supported imprisoning those who perform abortions.
Furthermore, Johnson’s ties to extremist Christian groups and his alignment with the far-right in Israel raise concerns about his influence on American policies. His denial of climate change, support for lax gun control, and his pivotal role in promoting baseless claims of election fraud highlight his disdain for scientific consensus, democratic norms, and the rights of American citizens.
What distinguishes Johnson from previous figures like Trump is his genuine belief in the dominionist idea, where national laws should conform to Christian theology. While Trump often appeared opportunistic and self-serving, Johnson stands as a zealous proponent of imposing Christian values on the entire nation. This ideology threatens the very essence of American democracy, eroding the rights of citizens who do not share these beliefs.
The rise of Christofascism, embodied by figures like Johnson, poses a grave danger to the vision of the United States as a free and democratic society. The warnings of the Founding Fathers, who cautioned against the intertwining of religion and government, are more relevant than ever. As this movement gains momentum, the fabric of American society hangs in the balance, with the very idea of America as a land of liberty under threat. The nation stands at a crossroads, where the choices made now will determine the future of democracy in the United States.
