In this column for the New York Times, Christian conservative David French called out newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-LA) for using the Bible as a shield as he engages in rank dishonesty
French began by admitting he and Johnson both worked for the same Christian law firm before explaining they have taken very different paths since that time.
Focusing on Johnson saying in an interview that he can apply biblical teachings to any "issue under the sun," the columnist took exception to the broad reading.
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After writing, "The Bible says a great deal about a great number of subjects, but it is open to interpretation on many and silent on many more," French added, "It turns out that the Bible isn’t actually a clear guide to 'any issue under the sun.' You can read it from cover to cover, believe every word you read and still not know the 'Christian' policy on a vast majority of contested issues."
Using that as a leaping off point, French explained that all Christians understand the biblical teachings about "honesty" — and that is where Johnson comes up short when it comes to his defense of Donald Trump and his attempt to steal the 2020 presidential elecxtion..
Touching on "Mike Johnson’s refusal to answer a question about the effort to overturn the 2020 election," French wrote, "There is a reason that effort is called the Big Lie. It was one of the most comprehensively and transparently dishonest political movements in American history. And Mike Johnson was in the middle of it."
Cutting to the chase, he wrote, "Johnson is a very nice person, and — unlike Trump — he makes his points with a quite reasonable tone of voice. But pleasant-sounding lies are still lies. I know Johnson to be a smart man and a good lawyer, which is why I was gobsmacked to see him promote the same theories as some of the most corrupt and incompetent lawyers in American legal life."
Recalling, once again, Johnson's reliance on the Bible for his political opinions, the New York Times columnist suggested he take a deeper look at one of the greater lessons he should have taken away.
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"The Bible that sits on Johnson’s shelf, the one that tells him what to think about 'any issue under the sun,' may not tell us how to formulate immigration policy or how much money to send to Ukraine. But it does condemn dishonesty, it does condemn cruelty, and if there is a clear theme that echoes throughout its pages, it’s one that 'MAGA Mike Johnson' and his legion of evangelical supporters should take to heart: The ends do not justify the means," he lectured.
You can read more here.
