Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has criticized the newly appointed House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) for openly stating that he is a “Bible-believing Christian.”
Psaki labeled Johnson as a “religious fundamentalist” during her Sunday broadcast of the MSNBC show “Inside with Jen Psaki.”
“First glance, Mike Johnson does seem fine,” Psaki said.
“Fine-ish. Conservative, yes.
“But he once started a civility caucus with a Democrat.
“And I mean, if nothing else, he wears a suit and has glasses,” she continued.
“How threatening can this guy actually be?”
Psaki then played a clip of Johnson describing himself as a “Bible-believing Christian.”
“I am a Bible-believing Christian,” Johnson said.
“Someone asked me today in the media, they said, well, it’s curious.
“People are curious; ‘What does Mike Johnson think about any issue under the sun?’” he said in the clip.
“I said, ‘Well, go pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it.’
“That’s my worldview.”
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Psaki then commented on the video by suggesting to her viewers that Johnson’s views should be seen as something negative.
“You heard that right,” Psaki said in response to Johnson’s comments.
“The Bible doesn’t just inform his worldview, it is his worldview.”
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In an MSNBC article, Psaki cautioned her readers that Johnson should give them cause for concern beyond his political views.
“Most Americans might not be able to pick Mike Johnson out of a lineup, but in reality, he’s far from benign,” Psaki wrote.
“It’s not just his political ideology that should scare us.
“Johnson is basically a Christian fundamentalist,” she continued.
Johnson’s open display of his Christian faith in public appearances since becoming Speaker of the House has generated a range of reactions online. Conservatives on social media platforms have applauded his unapologetic expression of his Christian beliefs in his new leadership role. In contrast, some liberals have contended that his references to God within the House chamber are in violation of both the Constitution and the principles of the New Testament.
During his address to Congress after being elected, Johnson stated:
“I don’t believe there are any coincidences in a matter like this.
“I believe that Scripture and the Bible is very clear that God is the one that raises up those in authority.
“He raised up each of you, all of us.
“And I believe God has ordained and allowed each one of us to be brought here for this specific moment and this time.
“This is my belief,” he added.
“I believe that each one of us has a huge responsibility today to use the gifts that God has given us to serve the extraordinary people of this great country and they deserve it.”
