Newly elected Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson discussed how his Christian faith shapes his politics after he revealed his favorite Bible passage during an interview with The Daily Signal.
Johnson also spoke on the importance of treating opponents with dignity and respect while holding to the truth.
“I love Psalm 37,” said Johnson.
“I would call that my life’s passage. The whole Psalm. It’s great, and it’s so applicable to these times.”
“In fact, I was in the congressional chapel this morning, and there’s a big, thick Bible that’s sort of up on the altar there, in front of the stained glass, and I opened it to Psalm 37 to be open and rested there, because I’ve just found great solace in that.”
The 40-verse Psalm emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and not worrying about evildoers.
“Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb,” the first two verses of Psalm 37 read.
“Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous,” the 16th and 17th verses read.
The Daily Signal asked Johnson if he felt there was a double standard in the media’s portrayal of faith, noted in descriptions of President Joe Biden’s “devout” Catholicism.
“There’s an incredible double standard in the mainstream media,” Johnson said before adding that Barrett is a close friend.
Johnson was also clear on his stance with Israel.
“There is clearly, obviously, a biblical admonition, all Jews and Christians believe. It says clearly in the Bible, ‘I will bless the nation that blesses Israel and curse the nation that curses Israel,’” he said. “And so this is pretty black-and-white in terms of our faith.”
Johnson said Israel’s stability is crucial to freedom-loving Americans.
“They’re the only democracy in that region of the world. They are greatly outnumbered, and their neighbors want to wipe them off the face of the earth,” Johnson said.
“So every American, regardless of their faith, has a direct interest in a stable and vibrant Israel, because of the values that Israel represents in that part of the world.
“It’s a stabilizing force there and has been since it became a nation again. And we have a direct interest in ensuring that that stability keeps its place.”
Last month, Jen Psaki said Johnson is “scary” because he is a devout Christian and suggested he is a threat to the American people.
“At first glance, Mike Johnson does seem fine,” Psaki began.
“Fine-ish. Conservative, yes,” she continued.
“But he once started a civility caucus with a Democrat. And I mean, if nothing else, he wears a suit and has glasses,” she added.
“How threatening can this guy actually be?”
“Well, he gave us all a little clue as to how he would govern in an interview this week,” Psaki said before cutting to Johnson talking about his religious beliefs.
Watch
“His views on policy are essentially what you’d expect from a religious fundamentalist — they’re more divisive than divine.”
— Inside with Jen Psaki (@InsideWithPsaki) October 29, 2023
@jrpsaki on newly elected House speaker Mike Johnson. pic.twitter.com/DQs7uKnTiX
READ: Speaker Mike Johnson: ‘Very Likely’ Biden Committed Impeachable Offenses
