Faith is an integral part of millions of Americans’ daily lives. “One Nation Under God” is committed to reflecting America’s voices, values and communities covering stories of faith and religion, from the latest headlines to stories of hope. Subscribe here.
(NewsNation) — How did Americans allow faith to be used as a weapon?
As former President Joe Biden announced Sunday that he had an aggressive form of prostate cancer, well wishes and prayers began to pour in from all sides, including from his fiercest political enemies.
President Donald Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump were saddened to hear the news.
“We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” he said on Truth Social.
“I’m sorry to see this news,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who has been a biting critic of Biden, on X. ”Prayers for Joe Biden and his family.”
But one Christian commentator had a different type of message for Biden, who is a lifelong Catholic. “Pray that Joe Biden would know Christ before his time comes,” Allie Beth Stuckey posted on X. The New York Times best-selling author has over 500,000 followers and a popular conservative podcast.
The X post has received nearly five thousand likes and hundreds of comments, mostly positive. And on Instagram, the post got nearly thirteen thousand likes.
Whether or not you agree or disagree with Stuckey’s theology is not the point (many Protestants believe Catholics are heretics and do not understand Jesus or the Bible correctly). The question is, how did Americans allow religion and faith, our most personal and deeply held beliefs, to be weaponized? And more importantly, when are we going to put a stop to it?
If Stuckey wants to win people over and turn them into Christians, this nastiness is sure to turn them off.
No matter what you think of President Joe Biden or his faith at this moment in history when he’s exiting the stage, publicly criticizing his personally-held beliefs when he is ill is a blow to civility, public discourse and to religion.
Even though the decline of Christianity appears to have leveled off, according to the Pew Research Center, there still exists much prejudice against religion in American society. And while serious theological differences exist among Christians, sparring over differences at a time of personal suffering is not attractive or effective.
What attracts the wider public to faith is creating authentic dialogue despite differences. Highlighting common ground. And remembering that we are all human beings with the same weaknesses and that humanity is what knits us together.
So say a prayer for President Biden tonight. Whether you’re a Christian, Muslim or Buddhist. Or a nonbeliever. Close your eyes and take a leap of faith to ask the creator of the universe to heal a fellow human who is on the same journey.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation.