The United States has deep roots in Judeo-Christian history. This isn’t merely a sentiment; it’s evidenced in history itself. Christianity is intrinsically linked to Judaism. The New Testament relies on the Old Testament, and Jesus Christ, who was born a Jew, referred to these Hebrew texts, emphasizing that he didn’t come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them, as noted in the Gospel of Matthew.
Recently, I found it disheartening to witness this historical truth being overshadowed or even distorted. Thus, I was quite relieved to see a rare post from Dr. Jordan Peterson, who has been unwell as of late. He wrote:
“When discussing ‘Judeo-Christians’: The Ten Commandments originate from Judaism. The notable stories found in the Old Testament are part of Judaism. Jews proposed the concept of subsidiarity to counter tyranny and bondage. They fostered the cultural necessities for widespread literacy. The plight of Israel mirrors that of the West. The surge in anti-Semitism is repugnant. For those who are truly moral, it’s crucial to acknowledge that you claim to be ‘Christians’ yet disdain the fact that Christ was Jewish.”
Every part of his statement holds weight. Just as this was being discussed, another user, Jack Posobiec, a senior editor at Human Events, responded to Peterson’s comments by stating, “This isn’t aligned with what Christians believe.” Another commenter chimed in, asserting, “Abraham was a Christian, Moses was a Christian, David was a Christian,” to which Posobiec added, “Adam and Noah were Christians.”
This isn’t about corrections; it’s more like an erasure of Judaism’s significant influence on Christianity, masked as a display of piety.
One online observer aptly compared this to a right-wing parallel of the 1619 Project. The two scenarios are in stark contrast: the 1619 Project aimed to portray slavery as central to America’s foundation, overshadowing the principle of liberty articulated in 1776. This current trend mirrors a historical tactic found in texts: omitting Jewish contributions, focusing solely on Christians, and labeling that as faithful. It’s a form of both intellectual and spiritual dishonesty. Such an approach diminishes the true essence of Christianity.
There should be no space for rewriting history to serve agendas or to gain social media traction. We don’t need any new idols; honesty about our faith and our origins is crucial.
I’m firmly against any form of this revisionism. The foundational documents of America draw heavily from Biblical truths. The idea that “all men are created equal” and that they are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” stems from the belief that all humans reflect God’s image.
The concepts of law, dignity, and justice, tempered by compassion, originate from the Judeo-Christian teachings that Jews have upheld through generations and that find fulfillment in Christ. If we sever this connection, both Christianity and the American narrative could lose their grounding.
This isn’t merely a theoretical discussion—it’s a matter of discipleship. Misleading children about their roots does not empower them; rather, it divides and weakens them. This is why, through Project HOOD on Chicago’s South Side, we are working on creating a center for leadership and economic opportunities. We focus on strong job training, education, financial literacy, and, above all, an unwavering commitment to the truths found in both the Bible and authentic American principles. Our youth deserve a comprehensive understanding of their God-given potential and the opportunity to confront sin while upholding our founding values.
We’re involved in a struggle for the essence of this nation. Any form of revisionism, regardless of its source, diminishes our strength. Peterson rightly highlights that the escalation of anti-Semitism is abhorrent and should be addressed without hesitation. The Black Church and Jewish communities have a shared history of resisting oppression, and it’s vital that we stand united on this foundation.
We must avoid revising the past for the sake of social media appeal or personal agendas. Honesty about our faith and our beginnings offers the only route to strength, unity, and healing. American principles were never exclusive to one group; they belong to everyone who seeks to live in truth. This nation is built on the bedrock of Judaism and Christianity, and I am committed to safeguarding that heritage.
