The Importance of Judeo-Christian Foundations

The United States has deep roots as a Judeo-Christian nation. This is a historical fact. Christianity has its basis in Judaism. The New Testament is built upon the Old Testament. Jesus Christ was born a Jew. He taught using Hebrew Scriptures, which Christians refer to as the Old Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, he stated his mission was to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, not to abolish them.

Recently, I observed distortions of this history, which concerns me as a pastor. I appreciated a recent post by Dr. Jordan Peterson, despite his health issues. He highlighted the Jewish origins of the Ten Commandments and the foundational stories of the Old Testament. He also pointed to the Jewish development of ideas like subsidiarity, which counteracts tyranny and slavery. Moreover, he emphasized the Jewish role in paving the way for universal literacy.

Dr. Peterson also addressed the troubling rise of anti-semitism, criticizing those who participate in it. He reminded Christians of Christ’s Jewish heritage, underlining that objection to recognizing Judeo-Christian ties is misguided.

In response to Dr. Peterson’s post, Jack Posobiec, a senior editor, claimed that the ideas presented were not in line with Christian beliefs. This response, along with similar remarks, represents a misunderstanding of Christianity’s roots. Attempts to erase the Jewish origins of Christianity are misleading and deny the faith’s historical foundation.

Some people have compared this rewriting of history to the 1619 Project, which has aimed to make slavery central to America’s founding, as opposed to the principles set forth in 1776. Similarly, altering the scriptural narrative to exclude Jewish influences distorts history and misleads individuals about the true origins of Western faiths.

Our nation’s founding documents reflect biblical truths, such as the equality of all men created in the image of God. The concepts of the rule of law, human dignity, and justice are rooted in Judeo-Christian traditions preserved by the Jewish people and realized in Christ.

This discussion is less about academic debate and more about truthfulness in educating future generations. At Project H.O.O.D. on Chicago’s South Side, we focus on honest education in scriptural and American principles, through job training, financial literacy, and comprehensive teaching of both Testaments.

The current climate of antisemitism must be opposed. The relationship between the Black church and Jewish communities has historically been one of mutual support against oppression. We must maintain this alliance.

Revisionism weakens our society. Our collective strength, unity, and future restoration rely on acknowledging and defending our shared Judeo-Christian foundations. These principles belong to all citizens willing to embrace the truth. This nation rests on the firm foundations of these beliefs, a heritage I commit to protecting.

Pastor Corey Brooks is the founder and Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and CEO of Project H.O.O.D. He gained national recognition through rooftop vigils that transformed Chicago’s notorious O-Block into Opportunity Block.