John Leake writing at Focal Points on 11/25/25
led me to pondering on Thanksgiving on an American historical perspective. THE
TITLE: “Is the
Idea of America Doomed to Dissolve Into Tribalism?The Founding
Fathers imagined a nation of people unified by their shared dedication to the
primacy of the individual, free to pursue his interests. Is this idea
incongruous with man's tribal nature?”
Leake wasn’t writing a Thanksgiving message. Rather he was
writing roughly about how America has evolved from the Founding Fathers’
intended national experiment to the current American affection for special
interest tribalism which divides us rather than UNITES us as ONE NATION - dare
I say, “UNDER GOD”. The “Under God” portion these days ignites tribalistic
division among Americans.
In the Founders’ day, “Under God” would not cause an uproar
among a majority of the Founders (even most Deists who respected Christian ethics
– Pro-Christian Perspective HERE
& HERE.
Christian
Deist Perspective.) and certainly among most of the citizens of
a new nation united under a new Constitution.
AND YET citizens in the new United States considered
themselves the citizen of their particular State more than as an American.
HENCE the existence of the TENTH AMENDMENT in the Bill
of Rights:
The powers not delegated to the
United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are
reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. (from National
Constitution Center)
The American Civil War (1861 – 1865) erupted because 11
Slave States felt Abraham Lincoln’s Presidency threatened those States
delegated power of State sovereignty relating to slavery laws. However, the War
Between The States was more about States Rights than slavery. The national
debate about slavery may have been the match that sparked Slave-State secession,
but the
real issue was Federal meddling concerns in sovereign State laws.
The Lincoln-led victory centralized American Federalism and diluted the power
of the 10th Amendment (State
vs. Federal Power: The Eternal American Tug-of-War: scroll down
to “Civil War: Federal Power Wins”).
As the former seceding States were brought back into the
U.S. Union, Americans slowly began to less identify to a particular State and
more as Americans. Somewhere along the American line of history, Leftist
ideology sowed the seeds of cultural transformation largely with warped
historical propaganda that vilified the American past and America’s Christian
Heritage.
With a BA in History, I’d hardly be classified as an expert.
Yet in my opinion a Cultural Marxism (Medium
& Grokipedia)
began creeping into America with the so-called Countercultural
Revolution of the 1960s. Here we are eclipsing 2025 and the seeds
of division have produced a stark Tribalistic America that I suspect one day
will evolve into another Civil War which will at least temporally lead to a
dictatorship no matter who wins. Why? No matter who the winner, a harsh path
will have to follow to bring the losers back into the vision of the winner.
That’s what happened after America’s Civil War under the roughly 12-year
period of Reconstruction.
You can probably guess. In this current American cultural
tribal division, I associate with Christian Patriots. Frankly at age 69 I do
not look forward to being around to when the Civil War dam breaks. It will probably
come down roughly between today are called Red States (Conservatives)
and Blue States (dominated by Leftists). The thing is in this Red State/Blue
State dichotomy, there are significant minorities within Red-Blue that identify
against the majority.
For example. I grew up in Washington State. The voting
majority is overwhelmingly west of the Cascade Mountain Range and vote happily
as a Left-Wing bloc. Two-thirds east of the area east of the Cascades (the
minority bloc) lean toward a Conservative ideology. Can you imagine the
carnage the Washington State population will face in such a Civil War.
These days I live in Oklahoma. Most of Oklahoma is
overwhelmingly Red-Conservative voting. Yet Oklahoma’s two metropolitan areas
have significant Leftist Dem voters. Yup more carnage.
I suspect this scenario plays out across all of the USA.
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the Savior Jesus Christ
as my Redeemer. AND I
pray in Jesus’ Name a miracle in my lifetime brings America to a
peaceful resolution of American unity melting away tribal political allegiances
while restoring the American identity of One
Nation, under God Almighty.
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On the Facebook group Evangelicals Gathering To Pray for our Country I found an outstanding post on his painting “One Nation Under God”. The painting is by Jon McNaughton and it was a ‘share’ from his facebook page. McNaughton’s original post was on July 6, 2015. My original intention was to post McNaughton’s Facebook entry as I found it shared at the Pray for our Country group. But the Facebook video embed included the text which I found inconvenient for my purpose.
McNaughton makes a living painting very patriotic and symbolic portraits. His Facebook description does not do the painting the justice I believe it should get. So this is what I am going to do. I am going to cross post some Youtube versions that explains the portrait better. Including one video that shows close-ups with patriotic music in the background – very inspiring. I will also include the Jon McNaughton facebook post from July 6 to see if that video shows up when I embed it.
To be honest the Facebook post includes a link providing a way to purchase a print of “One Nation Under God” which is something I highly encourage. I also recommend you check out some other patriotic prints of some original McNaughton prints.
After the Facebook post I wish to include one extra video that is only 48 seconds explaining McNaughton’s portrait of Obama burning the U.S. Constitution.
Watch patriotic artist John McNaughton explain some of the prominent figures in his historic painting, "One Nation Under God". For a limited time, you can receive $5.00 off the purchase of his painting. In addition, you'll also receive three 5x7 cards, the Constitution Booklet, a Reference Guide, and a 1 hour DVD of the artist explaining the story behind the painting and discussing all of the people featured in the painting. Go to buyonenationundergod.com [link is dead] and use Promo Code KCDISC5 to receive $5.00 off your order.
This video was created with thankful appreciation to Jon McNaughton. Jon, thanks for this beautiful painting which declares the profound truth of the creation of the United States of America. The music is performed by the Amen Choir and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The music is from the album "Hymns Triumphant".
Music: "Battle Hymn Of The Republic" by London Philharmonic Choir
This simple phrase, added to the pledge of allegiance over 50 years ago has been the source of unbelievable debate and heated controversy. Likewise, the phrase 'In God We Trust' on our currency has been targeted and continues to be attacked as improper and politically incorrect. Lawsuits have been filed and legal minds employed to ascertain whether such statements violate the concept of 'separation of church and state'.
As this debate continues, some so called experts have implied or concluded that our Founding Fathers and Patriots were not religious. These secular champions, in an effort to further their own causes, have even painted these great men and women from our history as being devoid of religious passions or even a belief in God. This is a part of their strategy to remove any discussion of God from the public forum.
These men and women were passionately religious and saw the hand of God all around them. To God they gave Thanks for His Hand in the founding of this great nation. To Him, according to their own testimony they turned for wisdom and strength when life and liberty hung in the balance. Certainly the debate on separation of church and state will continue. But no one can dispute how our Founding Fathers and Patriots felt about God. The record is clear!
McNaughton's response to liberal criticisms of "One Nation Under God."
I would like to take a minute to explain some of the points of confusion for those who wish to interpret my picture.
Each figure including Christ represents a symbol. Everything about the painting is symbolic. I don't pretend to know what Christ looks like. As I stated in my interview, I wanted to create an image that would instantly be recognizable as Jesus. I am not painting an anthropological Jesus. Nobody would recognize him if I painted him that way.
The figures in the background have been the source of great debate. Let me make myself clear from my writing that just because they stand behind Christ, does not mean they are devout Christians evoking all to come unto Jesus and be baptized?! What I am saying is that they represent those who have influenced our country and our Constitution in a positive way. Many of these men and women gave their lives so we could have the liberties we enjoy. We are now at a time when these liberties are in peril. Our government has grown so big and powerful that the rights of the individual are at risk. This is what the Constitution was about—to limit the size of government. The patriotic heroes who stand behind Christ and the Constitution are pleading with us to defend the cause of liberty. Except for the pregnant woman in the lower right corner, these people symbolize those who have pushed our country towards Socialism. (The pregnant woman's place in the painting is explained on the website.)
In connection to my last statement, I knew when I painted this picture that Thomas Payne (so sorry I offended some of you for spelling his name wrong), and Thomas Jefferson were Deists. That was irrelevant to me. I believe God brings about His purposes through different people. Even those who aren't baptized or following the accepted Christian religion.
Not only have I received flack for this painting from Liberals, but also from the Right as well. Why did you include JFK? Why Lincoln? Why Teddy Roosevelt? I painted this picture to reflect my personal feelings about America. This is not a Republican painting. This is not anything other than one artist's personal feelings about his love for Christ, this country and a desire to make a point about where we are headed. I hoped that this painting would encourage dialogue and debate. It is important that you understand my position before you make assumptions.
One of the most ridiculous criticisms I have read is that I don't have enough minorities in the painting. The way people throw around the word "racist" these days is overkill. From the beginning of the painting I chose to include a variety for ethnicities under the "Strong Americans" category. I also used different races in the background where I could. One of the most important positions in the painting is where the black U. S. soldier is standing.
Some of the chatter going around on these liberal blog sites I feel is unfounded. One of the things I said to myself from the beginning was the knee jerk reaction some people would have to the painting would be very revealing as to which side they personally stood in the picture. If you don't believe the Constitution was inspired of God, fine. We will agree to disagree.
Some so called "art experts" feel that a true painting should not be explained, but left to the viewer to interpret. I may not reveal all my thoughts, but I want the world to know what I think and feel—that's why I painted it! Great art causes one to feel. To feel deeply. I knew this painting would evoke emotion on both sides. I knew it was a unique concept, having never been painted before. I don't care if the composition is outdated or whether some other artist may have painted their composition better than me. The message stands alone.
Why Satan? I don't for a second believe he looks like that, but I do believe he is real. Again, the image is symbolic. Having Satan near these people doesn't mean that they are Satanic. If you believe in God, surely you would believe in a Satan.
OK, how could McNaughton be so ignorant about Charles Darwin and "Origin of the Species?" Yes, I have read the book and yes I do believe in many of the theories it espouses. What?! No, I don't' think the book should be burned and kicked out of the school curriculum. Some of the rebuttals I have heard in regard to this subject in my painting are unfounded. I believe that this book is a standard that the left uses to push Christianity out of the Educational Forum. I believe that we need faith in our schools. I believe that I did not evolve from an ape. You may disagree, but that is how I feel. Do I believe Evolution should be taught? Yes. Should Christian thought or any other religion be allowed to be discussed without reservation? Yes, as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights of others.
This is my personal witness and testimony as to the state of this nation. If you would like to ask more questions about my painting, I invite you to do so. I would be pleased to answer any honest questions regarding, "One Nation Under God."
"I pledge allegiance to the United States of America, And not to an ideology, which can never stand, One nation under socialism, divisive, With no liberty or justice for anyone."
This November, you will make a choice. Will you choose One Nation Under Socialism?
McNaughton's Answers to Questions Regarding This Painting: Why the title "One Nation Under Socialism?"
Our federal government has been moving in the direction of socialism for over one hundred years. Many presidents and politicians have compromised the Constitution as we have given away our freedoms under the guise of entitlements and government intervention. When the people are willing to sacrifice the next generation for their current lifestyles and allow the federal government to have all the power for an illusory mess of pottage—you have chosen One Nation Under Socialism.
What do you mean by an ideology, which can never stand?
I will not support an ideology, which will lead to the destruction of America. In the history of the world, never has there been a recorded example where Socialism has led to the betterment of the human condition or improved the liberty of the people. I know there are varying degrees and definitions of "socialism." Even the European model of Democratic Socialism has proven to be a dismal failure. Do you want to see our country become like Greece, Italy, Portugal, or even Great Britain?
What do you mean by "divisive, with no liberty or justice for anyone?"
Socialism uses the illusion of offering fairness and justice for everyone by redistributing the wealth of the nation; picking and choosing winners and losers. This administration has taken over our health care system, given bailouts to the automotive industry, banking industry and energy industry. They support the "Occupy Wall Street" movement of increased taxing of the rich to pay for the welfare of the "less rich." The Constitution never guaranteed equal things—only equal rights and justice. In America we should be FREE TO SUCCEED and FREE TO FAIL!
At this very moment our Constitution is literally going up in flames. What will you do to preserve the Constitution and save America?
Jon McNaughton is an established artist from Utah whose new paintings have attracted the international attention of millions over the last few years. Highly detailed religious and patriotic subjects are the focus of his paintings. The artist’s experiences and faith are the inspiration for his work.
“I have traveled to many places around the world to know my subjects, but when I work on a painting with many figures I will usually pose models and photograph them and then paint them as I see them in my mind. I choose to paint from the heart and evoke my personal vision into each painting.”
I prefer to paint pictures that I believe have relevance to what is going on in the world, that make a statement, that stand for something. I hope people will study the paintings and try to understand the deeper meaning. Some of the themes are controversial, but I feel strongly about what is happening in our world today.
There are three kinds of people who view my paintings: Those who like it, those who hate it, and those who simply don’t understand. I am especially interested in this last category. I hope my work will create conversation and reach people on a deeper level. I like to use metaphor and multiple levels of meaning to reach my viewer. If it makes them think and feel, then it is successful.”
On my Facebook page I posted a video that I also posted at several of my blogs. The video was comedian Red Skelton providing a serious moment about the Pledge of Allegiance and the words “Under God.” The end of the video indicated Red's displeasure with prayer being taken out of schools.
A Facebook surfer (Nicholas Negelein) took umbrage with the religious connotation in Red’s message and posted this comment:
The pledge of allegiance, written by Francis Bellamy - a Christian Socialist who felt that the two ideas were mutually intertwined - as an expression that the greater good is more important than the individual need. Despite being a Christian, he did not include any words relating to a higher being, intending the pledge as a unification device for ... See Moreall peoples, regardless of faith or lack thereof.
"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
I responded:
Nicholas then it is a good thing that Congress in a rare moment of Founding Father insight added "Under God."
Nicholas responded:
"If the founding fathers thought anything like a pledge of allegiance were necessary, they would have implemented it, I believe. If they felt it necessary for the word god to be included in the Constitution, they would have included it, I believe.
In a moment of Founding Father insight, the Founding Fathers left any mention of the word god out of the Constitution, because for any religion to be endorsed by the state automatically removes religious freedom from the state.
For the populace to be able to freely practice any religion, the government must be kept free of religion. My Flying Spaghetti Monster must be no more important than your god in the eyes of government, lest my religion become favored and yours discriminated against. It pains me to say this, as it is manifestly obvious which creation myth is true, however I feel that simply because your religion is misguided while mine is the one true religion, you should still be allowed to practice it without interference from the government and without constantly seeing his noodly appendages adorned across the currency of the nation."
As you can guess I found Nicholas’ premises to be flawed. Thus I responded with some brief reality but by no means exhaustive. In fact I suspect Nicholas will again respond with some revisionist history in a not so nice way. I could be mistaken, time will tell. In the mean time the following is the gist of my response.
Nicholas, Actually Founding Fathers’ documents are rife with references to God or Creator. The chief Deist Jefferson worded most of the Declaration of Independence:
"the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitled"
"all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights"
Then the First Amendment clause that too many Leftists and atheists forget:
“prohibiting the free exercise thereof (i.e. religion)”
The first clause about not establishing a State Church of the Federal government is modified by the clause that overtly proclaims the Federal government will not interfere in the free exercise of religion. It is evident there is NO reference of separating religion from government but rather keeping government out of religion.
Then there is Amendment 10:
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.”
Thus it is self-evident the Founding Fathers indeed not only had a great regard for religion but specifically the Christian religion in all its sectarian or denominational practices.
Your flying spaghetti monster has no ethical benefit to the moral good of the people which is to say the citizens of America. The Founding Fathers (including the Deists) thus utilized Christian morality as the foundation for America’s rule of law which does have ethical benefit to the moral good of the people.
Atheists and Leftists are thus badly mistaken if they believe the Original Intent of the Founding Fathers was to prevent religious activism of people that benefits the government and society at large.
Red Skelton--from his television show in 1969 WOW! Just think, he said this on his television show in 1969 and really had no clue it would ever come about. SAD, isn't it? What a wonderful and worthwhile clip to watch and share with all your friends and acquaintances!
The Supreme Court spanked the 9th Circuit in 2002 over a similar issue. Also President GW Bush succeeded in getting a Justice Appointee confirmed by the Senate. The result: legal mumbo jumbo to keep “under God” in the Pledge.
The 9th Circuit also validated “In God We Trust” on US money.
