8.11.2011

Painting Borders On Fascist?

As the title of your painting suggests, ours is "One Nation Under God" -- not "One Nation Under Christ" as your painting depicts. At best, your painting is offensive to non-Christians or those who exercise their right not to believe in the God. At worst, the painting borders on fascist. I guess this just goes to prove one thing -- that fundamentalism is not restricted to just to regions like the Middle East and countries like Yemen. It is alive and well in the US of A.  I pray that you will see the light -- that history has proven that mixing religion into politics is a lethal combination. I would have though that 9/11 had proven that.
Rev. Fr. Anastasios Gounaris
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Christian Church


This is an interesting perspective coming from a Christian minister.  Are you not familiar with our country’s Christian roots?  The symbolism of Christ holding the Constitution should not be offensive if you believe the Constitution was divinely inspired.  And then you state that that the painting “borders on Fascist?”  Fascism is where the state becomes more important than the individual, usually with a military run authoritarian government—the exact opposite of a Republic! Fundamentalism is a strict coherence to one’s beliefs.  In an age of compromise we need more good Americans to stand up for what they believe in. 

7 comments:

  1. 'One Nation Under God' is one of my favorite paintings. I love your response to for Rev. Gounaris.

    ReplyDelete
  2. "...history has proven that mixing religion into politics is a lethal combination." What history are they reading? What is lethal is when politics becomes the religion, replacing the One True God with a pale replica suited to those in power. I read Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas, and what an eye-opener that was. This country is perilously close to following the same horrific path. Thanks for sharing your faith, Jon.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is shocking! The reverend, of all people should know that Christianity is NOT a religion, but a reality! That's just tough for whomever does not believe. Maybe if he had been taught Philadelphia or Smyrna, as Christ would have hoped, he would have a better understanding of what is really happening. Unfortunately, judgment begins at the pulpit. There was a time when our Nation's capital doubled as a church. How far some have drifted away!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jon,
    I am new to your artwork. I really enjoy it and find your content very interesting, as well as the reactions.
    I am an artist also. Specifically a "Spiritual Surrealist". I too have received some negative comments, especially my piece titled "Constitutions Last Stand". But I find that most comments are brought on from the individuals own personal convictions.
    Fine art has been drawing controversy for centuries, we are in good company. Edgar Degas said it best..."Art is not what you see, BUT what you make others see."
    Beth Smith
    bsmithbrushworks.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. As an individual who was born and raised in the Greek Orthodox religion, I am saddened by the response of Father Gounaris, but not surprised. Thank you Brother McNaughton for your thoughtful response. While I love my heritage, we were taught little of the teachings of Christ, but more of "traditions". It wasn't until I was truly converted to Him, that I learned who He is and of His great love for me. He is the Lord of this great land and while I am grateful for my Greek parents and ancestors, I am an American and will always serve the God of this land, even Jesus the Christ. Cary on with your amazing gift Jon. God bless you and God bless America.

    ReplyDelete
  7. viously he is not familiar with the Christian roots of our country...

    George Washington "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible"

    Abraham Lincoln "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this Book. I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into Heaven and say there is no God."

    Daniel Webster "If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will... prosper. But if we and our prosperity neglect the instructions and authority in this Book, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overtake us and bury our glory in profound obscurity."

    Maybe this will refresh his & non christians views on how our country was founded... with God... there is no separation between the state & God...

    ReplyDelete