Upholding the Judeo-Christian Foundations of America

The United States is rooted in Judeo-Christian principles, a fact grounded in history rather than sentiment. Christianity’s origins are deeply intertwined with Judaism. The New Testament relies on the Old. Jesus Christ, born a Jew, taught from the Hebrew Scriptures, which Christians refer to as the Old Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, He proclaimed His mission to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, not to abolish them.

Recently, I have observed a concerning trend of this history being distorted. As a pastor, this has been distressing. Dr. Jordan Peterson, who has recently been unwell, made a notable comment addressing this. He stated, “With regard to ‘Judeo Christian’: The 10 Commandments are Jewish. The great stories of the Old Testament are Jewish. The Jews developed the idea of subsidiarity as the alternative to tyranny and slavery. The Jews established the cultural preconditions for the rise of universal literacy. The fate of Israel at the hands of the Islamists is the fate of the West. This rising tide of anti-semitism sickens me. Those of you engaging in it for your oh-so-moral reasons, you’re despicable. And remember, you proud ‘Christians’ objecting in all your purity to the term: Christ Himself was a Jew.”

His words ring true. Yet, immediately, someone challenged his perspective. Jack Posobiec, senior editor at Human Events, responded by arguing that this is not a Christian belief. Others joined, claiming Biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, and David were Christians. Posobiec extended this claim to Adam and Noah.

Such claims erase Jewish roots and distort the origins of Christianity under a guise of misguided piety. We must focus on honesty about our faith and its foundations, avoiding false idols. Someone aptly likened this distortion to the “right-wing version of the 1619 Project,” which tried to paint slavery as America’s founding truth rather than the principles of liberty from 1776. Now, similar tactics threaten scripture’s history by sidelining Jewish elements.

We must not allow agendas or social media influence to reshape our past. America’s foundational documents are rooted in biblical truths, drawing on the belief that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights by their Creator. These principles arise from the Judeo-Christian revelation preserved by the Jewish people and realized in Christ. Removing this heritage leaves both Christianity and the American experiment without stability.

“Cut that root, and neither Christianity nor the American experiment has an anchor left.”

This isn’t an academic dispute; it’s about discipling truth. Misguiding our youth divides rather than strengthens them. Through Project H.O.O.D. on Chicago’s South Side, we are developing the Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center, a place for job training, education, financial literacy, and uncompromised truths from both Testaments alongside honest American principles. Young people will learn a complete story where past mistakes are addressed, ideals upheld, and the capacity for agency and achievement recognized.

We are in a fight for our national soul. Any form of revisionism undermines us. Peterson astutely pointed out the unacceptable rise of antisemitism, which must be confronted firmly. The Black church and Jewish communities have historically stood together against oppression, and this solidarity continues.

We must uphold the truth of our heritage without bowing to any agenda. America’s foundational principles aren’t meant for a single group; they apply to all citizens who embrace truth. Our nation is built on a Judeo-Christian foundation, and I am committed to defending this heritage.

Pastor Corey Brooks is the founder and Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the CEO of Project H.O.O.D. He is recognized for his rooftop vigils aimed at transforming Chicago’s “O-Block” into a space of opportunity. Learn more at ProjectHOOD.org.