LENOIR, N.C. – In a column published yesterday, I asserted that the cruelty of Donald Trump and the GOP, in particular U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and his Gang – combined with the ineptitude of the Democratic Party – has essentially left Americans out in the cold, with only each other to depend on.

“The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. … There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.”

(Acts 4: 32, 34-35)

Not to fear though! In an ironic twist, despite saying they are agents of God, Johnson’s Gang behaves quite differently. Their cruelty will backfire. Why? Because it is the exact opposite of what the Gospel proclaims, so it’s only a matter of time before their charade will crumble.

Just as the Roman dictators and the Sanhedrin created a hostile environment for Jesus and the apostles, so does Johnson’s Gang for those people who actually heed the words of Jesus. (I pause here to remind my readers that I respect other religious traditions; however, I focus on Christianity in this piece because Johnson’s Gang claims it guides them).

In the hostile environment of the First Century, “The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. … There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need” (Acts 4: 32, 34-35).

That is our challenge – and opportunity. As we simultaneously tighten and expand our circles among our family, friends and neighbors, we have an opening – regardless of our faith or lack thereof – to demonstrate that human beings can and will care for one another when cruel and indifferent people create a hostile environment.

We can thank Johnson’s Gang for that. So, “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1: 2-3).

And persevere we must! We have come to the point that it is obvious that our nation’s political parties are built on sand. Why? They are all fanatical, but not about human welfare, but power and prestige. In the end, though, love offers a far more appealing alternative. It will win out. Eventually.

For now though, we still haven’t hit bottom. Too much time remains. The GOP is too determined to cause harm and the Democrats have voters wondering what the hell it is they stand for. As for “the Church,” it is also a whitewashed tomb, a topic I’ll return to in greater detail soon. Still, “The Way” remains. Jesus still has followers; most have left organized religion to escape its silly and stupid arguments, not to mention frauds.

Yet, this is also true – this too shall pass.

That is timeless and timely wisdom from virtually all of the world’s faith traditions, as well as the evidence of human events. Our job then, besides looking out after one another, is to mitigate the impact of Johnson’s Gang until their way becomes unbearable for the vast majority of Americans.

© Michael M. Barrick, 2025. Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.