Social media reacted instantly, and reports were quickly released across popular online news venues after ‘The View’ host Joy Behar mocked Vice President Mike Pence’s Christian faith as a “mental illness”.
More than a few eyebrows were raised since ABC News and its affiliates claim to take an unbiased approach to it’s news broadcasts. ‘The View’ is not a news outlet for ABC, but a talk show started by veteran news anchor Barbara Walters and television producer Bill Geddie, which spotlights conversations between its five female panelists.
The conversation started when panelist Sunny Hosting, an American lawyer and social commentator recounted statements by former White House staffer Omarosa Manigault Newman, who said that Pence is known to talk to Jesus and that he believes Jesus tells him things as ‘interesting’. It’s hard to believe this panel of intelligent women are unaware that Christians regard talking to Jesus and listening for God’s leading as ‘prayer’. She further commented – even though she claims to be a “faithful” Catholic, that she would prefer if our vice president did not “speak in tongues.”
These statements were followed by fellow host Joy Behar remarking, “It’s one thing to talk to Jesus. It’s another thing when Jesus talks to you… that’s called mental illness.” Former ‘View’ host, Actress Candace Cameron Bure – a devout Christian who is no stranger to criticisms for her conservative Christian views was swift to react in defense of the Christian faith.
“My initial reaction was that it was a tone deaf comment, but not a surprising one from someone who isn’t a believer,” she said.
Media Research Center (MRC) President Brent Bozell sent a letter to ABC President James Goldston calling on him to apologize for his network insulting the Christian faith. Bozell is also promising that if an “unqualified apology” is not issued by ABC, he will be mounting a grassroots effort calling on his viewers and the millions of Christians around the world to boycott the network. Mr. Bozell notes that ‘The View’ has been called out on other occasions for mocking of Christians on the air.
Even the right-wing media platform owned by Alex Jones got in on the fray – in support of respecting religious ideals and practices. The site is also recounting a past comment made by Joy Behar on this same television talk show, that she talks to God – well, that is if you call asking God ‘to save the country from President Trump’ a sincere prayer or spiritual communication. But mind you, she made this statement while doing a promotional stint for her anti-Trump book “The Great Gasbag.”
Social media reactions have become an indication of what America feels and thinks – in real time. But, this Christian commentary snafu by Joy Behar is touching an unexpected nerve on social media – in support of Christians that are passionate about their faith. Here are just a few public comments gleaned from social media tweets and made by individuals who would not let the opportunity for defending Christianity – pass them by:
- @SilviaGardner14, Feb 16 – It’s not mental illness when you have a conversation with your creator (God) He is a living being he talks and listens. When a relationship is developed you have one on one time with Him. Im not a fan of Mike Pence but to question the relationship he has with Jesus…I wont.
- @seven777hearts – God bless us all, when we pray, AND listen!
- @skyreiter68, Feb 15 The Bible is the truth. Why do we use it in court to swear by it? Also Jesus says those who deny me the Father shall deny you also.
Sean Spicer remarked that Behar’s comments were “despicable” and particularly outrageous due to the ongoing Christian season of Lent. In the end, the vice president responded to Behar’s comment.
“Tens of millions of Americans today will have ash on their foreheads to mark the beginning of Lent,” Pence said. “The overwhelming majority of Americans cherish their faith. And we’ve all different types of faith in this country. But I have to tell you, to have ABC maintain a broadcast forum that compared Christianity to mental illness is just wrong.”
~ 1776 Christian
