If you would like to ask Jon McNaughton a question about his painting go to "Contact Us." Keep your question short and to the point. If it is honest and sincere Jon will respond. Questions and answers will be posted on this site.
Questions and Answers
Here are two of the best articles written about One Nation Under God. jessemullins.com/
I'm just curious as to why you omitted John Marshall or rather why you did not choose to use his image to represent all S.C. justices? It might be helpful to read the following link:
So EVERY politician, judge (which I am, thank you), and hollywood professional is automatically "left wing" and awful and on the wrong side? What about the philanthropists in these groups? Without these "liberals" there would be many starving, homeless and orphaned people in this world. Nice concept for art, but your random "grouping" and mass condemnations are not worthy of print. A lot of those you randomly put on the "wrong" side are very good Christ-loving people. P.S. Where are Jesus' family of Messianic Jews depicted? If a man wearing black leather, chains and covered with tattoos was charged with a crime in your court, would you immediately think he was guilty?If you had taken only a few minutes to read my comments you would find the true intention of these symbolic figures. There are good philanthropists (and Jews) from all walks of life, but that wasn’t the point of the painting.
I am an equal rights enthusiast, and I have one question: If people are entitled to freedom of religion, then why should schools push God more? Not everyone believes in the same God, or even one God for that matter, and many parents would like to provide their children with a good education without exposing them to another religion.Believe it or not religion is a part of our culture.It also is an important reminder of the morals and values which constitute the backbone of our society.The First Amendment of the Constitution states that, "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion or the free exercise therof.” This means that our government is not to sponsor or endorse any religion, but the Founders never intended to remove God completely from the public forum. Even in the earliest years of our country public buildings were used by different denominations to worship.As for today, our schools should be allowed to celebrate religion and to discuss all different religions.If someone chooses not to participate, that is their right.Ultimately, it should be the states and the local communities that should decide whether such things as prayer in school should be allowed.
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.
MUCH OF WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT THE PAINTING-"ONE NATION UNDER GOD" I CONCUR....EXCEPT NUMBER 9....WHICH IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST DECLINES OF THIS NATION....WHEN WE TOOK GOD OUT OF THE SCHOOLS AND PUT IN EVOLUTION.... TO SAY THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT...IS CRIMINAL IF YOU UNDERSTAND THERE IS A GOD WHO IS CONTROL OF ALL THIS......EVOLUTION IS THE NUBMER ONE DOWNFALL OF THIS NATION.. I am not afraid of an idea. Although Darwinism has influenced much of the humanistic philosophies that have led to the moral decline in America, it also has been a positive influence on science and it’s theories have led to many discoveries that have benefited mankind.I wouldn’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater so to speak.I simply believe it should not be the only theory allowed to be discussed in the classroom. It has become the Atheist Bible.
Your painting “One Nation Under God” seems not to be that at all. Christ is not God. Many consider him to be the son of god. However, there is only ONE GOD and that god is not Christ. Those of us in the Jewish faith believe Christ was a Rabbi. Your painting is wonderful on many levels, but as an American Jewish patriot, I find your painting title offensive.
I appreciate your right to express your feelings about God. Don’t be offended that I have Christ in the painting. Many have their interpretations of who God is. The reason I have Jesus Christ is because it was Christianity that had the dominant influence among our Founding Fathers. There are those who try to argue that they were not Christian based on a few quotes, but doing a little research it is easy to find the Christian roots of America and how it shaped our country. Having Christ hold the Constitution by no means says you can not be a good American and be of another religious persuasion. Doing so would miss the point.
I think this image is perhaps the most repugnant one I have seen in many years. You just don’t get what is truly special about our country. The Founding Fathers came largely from Pilgrim stock who fled England because of religious persecution. That is why they were so wise to build a separation of church and state into our constitution. Despite your protestations to the contrary, it is crystal clear you view America as a ChristianState. Granted, the majority of citizens are Christian. But this is a diminishing trend. I suspect that in another hundred or so years, Christians will be the minority. But the Separation of Church and State will protect them, just like it protects Buddhists, and Muslims and Atheists today! If your efforts to undermine the separation of church and state are not successful, then your Christian children will be protected. Let’s hope that you are not successful in destroying what has made this country the greatest country on earth.
To accuse me of undermining the separation of church and state is a complete misunderstanding of the painting. I have nothing but the highest regard for the Constitution. The First Amendment of the Bill of rights states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise therof.” The phrase ‘separation of church and state” is not mentioned in the Constitution, but there is the inference that the government is not to sponsor any religious sect. For obvious reasons this would lead to unequal treatment under the law. Am I saying Christianity should be the sponsored religion of America? Of course not! What I do want is for America to return to the fundamental principles outlined in the Constitution.
Under the #2 explanation information of the painting, you state, “Except for the pregnant woman, these are people who pushed our country toward Socialism.” I don’t understand why you would say that. Please explain. Thank you.
This is a good question. My first thought was, “How can I answer this briefly without outraging a political science instructor?” The people in the bottom right corner could be of any political persuasion. I use these metaphorical figures to highlight what I consider to be some of the problems we face in America today. When I talk about socialism I am referring to a government which would have ownership or control of all means of production and distribution. This is obviously the antithesis of a free market society. I believe those who are proponents of a larger federal government advocate “taking from the haves and giving to the have nots.” The Constitution is a standard for equal rights, not equal things. Our country has been steadily moving toward a socialistic form of government and this is alarming to most conservatives. When I say, “These are people who have pushed our country toward socialism” I am referring to the liberal mindset that believes in more federal government control.
In your first point you state, "I'm not painting an anthropological Jesus. Nobody would recognize him if I painted him that way." I'm presently writing a book (have written several) about Jesus and my contention is he did not have long hair and the common image of Him today is misleading. What prompted you to make your first statement? This is a great question. Ever since I started painting religious subjects three years ago I have continuously thought about the “image of Christ.” I have read much and considered many points of view. There are so many opinions, as you well know, of how He looks. When I began this painting I felt strongly that the image of Christ should be instantly recognizable among the broadest number of people. In order to do this I looked at various Jesus pictures common with different denominations of Christians and created a satisfactory image that I felt was not only recognizable, but evoked some kind of emotional feeling.
I once had an interesting dream. To read more go to this link:
A beautiful piece of art with obvious thought put into it. I appreciate the opportunity and freedom to view it and share it. My question has to do with the red sash around Jesus' waist. It appears to have symbols that look to be in the Hebrew language? Does it have significance and what does it say?The significance of the red sash is to symbolize the blood spilt by Americans for God and country as they have sacrificed to defend our freedoms. The sash also has ancient Hebrew writing on it which is translated: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalms 33:12
Dear sir, could you please explain what the symbolism is of the tree? Thanks! I enjoyed viewing your artwork and applaud your effort. This coming from someone who does NOT agree with your theological point of view. God Bless you sir!
I wanted the robe Christ was wearing to be symbolic. I had the idea of putting a tree of life design on his chest. I have never seen this before, but I felt it would be unique and informative. The tree of life has it’s origin in the Biblical story of the Garden of Eden and has been a metaphor for Jesus Christ. It represents that through Him we can obtain eternal life. It also represents the love of God. The design I used is one I created myself to incorporate more symbolism. The tree has seven branches to symbolize the seven dispensations of time; twelve fruit for the twelve tribes of Israel; seven roots for the seven creation periods; and the center branch, which is the most fruitful, points to Christ and symbolizes the Millennium.
AFTER READING THE EMAIL I GOT WITH YOUR PAINTING AND YOUR COMMENTS, I JUST HAVE ONE QUESTION FOR YOU. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION YOU WILL EVER BE ASKED AND YOUR ANSWER WILL DETERMINE WHERE YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY............DO YOU KNOW JESUS CHRIST AS YOU PERSONAL SAVIOR?
> THE PAINTING IS BEAUTIFUL....A GOD GIVEN TALENT YOU HAVE SIR.
Thank you. That is a question that applies to all of us. I believe that each individual at some point has to decide whether they accept Jesus as their Savior. It is a personal realization and goes beyond simply speaking the words. In answer to your question, yes, I know Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. But this answer only has meaning between me and God. I believe to know Christ is to do the works of Christ. I found this scripture that I have applied to myself: 2 Timothy 2:19-26
This is a great painting and one of the neatest emails I have received, and enjoyed it very much. I am a retired law enforcement officer, and noticed that there was not a "police officer" "trooper" "sheriffs deputy" or "lawman" in the picture, and was wondering if this was a oversight? Our country has many heroes and those in law enforcement are certainly among them. As I was thinking about the painting I considered many different types of Americans. There are probably hundreds of types of Americans that could have been included. With this painting I stayed with my original sketch and was hesitant to change anything.
Everyone tends to ignore the fact that Charles Darwin was a practicing Christian. In the conclusion of his book, "The Origin of Species", he credits God with the creation of the world. I cannot remember the exact wording but it was loosely "whether by random or guided, the creation of the world was overseen." Even the Catholic Church now acknowledges that Darwin's theory is a possible manner in which God created the world. I believe Darwin believed in God's work but merely tried to explain HOW He did it.This is a good point to bring up. I never intended to say that “Origin of the Species” was evil. The theories Darwin proposed transformed the scientific world and led to many great discoveries. My difficulty is in how the academic world uses it today as a firewall to support Atheism. Has it become the Atheist Bible?
I love the painting...I really do. But as an African American...where do we really stand in this country? I see Fredrick Douglas & Harriett Tubman in the painting but they are in the back and this really shows where we as an ethnic group in America
. This world is just what it is...and as we both know WE ALL will face GOD even the unbelievers. Not trying to make a fuss, but just saying what needs to be said. Thanks for letting me give an opinion.
I appreciate your point of view. The subject of race is a sensitive issue. I feel there has been improvement in the white community in regards to racism, although there is obviously room for growth. In my painting I have nine figures directly related to Civil Rights. In the background there are twenty three figures—only three are black. I suppose I looked at the painting to some extent with color blindness. I never meant to make a statement that African Americans are less important. In the Constitution it says that all men are created equal. In the beginning, because of states that disputed the issue of slavery, this part was not complete. With the addition of the thirteenth amendment we moved closer to equal freedoms. You asked, “As an African American…where do we really stand in this country?” Under the Constitution we are now all equal. I believe that as an “AMERICAN”, you can stand for God, you can stand for truth, you can stand for equal rights, and you can stand for liberty. And in the sight of God we are all equal.
I am a frustrated artist. I think your painting is just beyond unbelievable. How long did it take you to paint this? The faces are just incredible. I truly admire your talent. God Bless you. Thank you. The painting took six months of research and about five months of painting.
Why do you portray lawyers as corrupt and greedy? I believe there is an element of money driven corruption in the law and financial industry which has weakened our country. Some of the most honest people I know are lawyers and bankers and I made the point in my description that I am not pointing fingers at the industry as a whole. As in all professions there is some form of corruption. This author has an interesting book that points to some of the litigation which has contributed to the weakening of America.
I picked up (whether intentional or not) the symbolism of the people in the front of Jesus Christ as being gracious on the right and wretched on the left. However, the pregnant women who wants to keep her baby is on the left side. Any specific reason for this? She seems to be out of place and should be on the right. Your thoughts?
I have strong feelings about the subject of abortion. By putting her behind the Supreme Court Judge who represents the legalizing of abortion, it amplifies the message. The people on the bottom right side are not damned souls. They are those who are caught in the struggle. The judge and the pregnant woman are actually listening to the voices of change.
What does the fog or mist around the people represent?
This is a metaphor to represent that they are speaking to us from the dust. If the dead could speak, what would they say?
I'm a liberal atheist, so we don't have a lot in common, but I think you've created a wonderful painting that you clearly put a lot of love, labor, and thought into. Good for you - ignore the stupid arguments and attacks from both sides. In our polarized society, most find it difficult to respectfully disagree with others and the problem seems to be magnified on the internet. Just know that at least one person who has intellectual disagreements with you appreciated your painting for what it is and looks forward to seeing your next work. Thank you for your understanding. My purpose is not to create an environment of hate. When I use the word “Liberal” I am not name calling, but describing what is usually considered an opposite view of my own. I for one believe that these things need to be discussed.
Are you propounding the belief that ONLY the USA can be this supreme nation? What about the UK which espouses all the beliefs that Americans have including a few more. After all it was our judicial ideas that helped to found your nation. I admire my English brothers. There is no doubt that our Founding Fathers used some English ideas, but many who came to America were here seeking freedom from tyranny and freedom of religion. This painting is not saying God will not support any other nation but the USA. That would be absurd. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalms 33:12
AMAZING! While I scrolled over every image (I thought), down front, I could see some of the personalities in me, some of which I was ashamed. I did not realize until I read your commentary, and Satan was in there. I had to go back to find him, I finally did, he is almost transparent. I realized, just as we have Jesus in us, we also have Satan, no matter how faint he is. I applaud you. This made me look at my character, and see me, more clearly. Though I am not proud of some of it...Thank you! I like it when people personalize the painting and they find additional meaning. Your interpretation is exactly what I hope many will consider.
Why would you have Christ be the central figure to such self righteous indignation? To have Christ in the center so prominently holding the Constitution makes a powerful statement. Some would like to interpret this to mean if you’re not a Christian—get out! My view of Christianity in regards to this painting is this: God loves all of us. In the painting His face is sad and He looks off into the distance as if He can see our future. The purpose of the painting is not to say only Christians belong here. It is to say that the Constitution is what made our country great. Why do you judge a whole group of people by the actions of a few? Do you actually believe that Christ would approve of the such a generalization of HIS children? I’m not sure why you assume I am judging anyone. The people in the bottom right corner represent those that I believe are weakening our country by not supporting the principles of the Constitution. These figures represent a symbol of a type of person. If there is any kind of “sin” involved, that is between them and God.
I am not a religious person, but I understand symbolism and enjoy the history of this nation. I also enjoy your painting entitled "Peace Is Coming" I have nothing negative to say about your choices of who you included in your art. I think you did an excellent job. I did have two questions about One Nation Under God though. 1. Why are all the "minorities", except "King" and the "living", hidden in the background? 2. would you consider painting something with Emergency Services? I am a Police Officer. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world! Thank you.I answered your first question with another person’s question earlier. Secondly, I am planning a painting in the future which will involve Emergency Services. I have many paintings I plan to do in the future which will address different issues.
For a painting to be great, TRUTH should be evident. Native American Indians, (Sand Creek Massacre) Japanese or Chinese-Americans are not represented here. Both have been subjected to prejudice and subsequent brutality; researching the Whiskey Rebellion may be revealing. The State Boys Rebellion by Michael d'Antonio will lend interest to your painting since "Charles Darwin's cousin," Sir Francis Galton, coined the phrase "EUGENICS," and was the leading proponent of "racial improvement"1860-90. It was the "United States" that began and built eugenic institutions, open "long" after WWII, where unwanted children, orphans, truants and delinquents, were put away and sterilized,” LONG" BEFORE HITLER came to power." A painting of this sort is always encumbered by being caught between the Scylla and the Charybdis. Thank you. That was a lot to swallow. First, if you look closely you will see I do have a Native-American and Asian in the painting. Also, I couldn’t possibly address every issue of America’s past in this painting. Much of the harm America has perpetrated has been done by evil, powerful men who performed unconstitutional acts against our own citizens and abroad.
I was interested in the court cases you chose to paint on the steps. Why did you choose each one? What were some other cases you thought to include? That would take a long time to answer. Basically, I was looking to create a general bread crumb of cases that showed how we came to where we are today. Marbury v. Madison simply gave appointed judges the right of judicial review and eventually as activist judges had more power in the courts we saw the loss of some of our rights. I’m sure the founders would be surprised where we are today. As I did some research and consulted with those who had some background in Constitutional Law, I eventually narrowed it down to the six cases.
It's obvious that you have little interest in the African-American place in this ONE Nation. How else would you explain Martin Luther King being represented by a bullet-proof vest. You found a symbol I certainly hadn’t thought of. I thought long and hard what to do when I discovered I couldn’t include Martin Luther King. I felt that I needed to keep a black man here and the thought of a modern American soldier seemed perfect. Why? In the military every soldier is treated the same. Here there is color blindness. Don’t you think we need a little more of that in America? All of the African-Americans who were fortunate enough to make the painting are so far back, they're in Fredericksburg. How's a teacher/astronaut more important than the mother of the slave movement. Civil Rights are only a part of the message of this painting. Why isnt Barack Obama in the painting. He represents the change that this Nation voted for. Once again we as African Americans get pushed to the Uecker seats of American history. You’re upset because Barack Obama isn’t in the painting? He’s one of the reasons I painted One Nation Under God.
