Blog 5

Both Johnson and Nixon were similar in their uses of religion as a means of getting the Evangelical vote while in the White House. However, Johnson’s attitude toward religion is clearly reflected in the way he formed domestic and foreign policies, while Nixon used religion as a means of obtaining more votes. Johnson, who became a member of the Disciples of Christ later in life, used God and religion as almost an afterthought in his speeches. While Johnson was not outspoken about his or any religion like other presidents, he did use it to inform his decision making. Specifically, his idea that the stronger must take care of the weak. This idea is present in nearly all his major policy decisions, especially those concerning civil rights and the Vietnam War.

Nixon exclusively used religion as a means of gaining support, not only from Evangelical Protestants like Billy Graham, but also by hosting a series prayer services for a variety of denominations. Nixon was heavily influenced by Billy Graham and Evangelical Protestantism, so much so that Graham became a quasi-political advisor to the administration. The prayer services hosted by the Nixon administration were a blatant grab for votes from “rich people with strong religious interest.”

While both Johnson and Nixon used religion in the White House, it was used in very different ways. Johnson used his faith to inform his political decisions and allowed it to guide how the United States should act in foreign and domestic affairs. Nixon’s faith seemed to be all for show in an effort to obtain votes from various religious sects.