Stephen Colbert roasts Speaker Mike Johnson for his attempts to bring 'Bible worldview' into governance

'He's clearly gonna ask the rich to sell all their possessions and give the money to the poor,' said Stephen Colbert
UPDATED NOV 2, 2023
Stephen Colbert roasts Speaker Mike Johnson with 'Bible of Hannah Barbera' barb (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, @speakerjohnson/YouTube)
Stephen Colbert roasts Speaker Mike Johnson with 'Bible of Hannah Barbera' barb (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, @speakerjohnson/YouTube)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent episode of 'The Late Show', host Stephen Colbert humorously critiqued Speaker Mike Johnson's attempts to incorporate religion into governance, likening his biblical interpretations to the "Bible of Hanna-Barbera".

Mike Johnson, who was recently elected as the House Speaker for the Republican party, is recognized for his profound evangelical Christian convictions that greatly shape his political views.

Colbert, renowned for his satirical commentary, took this opportunity to roast Johnson on his show. 

Stephen Colbert roasts Speaker Mike Johnson

"If the Bible is his worldview on any issue, I don't know why progressives are nervous," mentioned Colbert. "He's clearly gonna ask the rich to sell all their possessions and give the money to the poor."

Colbert, a practicing Catholic who frequently cites his Christian beliefs, proceeded to provide Johnson with additional illustrations of what such a perspective would truly imply.

"Being biblically faithful is not easy for a guy from Louisiana 'cuz now he has to give up shrimp, crab, oysters and barbecue pork," he stated.

"And I’m sure he’s gonna miss his wife when she has to be cast out of town during the time of her blood, only to be allowed to return when she brings two turtledoves to the tabernacle for the priest to sacrifice."

Colbert highlighted that Johnson has expressed a literal understanding of biblical events, including admiration for a Noah’s Ark exhibit that portrays dinosaurs cohabitating with humans.

"Yes, many early humans had dinosaurs as pets ― it’s right there in the book of Hanna-Barbera," Colbert said, referring to the creators of 'The Flintstones' cartoon, then offered up a reading.

Colbert further said, "One big way Johnson wants to slip a little church tongue in your state hole taking rights away from gay people."

"When the Supreme Court struck down anti-sodomy laws on privacy grounds Johnson wrote 'by closing those bedroom doors they have opened a Pandora's Box' now not to nitpick Mike but if there's one thing we know about gay men they're not that interested in Pandora's Box," added the host.

Fans reaction to Stephen Colbert's roast

Fans quickly reacted to Stephen Colbert's roast segment on Mike Johnson. A user commented, "Mike Johnson is a wolf in sheep's clothing: if you let him, he'll make Atwood's Gilead a real thing." 

"I love how much Colbert knows his bible :))," said another. "Johnson needs to read how the founders felt about Common Sense and Reason," claimed another. 

"I lost it at the Bible of Hannah & Barbera," wrote another. 

One user penned, "Pandora's box" joke was hilarious. Mike Johnson is next level creepy."

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