FFRF Action Fund awards renowned comedian and satirical news show host Jon Stewart its “Secularist of the Week” prize for his recent remarks delineating his lack of religion, alongside his consistent critiques of Christian nationalism and defense of American democracy.
When an audience member asked “The Daily Show” host whether or not faith plays a role in his life, Stewart quipped, “No. Okay, what else?”
Stewart elaborated, “I’ve never been like a belief guy, I’ve always been this guy: ‘But if he’s so powerful, why do children die?’ Like I’m that guy. It’s very f— annoying.”
“I’m not against religion,” Stewart continued. “Religion has given the world a tremendous amount of comfort in a world torn apart by religion, mostly. But the important thing, I just, I’m not a believer.”
Every time a well-loved public figure like Stewart opens up about being nonreligious, the stigma against nonreligion lessens. FFRF Action Fund warmly thanks Stewart for finding the humor in publicly defining his lack of faith, alongside his positive influence on American political thought and long-time defense of secular democracy.
Stewart has habitually spoken out against the Christian nationalist movement in the United States, figureheaded by Donald Trump. All the way back in 2016, when Trump initially claimed the Republican presidential nomination, Stewart criticized the religious right backing Trump’s rise in American politics.
“You just want that person to give you your country back because you feel that you are this country’s rightful owners,” Stewart asserted on a “Daily Show” episode. “There’s only one problem with that: This country isn’t yours! You don’t own it. It never was. There is no real America. You don’t own it.”
“You don’t own patriotism, you don’t own Christianity and you sure as hell don’t own respect for the bravery and sacrifice of military, police and firefighters.”
Stewart underscored: “I see you, and I see your b—. I see it.”
Since then, Stewart has continuously called out the growing threat of Christian nationalism and the Trump administrations have posed to American democracy.
Also worthy of note, Stewart plays the drums for his band, Church & State TM. Most recently, in October, Stewart performed with the band in Asbury Park, NJ.
FFRF Action Fund salutes Stewart for his poignant remarks throughout the last decade of American politics and his lighthearted approach to describing the lack of religion in his personal life.
FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. It also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, endorses candidates for political office, and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues.