The IM Writers Association. We aim to create a community of writers who share a common faith and passion for writing that advances the Life of Jesus Christ. #3 IDENTITY POLITICS: Infidels of FaithDr. Stephen Phinney: In the founding political landscape, Christianity was not just a powerful force; it was a powerful force of Biblical values.“The Hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this - the course of war - that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith.” -General George Washington, August 20, 1778The Christian faith once had a profound influence on American politics, shaping moral perspectives and guiding decision-making processes. It once represented a significant portion of the voter base, with authentic Christians constituting more than 80% of the Republican voter base and almost two-thirds of the Democrat - then the great SHIFT occurred.During the founding of our nation, Christianity provided indispensable moral and spiritual support for our notions of law, justice, liberty, and the God-ordained equality of the human race. It once offered a compelling vision of hope, redemption, and justice, comforting those who mourn, lifting the weak and vulnerable, and defending religious liberty under the banner of In God We Trust. In the founding political landscape, Christianity was not just a powerful force; it was a powerful force of Biblical values. It encouraged believers to be the change they want to see in the world, advocating for biblical Truths and fronting evil. The citizens of America once believed the Gospel could advocate applicability to all walks of life, including politics, allowing authentic Christians to build a nation under the directives of God, and His Word. However, through the years, the role of Christianity in politics became complex and multifaceted, with opinionated interpretations of the Constitution rather than upholding the Word of God. It once informed political views, but now we have those on the left focusing more on social justice and separation of church and state, and those on the right emphasizing sharing Truth and having a “Christ-centered effect” on society. Even with these differences, many self-proclaimed “Christians” have morphed into the progressive movement who now disagree on the leading fundamental principle: caring for others in Christ as the most important role of a Christian, and how that role can inform political decision-making. History reveals the Christian faith played a crucial role in developing American politics, guiding moral perspectives, establishing churches, loving all no matter what their religious preferences were, shaping decision-making processes, and influencing societal norms and values. It was once believed to be a beacon of hope, redemption, and justice, advocating for TRUTH and standing against evil - that is, until the great cultural SHIFT occurred in our land. Today, the importance of the Christian faith has faded, and it is considered an enemy of the State. This shift is not uniform across the United States, but predictions are in place that will change this statistic. There are regions where religious adherence remains relatively robust, while others have seen a wholesale abandoning of organized religion. “Christians” are renouncing their faith by the droves. The church has become more liberal than at any time in world history. For instance, political infighting within churches is just as common as the political circles. Secular ‘values voters’ are emerging as an electoral force. Churches are preaching more on cultural issues than on the Word of God. The sad news is most of the voters within America’s institutions, who include atheists, agnostics, humanists, freethinkers, and those who simply don’t identify with any religion, are increasingly dominating the “public view” of culture and politics in American society. Their influence is felt not only at the presidential level but also within the Christian worldview WITHIN our established churches. Samuel Adams once said on August 1, 1776, these words: There are instances of … an almost astonishing Providence in our favor; our success has staggered our enemies, and almost given faith to infidels; so, we may truly say it is not our own arm which has saved us. The hand of Heaven appears to have led us on to be, perhaps, humble instruments and means in the great providential dispensation, which is completing. Well, Mr. Adams, not so much in our days.The infidels (unbelievers) have taken over our nation. It will take a miracle of God to bring this nation to its knees. With each passing day, the world is imploding upon their faithless ideologies. A supernatural movement from the Living God is needed. A revival of sorts must sweep over our depraved minds. Jesus Christ is the only solution to this demise. Regenerated hearts through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are the most practical supernatural occurrences that can redeem this nation. Chief Justice John Jay said it best back in 1777: This glorious revolution… distinguished by so many marks of the Divine favor and interposition… in a manner so singular, and I may say miraculous, that when future ages shall read its history, they will be tempted to consider a great part of it as fabulous… Will it not appear extraordinary… like the emancipation of the Jews from Egyptian servitude. In conclusion, the shift from Christian to secular among American voters represents a profound change in the nation’s political and religious landscape. As this trend continues, it will undoubtedly shape the future of American politics. What will that future look like? Most agree we will devolve into a socialistic, pluralistic, and irrelevant nation.The principles of indwelling Christian faith, such as love, compassion, and justice, can guide us in making ethical decisions and promoting social harmony - even with non-believers. Similarly, a God-sized love of country can inspire citizens to participate actively in civic life, to respect the rule of law, and to work towards the common good of the Gospel. However, this call should not be a mandate for uniformity, but rather a call for unity as citizens under the banner of securing the spiritual borders of our nation. It should respect the freedom of conscience and the right of all citizens to hold and express their own beliefs while returning its people to the foundation of our founders. Yes, a wake-up call to return to God and country can serve as a powerful reminder of the Truths that can guide us towards a more harmonious and just society - under In God We Trust. Dr. Stephen Phinney Identity Politics | Co-writer: Judge Mark T. Boonstra December’s Award-Winning Recipient | Dr. Tony Evans IM Writers Association is a collective group of Christian writers who support the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ while sustaining an eschatological view of the Holy Scriptures of God. |