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. #53 Divided States of AmericaDr. Stephen Phinney: To succeed, our new president will need to find a way to advance unity, promote dialogue, and build bridges across the divided States of America.Leading a divided United States presents a God-sized challenge for any president. Our nation is split along political, social, spiritual, and economic lines, making it next to impossible to find common ground and implement policies that satisfy all factions. Our nation’s new president must navigate a landscape of polarized opinions, particularly when it is a man who refuses to compromise, be viewed as weak, or cower under the existing deep state our former administration perpetrated. This division will hinder legislative progress, fuel public discontent, and strain the very fabric of our founder’s democracy. To succeed, our new president will need to find a way to advance unity, promote dialogue, and build bridges across the divided States of America, all while maintaining an immovable leadership style without further dividing our nation. Speaking of facing adversity. Listen to the podcast version: DEEPLY DIVIDEDAmerica is deeply divided over key issues more than any other time in history - issues like border security, sexual orientation, freedom of religion, gun control, economics, cultural partisan divides, one-world currency, and a host of others. These divisions highlight the challenges of finding common ground in a highly polarized society. Politically speaking, one of the biggest political wars in America today is inflation. It remains a top concern for many Americans, affecting the cost of living and economic stability. This issue is closely followed by the challenges of border security, guarding against human traffickers and terrorists. These topics not only reveal our country’s deep divisions but confess the level of depravity our citizens have slipped into, making it one of our history’s greatest challenges to find common ground and implement effective policies. LEADING AN ANTI-AUTHORITY NATIONLeading a country that defies authority presents a monumental challenge for any president. In such an environment, the president must navigate widespread skepticism, policy resistance, and a fractured sense of national unity. This defiance can undermine efforts to implement necessary reforms, enforce laws, advance military efforts, and maintain social order. The president must balance assertive leadership with empathy and dialogue, striving to build trust and cooperation among a diverse and a divided populace. The task requires resilience, strategic communication & well thought out plans, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of conservative authentic democracy, even in the face of persistent opposition from citizens who defy such structure. Can this be done?Realistically, probably not. History proves that when diversity forms two separate cultures within a governance, Civil Wars typically break out.Cultural division, if left unchecked, can act as a tinderbox, igniting tensions that may escalate into a civil war. When communities become polarized and entrenched in their differences, the internal fabric that once held a nation together begins to fray. This division bubbles over into mistrust, resentment, and hostility, creating an environment ripe for a cultural war to erupt into violence. It is crucial for a sitting president to address these divisions through dialogue, understanding, and inclusive policies to prevent the descent into violence and chaos. As in the case of President Lincoln, the lessons of history remind us that unity and mutual respect are essential to maintaining peace and stability in any nation. AMERICA’S FIRST CIVIL WAR Drawing a parallel between the Civil War of the North and South and the current divide between conservatives and liberals in America highlights the deep-rooted ideological differences that can fracture a nation. Both sides sacrificed lives to defend what they thought was “the way.” During the Civil War, the North and South were divided over issues like states' rights and slavery, leading to a violent conflict that reshaped the country. Today, conservatives and liberals are similarly divided over key issues such as government role, social policies, economic strategies, and self-interpret views on religious freedom. Today, civil wars are fought in the form of riots. However, we have the “makings” of an all-out internal military war amongst our own citizens. Yes, it is highly possible. While the modern divide has not led to armed conflict as of yet, the intensity of the polarization can create significant social and political strife that can lead to an armed war.ANTI-AUTHORITY MILITANTSThroughout biblical & secular history, enemies that have defied established authority often found themselves at a disadvantage, leading to their defeat in many battles. The lack of centralized command, discipline, and resources typically undermined their efforts against more organized and authoritative forces. Examples abound, from the peasant uprisings in medieval Europe to the various rebellions against imperial rule in ancient China. These insurgent groups, though sometimes initially successful due to their fervor and popular support, usually succumbed to the superior strategy, logistics, and unity of their opponents. Since our new administration is meticulously strategic, organized, and prepared, and the anti-authority rebels are in and of themselves divisive and lack an authoritative structure, the war they might start will end in defeat and chaos. Thus, the administration after Trump will be the key to maintaining the success of securing God’s army of compassion. However, if another liberal administration follows the Trump era, those who embraces the anti-authority group, the nation will likely never recover - and force our country into the hands of the real antichrist. That is my logical prediction. SATAN IS A GOD OF DIVISION Satan is depicted as a figure who thrives on division, chaos, and discord. Throughout various Biblical texts, he is portrayed as a deceiver who sows seeds of conflict, misunderstanding, and strife among people. By exploiting the human ideology of ant-authority and propagating enmity, Satan aims to disrupt unity and harmony, leading individuals and nations away from peace and righteousness. This role as a divider underscores his opposition to the principles of Yeshua that are central to a righteous governance. Recognizing this, believers are often encouraged to seek unity and resist the divisive tactics attributed to Satan. Since we are a nation under God, but not led by God, the future of our founding father’s democracy is soon to fade. It is a sad thought, but the Lord has warned us that all nations in the end will rise against the Living God and be placed in the hands of Satan’s antichrist. Knowing this, it should leave us with a question, when and how will this happen? The “when” is a matter of God and Yeshua. The “how” is elementary - it will take place in a nation(s) divided against itself. Reader, this chaotic phenomenon is unfolding before our eyes. A crucial biblical reminder on this topic comes from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians:Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." This TRUTH underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and unity, recognizing that our true struggle is against spiritual forces of division and deceit. By standing firm in our faith and adhering to authentic Biblical principles, we can resist the ploys of Satan and maintain harmony and respect for authority - righteous or otherwise. Dr. Stephen Phinney BEFORE MOVING ON We challenge you to recommend our Identity Politics series to others, sparking meaningful conversations and advancing a deeper understanding of our nation's shared history. Mark and I would deeply appreciate a small financial gift of $5+ to assist us in our expenses. All donations are used to advance IOM America’s mission. DONATE Identity Politics | Co-writer: Judge Mark T. Boonstra 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. |