I am a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. However, I disagree with those who maintain that the United States of America is a Christian nation. The laws of the United States grant full rights of citizenship to persons regardless of their religious faith. Persons of all faiths are afforded equal protection under our laws. Public offices are held by persons of many different faiths. Though most of our citizens are nominal Christians, most neither practice seriously nor promote openly their faith in Christ. A nation can be no more Christian than her people.
Clearly, those who founded our nation were guided by Christian values. Even those who were not Christians respected the moral precepts found in the Bible. For generations our laws were crafted in accordance with the teachings of Scripture because so many of our leaders were Christians. Yet, because the United States is a representative democracy, the character of her government and the substance of her laws are ultimately subject to the values of her citizens. If our citizens become less Christian, so will our laws.
Unfortunately, many of us take for granted the degree to which our culture is under-girded by Christian values. When we mail letters, we expect them to be delivered. We don’t think of bribing postal clerks to ensure their delivery. We expect our neighbors to tell the truth, to act responsibly, and to treat us respectfully. We expect creditors to pay their debts. We expect our government to enforce justice, to protect the innocent, and to restrain the wicked. When they don’t, we’re outraged. Thus we live in relative peace and prosperity. Yet this could all change if the influence of Christian values on our government is seriously eroded.
I’m grateful for the privilege of voting. When I cast my ballot, I vote unapologetically for candidates who most reflect Christian values. When I pray for public officials, I ask God to guide them to make decision that are consistent with the values of Christ. I believe that the values of Christ’s Kingdom facilitate the most just and most free society for all citizens.
I often hear well-meaning Christians say, “You can’t legislate morality.” This is a statement that collapses upon itself. Every law is based on some moral foundation, whether it be Judeo-Christian, or Hindi, or Sharia. A government could sanction the burning of a dead man’s surviving wives on his funeral pyre rather than allowing them to become indigent. Another would be outraged by such a practice and legislate against it. Every law enforces someone’s morality. The only question is, “Whose?” If you can’t legislate morality, you can’t legislate anything.
You might argue that sexual morality can’t be legislated but you are going to have to draw a line somewhere. A society that overlooks rising sexual promiscuity will be forced to deal with more victims of sexual exploitation. The Law of Christ is not without reason; His law is for our good.
In conclusion, I’m grateful to live in a country that allows us to choose how we will be governed. Democracy is our safeguard against tyranny. It is our opportunity to promote social justice. It is our grave responsibility. If we are to preserve the influence of Christianity in our culture, we must persuade our fellow citizens to embrace Christ the King… and challenge them to vote!
