Attacks on Christianity

Whether it comes from the media, citizens, politicians, or the application of laws through the courts, Christianity is under attack in the United States of America.  The Judeo-Christian founding of this country poses a direct threat to those who believe the government is the only savior. Putting government above the natural hierarchy of faith, family, and individualism requires the breakdown of faith in God. If a person turns to God, family, and self to solve their problems then there is no need for a government to provide. If a government is looked at as the savior, then the government’s power is amplified. Control of the people is enhanced due to the reliance on programs to support daily life. “The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions.” (Marx, 1977)

Ronald Reagan’s View of America

Tim Goeglein, in his presentation at Liberty University in 2013, said that Reagan’s view of the United States was that it was a “Shining city on a hill”. That the United States gave hope to the rest of the world as a place to go to be free to pursue a life that is free from oppression. A life that allowed a person to succeed based on the merits of and the work that a person is willing to do. That a person can accomplish achievements based on a person’s hard work and not by requiring a status or birthright.  

 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14-16, NSV (2020)

Comparison of President Reagan and President Biden

Whereas President Reagan saw the United States as hope for the world, President Biden sees the United States as an evil in the world. President Biden believes that America has taken resources from the world by force or stolen those resources. America has never atoned for the original sin of slavery. President Biden has a globalist worldview that requires that America give up its sovereignty to equalize our position in the world.

Immigration

To accelerate the equalization of power, President Biden believes in open borders. Bringing in the world’s population. Bringing in more people that would rely on government for survival. Therefore, increasing the size and power of government. Biden said during the 2019 Democratic Presidential Debate “I would in fact make sure that there is, that we immediately surge to the border -- all those people are seeking asylum. They deserve to be heard," Biden said. "That's who we are. We're a nation that says, 'If you want to flee and you're fleeing oppression, you should come.” (ABC News, 2019)

Reagan believed in immigration, but he wanted legal immigration. In his speech at the Medal of Freedom ceremony in 1989, he stated that he thought that America was kept new and young with immigration. He also passed an immigration bill that allowed those already in the country to have a path to citizenship. But he was promised that the borders would be secured. Unfortunately, the latter never happened despite the many assurances from congress.

 

 

Economy

            Reagan trusted the American people to assure the success of the economy. President Reagan believed in limited government, free of undue regulation. Allowing the economy to thrive without unnecessary influence from the government. Only intervening when necessary.

            On the other hand, President Biden believes people cannot be trusted to do the right thing. That corporations are only out for profit and doing all they can to avoid paying taxes. When left alone they would destroy the environment in the search for profits.

Foreign Policy

            President Biden’s policies seem to be geared toward a globalist worldview. He would have the United States join globalist treaties and organizations. By using the global warming crisis, President Biden wants to give up the sovereignty of the United States by allowing other countries to dictate our policies. George Washington warned, in his farewell speech, of the dangers of foreign entanglements. (Washington, 2022) Unfortunately, our current President does not take heed to those warnings.

By contrast, Ronald Reagan believed in the exceptionalism of the United States. He thought of the United States as a force of good in the world. That could take on the evils in the world. Mainly the Soviet Union.

Major Attacks on Christianity

            In his presentation at Liberty University in 2013, Tim Goeglein talked of three specific major attacks on Christianity. The redefining of marriage, abortion, and religious liberty.

Redefining of Marriage

            For many years the debate over same-sex marriage had been occurring in the public square with some states choosing to allow it and others choosing to ban it. In Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), the Supreme Court decided that there was a right to same-sex marriage. Stating that the 14th and 5th amendments allowed for same-sex marriage as a part of privacy and due process. The dissenting opinions by Justices Roberts and Scalia stated that the courts had usurped the democratic process. That the definition of marriage had a long-standing tradition of being between one man and one woman for the purpose of successful child-rearing.

The Bible is clear on the topic of marriage.  “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband”

(Corinthians 7:2 ESV)

Abortion

            In 1973 the Supreme Court ruled that there is a right to abortion. Much the same way as the ruling redefining marriage, the court ruled based on a right to privacy and equal protection. The Bible gives us guidance in the ten commandments.  “You shalt not murder” (Exodus 20:13 ESV)

Religious Liberty

Although the first amendment to the Constitution states that we have freedom of religion and the free exercise thereof, most court cases are based on removing religion. Everything from removing prayer at schools to the removal of religious symbolism in the courts themselves.

Lemon v. Kurtzman in 1971 was based on the fact that two states had passed laws giving taxpayer-funded aid to religious schools. The court ruled that states can not give money to religious schools. That it was a violation of the establishment clause.

What can we do?

            The bible says “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13 ESV) Being available for each other, voting for those that have our values, and leading by example are all ways that we can be a change for good.

Conclusion

            Attacks on Christianity are very apparent. From the media, politicians, and those that profess to have a liberal worldview. It is imperative for those that want a socialist government to replace God. If the population is Biblical, then the government is not the most powerful entity in the country. Electing leaders with a Biblical worldview is the most effective way to slow down the progression to a Godless society. Presidents are especially important due to the appointment of judges to the courts. Justices need to have a Biblical worldview and be rooted in a strict interpretation of the Constitution as it was written. The Constitution is based on Biblical principles so it will not work if the country doesn’t have that same view.

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here." – Patrick Henry (Bradford, 1991)

References

Marx, K. (1977). Critique of Hegel’s “Philosophy Of Right.” Cambridge University Press.

Bibles, E. (2020). ESV Student Study Bible (TruTone, Navy/Slate, Timeless Design) (Illustrated ed.). Crossway.

ABC News. (2019, September 13). Read the full transcript of ABC News’ 3rd Democratic debate. https://abcnews.go.com/US/read-full-transcript-abc-news-3rd-democratic-debate/story?id=65587810

Washington, G. (2022). George Washington’s Farewell Address to the People of the United States. VAn Norman and Morrison.

Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015)

Bradford, M. E. (1991). The Trumpet Voice of Freedom: Patrick Henry of Virginia (Presumed First Edition). Plymouth Rock Foundation.

Goeglein, Tim, “Attacks on Christianity” Class Lecture, American Government, Liberty University, Lynchburg VA, 2013