The Role Faith Must Play in America’s Future
National Religious Freedom Day will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 16. (Photo: iStock Photos)
Does faith matter anymore in America? Should it?
That probably depends on who you ask, but what is becoming increasingly evident is a growing hostility among some segments of society and culture.
Last month, much of our nation celebrated the birth of Christ—called Christmas, short for Christ’s Mass—yet, the idea of any public display for a clearly religious holiday is somehow considered insensitive, discriminating, or criminal.
One begins to wonder if even saying “God Bless you” after a sneeze might somehow generate formal complaints and a lawsuit to stop such egregious behavior. Sounds like nonsense, doesn’t it?
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Sadly, it’s not.
Religious expression in the marketplace of ideas is not an automatic religious endorsement by the government, though this remains a loud, but hollow, cry among many who would deny those rights if given the power to do so.
When our nation was established, the idea of “self-government under God” was a prevailing theme. Today, it feels more like an increasingly intrusive government without God.
Teachers, football coaches, counselors, city and county officials, our men and women in uniform, chaplains, students, and even government officials are being reprimanded for acknowledging God or Jesus Christ in almost any public forum.
Business owners—photographers, bakers, florists, and others—are being sued, some even closing their doors, for simply adhering to their values, beliefs, and their rights of conscience in an honorable fashion.
Millions of citizens are rising up to say “enough” and declare that they still want to “keep faith in America.”
Millions of people in this country continue to pray and place a heartfelt trust in God. This simple act of humble faith has given America strength in wartime, dignity and compassion toward those less fortunate, and confidence in the face of unprecedented challenges.
For so many, faith matters, faith makes a difference, faith brings with it a renewed sense of hope for a better future. Thankfully, this certainty is finding its way back into the hearts, conversations, and actions of everyday Americans.
Throughout U.S. history, prayers of petition and thanksgiving have been lifted up by state and national leaders—to embrace our grief and sorrow, for our troops and first responders in harm’s way, in times of uncertainty and chaos, during global crises, for protection, provision, guidance, and the acknowledgement that in and of ourselves, we are wholly insufficient.
These cherished values are derived from principles deeply woven into the very fabric of our founding documents—the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—and through the legacy and dedication of the men and women who helped build and shape this country.
The only way to preserve their sacrifice is to boldly move forward with courage and determination, and to walk out what we know to be true.
This legacy also speaks to why millions more have immigrated to our shores over the past three centuries and why countless others have risked everything to preserve our Judeo-Christian heritage.
Are these realities only because the United States is viewed as a “land of opportunity,” a global superpower, a place where dreams can come true? Or is it as the Pledge of Allegiance acknowledges, that we are “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”?
Americans have long viewed freedom as a core longing given by the creator in his design of man and a primary reason that religious liberty was established as a leading principle in our nation’s founding.
The freedom to choose what and who you believe in, as well as matters of conscience, is among the most basic and fundamental rights afforded to every citizen. Faith and freedom may not have been born together, but their marriage built America, and divorcing the two would ultimately lead to its demise.
Unfortunately, the fabric of this wonderful tapestry is fraying, and in many places is now being torn apart. Religious leaders across America have been concerned about the moral and spiritual decline we are seeing in the country, including the lack of respect and civility that exists in our national discourse.
Polarized and entrenched positions, angry rhetoric, and other signs of acrimony reveal the growing loss of decency and tolerance on all sides. And yet, faith still matters. It still has a role to play in the days ahead. We must keep faith in America.
On Jan. 16, National Religious Freedom Day, thousands of people from all walks of life will join together in a powerful show of unity to raise their voices and launch the “Keep Faith in America” movement.
They will be joined by numerous federal and state legislators, governors, celebrities, and faith leaders who are uniting to help ensure that prayer, God, faith, and the Bible continue to represent an important guiding influence in America’s future—a movement dedicated to promoting freedom and civility, and to reduce the bitter animosity infecting nearly every part of our national psyche.
Things will kick off on the 16th at events across the United States and in 30 state capitols nationwide. Interested individuals can be part of the initial launch through a first-of-its-kind nationally broadcasted Facebook Live event that could potentially reach millions of people throughout the world.
In the following months, there will be a focus on other critically important segments of society, including churches and clergy members, colleges and universities, local governments, and school boards. Some of the most recognized and respected faith leaders in America are uniting to make a difference and reach into every sphere of influence in today’s culture.
Now, more than ever, there is a need to affirm that faith and trust in the creator remain vital to our national well-being. He was understood as the God of the Bible, which was given to help guide our decision-making, our governance as a people, to protect religious liberty, and to live before others with humility and Christian love.
Believers should be leading the way when it comes to engaging society and culture with greater civility, focusing their efforts to reduce harmful divisions. Faith is the key in the days ahead, and it must move beyond a well-crafted sermon and become faith in action.
The Keep Faith in America movement is a renewal of hope. People can register to attend the Facebook Live event on Jan. 16 by visiting either of the following links: Keep Faith in America Facebook or www.KeepFaithInAmerica.com.
The goal is to first stand together, then pray together, and finally, to move forward together.
Stand. Pray. Move. This is about a renewed hope, a strengthened resolve, a sharpened focus, a bold declaration, and an energized movement. http://dailysignal.com/2018/01/12/role-faith-must-play-americas-future/
Which faith in which god?
I have faith, but I don't believe it is the kind of faith you want or think will save this country.
FSM is not pleased by your lack of faith. Either repent or eat store brand peanut butter for the remainder of your days.
I couldn't have said it better myself.
Secular society, secular laws. A GOVERNMENT employee should not be performing their jobs based on their religious beliefs. PERIOD.
Love others as one would love themselves?
For the life of me although it has been some time, I do not remember any exceptions to this. Has the notion been revised?
The more fringe-cult religious ideologies contradict the Constitution, the less influence they will have in the future direction of America. Thumpers think they have their twisted version of Jesus' proxy vote and would govern that way if ever given the opportunity. Every encroachment of the Constitution by religious extremists must be repelled by all legal means available.
Exactly....No Christian Sharia here in the US...EVER!!!
Trying to legislate or to enforce any Christian religious beliefs with the power of the government at any level is Christian sharia. Keep your religious views to yourself because we all have equal religious rights and our rights and beliefs are not subservient to yours, despite what you may believe.
Sure there is. All the anti-LGBT laws like Mississippi's HB 1523 are a good example, as were DOMA and DADT and the 129 other anti-LGBT bills introduced in state legislatures last year . Another example is what Der Fuhrer is currently trying to do with HHS to allow health care providers to cite superstition when they deny service.
In fact Christian sharia law has always been the # 1 threat to liberty and civil rights here ever since the colonial era. The funny part is that Christian extremists always seem to need the state to prop up their cult. Moderate Christians don't have that kind of frail superstition and thus don't need state endorsement.
Morality is subjective and cannot be legislated. And if a church is politically involved, it should lose its tax exempt status, per IRS rules.
Was my previous reply not clear enough? Or are you only trying to create an obvious emotionally compelling spin?
Spare me your hyperbole because it's nothing more than a smokescreen and doesn't change my previous points, which are also factual.
Pure conjecture. it also doesn't change the fact that churches/religions are not supposed to inject themselves with or play politics! It's called the separation of church and state for a reason.
Opposing war and treating others as equals did not require people of other religions to forfeit their religious beliefs and adopt yours, unlike the state sponsor shop of conservative Christianity. I am an atheist and I support both of those former ideas and I don't have to change my religious views to do so.
Jesus was opposed to war and taught his followers to treated others as they would treat Jesus and that they have an obligation to care for the poor and sick.
It's amusing how you keep trying to move the goal posts in some attempt to have a point. None of which actually refutes mine. Perhaps you should quit before you embarrass yourself further!
It's called the separation of church and state for a reason. And there are repercussions when a church crosses that line. Losing tax exempt status is one example. Just simple fact.
I disagree with you, and I agree with Gordy. The separation of church and state must be absolute at all levels of the government and taxpayer money. Churches should also lose their tax exemption on everything except aid that they can prove goes to help others. This doesn't include missionary work, legal fees, education or political activities.
yes, if they crossed the line
What exactly is a gay emoji?
a REALLY Happy One !
Most of those are pretty lame. Are you afraid of cartoons, glitter, and rainbows?
I have emojis on my Photobucket account that have gotten me banned.
Jeepers, Loki and I have worse on our lunch boxes
right Loki ?
Are you telling me you are of the female persuasion ?
call me old fashioned then
So not only has that nutty pastor taught his kids to hate LGBT folks but he's even teaching them to be true cowards and be frightened of an imaginary bogie man in the sky. That sounds like psychological abuse and very controlling behavior.
How long before we learn that this pastor has been diddling his daughter?
I'd like to see the police report of this supposed sexual assault with a music stand? Certainly, that would have been a headline on Fox News if it had happened.
Then where is the police report? Certainly, they have a suspect in such a high profile case..............
I doubt that Bob Jones U was fighting for civil rights when their tax exempt status was revoked due to their ban on interracial dating and interracial marriage.
The only role faith should play is to get out of the way
National Religious What Ever Day on Jan. 16th. Darn, must have missed it.
Ah well. Billionaires got their payoff. Another step closer to forced child birth. Walking through the door of, "My gawd is offended because I don't like this or that or what ever"
Should Gorsuch be proclaimed Supreme Leader?