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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowI am writing in response to the column by George Hornedo and The Rev. Carlos Perkins headlined “The dangers of Christian nationalism” [Forefront, Aug. 9]. While I understand their concerns, it is crucial to clarify the role Christianity has historically played in shaping our nation’s laws, morality and governance and to address some of the assertions made in the column.
The foundation of our legal system and moral code has deep roots in Christian principles. The Bible offers clear guidance on how we should live, treat others, and govern ourselves. Romans 13:1-2 tells us, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
The authors of the article express concern that Christian nationalism seeks to divide and exclude. However, the Bible teaches that God’s laws are intended to bring order, justice and care for all people.
In recent generations, we have seen concerted efforts by one political party to remove God and any references to the morality and guidance that Christianity has historically provided. This removal has had profound consequences. As references to God have been systematically stripped from our schools, public spaces and government institutions, we have witnessed a disturbing rise in societal ills—violence, unwed motherhood and the killing of unborn babies. The Bible warns in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”
The criticism of efforts to protect life through the overturning of Roe v. Wade, for example, overlooks the biblical principle that all life is sacred. Psalm 139:13-14 speaks to the sanctity of life, saying, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
The article also equates Christian nationalism with greed and violence. Yet, the Bible calls us to live in peace and to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39). True Christian teachings advocate for compassion, charity and the well-being of all, including the poor and the stranger. The issue is not with Christianity itself, but with misinterpretations that deviate from the core message of Christ.
As Christians, we must indeed be vigilant against any distortion of our faith that seeks power or control at the expense of love and justice. However, dismissing the influence of Christianity in the public sphere as inherently divisive is a misrepresentation. The teachings of Jesus Christ have always been a source of moral guidance, promoting love, justice and the common good.
–Don Barton
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