America Needs an Awakening

The War on Christianity

The War on Christianity: “Why does our government fail to defend Christians around the world against terror and violence?” inquires Ralph Reed in his book Awakening. “Protecting Christians is not a priority, in part, because our government shows such little respect for the rights of Christians here at home. A war on Christianity has been under way in the U.S. for some time, fought not with bullets or tear gas but with court rulings, government policies, and a culture that stigmatizes and denigrates those with faith in Jesus Christ…. This war on Christianity began decades ago with court decisions marginalizing religious speech, creating what Richard John Neuhaus called ‘the naked public square’ and Yale law professor Stephen L. Carter termed a ‘culture of disbelief.’ If we do not combat hostility toward Christianity outside of our nation’s borders, by the time we finally rise up, it may be too late. That is why it is so critical that we Christians make our voices heard now; we need to fight back in the battle against Christian values and those who hold them.”

Obama’s Insensitivity

Obama’s Insensitivity: “After Barack Obama took office, it became rapidly apparent his domestic agenda included policies reflecting insensitivity to religion, if not outright hostility. In a move that went over the heads of the media but sent off alarm bells among religious fold, Obama began in his public rhetoric to replace the phrase freedom of religion with freedom of worship. The use of the phrase was deliberate. Freedom of religion has many facets—such as speech, attire, and public rituals—that form something bigger than formal worship alone…. When the President of the United States speaks, his words matter. They are weighed carefully by diplomats and the courts, parsed by supporters and opponents alike, and studied in foreign capitals. To repeatedly and deliberately reduce the right of freedom of religion to the narrow act of worship is irresponsible, and the change in wording constitutes an assault on the First Amendment.”

Emulating Reagan

Emulating Reagan: In his book Awakening, published by Worthy Publishing, Ralph Reed discusses Ronald Reagan’s presidency in contrast with that of President Obama. “Reagan’s greatness lay in the fact that he aligned himself with God’s purpose for his life and what he saw as the Lord’s plan for America….His moral courage and clarity during the Cold War make clear that leadership matters in spiritual awakenings and that prayer affects human affairs….If we emulate Reagan’s example and live for Christ and others, seeking to carry out God’s plan for us and for our nation, we can witness another awakening that will shake our country to its foundations and return her to founding principles. This awakening also requires believers who, like Reagan, will run for and serve in public office.”

Less Violent but Hostile Nonetheless

Less Violent but Hostile Nonetheless: “The only difference between the war on Christianity here and abroad are the tactics, including the degree of violence. The same pattern prevails in Europe, where pastors can now be fined or jailed for alleged hate speech if they preach about homosexuality. While he professes to be a Christian, Obama has devoted great energy seeking to establish cordial relations with those who express hatred for Jews, Christians, and the United States…. From providing aid to a government in Egypt run by the Muslim Brotherhood (until it was deposed by the military in July 2013), to sending U.S. tax dollars and arms to jihadist rebels in Syria who have harassed and killed Christians, to claiming at a news conference in Turkey that America was not a Christian nation—Obama’s administration has displayed astonishing hostility to the free exercise of religion by Christians.”

The United States in Decline

The United States in Decline: “The economic crisis that began in 2007 is now the crisis of the American family. Therefore, helping working-class families must become one of the top priorities of the pro-family movement…. As believers, we must do this good work in the trenches of our society: we must go into the cities, towns, and rural areas, and wherever else needs exist and meet those needs as an act of compassion and a witness to our faith. But meeting people’s basic needs should also inform our public policy agenda. If people lack the ability to provide for their children and give them a good education, then more than just the fate of the family is at stake; the survival of the American dream is at stake.”

The Awakening Must Begin with Us!

The Awakening Must Begin with Us!: “We may not be able to usher in the kingdom of God through political action, but we can combat evil, protect the innocent, and secure justice,” insists author Ralph Reed in Awakening, published by Worthy Publishing. “Let us finish the vital work of first repenting and getting right with God, and then we can work on restoring America to her founding principles. Regardless of the outcome of our efforts, as we experience both victory and defeat, may we exercise our rights as American citizens with moral zeal, but also with knowledge, in wisdom and patience, so that future generations may rise up one day and praise our memory because in the hour of testing we persevered. Let us act in a way worthy of the sacrifices made by those before us who gave us the precious gift of citizenship.”