America is tearing itself apart, and it’s taking Christianity with it. As Christian Americans, we used to choose our politics based on our unwavering Biblical beliefs. We selected representatives, ideals, and policies that aligned with our values. We conducted ourselves in such a manner that those who were close to us could see first that we were believers and second, our political opinions. Even more so, we found common ground with other believers because even if we had different political views, our foundation of understanding was the same. So what happened? How is it that our political parties have moved so incredibly far apart that common ground is becoming nearly impossible to achieve?
The unfortunate reality is that we are choosing versions of our religions that align best with our political opinions, instead of aligning our political views with our faith. Where there was once etiquette, intellectual debate, and conversation surrounding politics, we now find ourselves in a mindless echo chamber. Not only are Americans building their lives and beliefs upon the foundation of these political sentiments, but they are conforming their religion to fit it.
Though many Christian churches read the same Bible, there are those like Calvary Episcopal Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas, hosting “Drag Sunday” events promoting transgender ideology. On the other extreme, there are people like Nick Fuentes who call themselves Christian yet simultaneously admire Hitler and Stalin, and make egregious statements against women. How is it that a Democrat or liberal “Christian” can exist at the same time that an ultra-right “conservative Christian” can, while standing for two vastly different opinions? We read the same Scripture, right?
We, as Christian Americans, have set our Bibles down, turned from the history of our church, and cast aside our call of obedience to the Truth. We have grown comfortable in our own echo chambers and look to commentators, politicians, and influencers to tell us what to believe. Tragically, we spend more time rallying together in support of these misguided figures and opinions than we do reading our Bibles or seeking truth and wisdom together. When we have members of the Church following these figures and beliefs, with no genuine moral ground, they start to twist their “version” of Christianity to make it fit into what they already believe to be true about any given issue. However, we should instead be rooted in Scripture–it is the only source of unchanging truth. As it says in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.”
Wisdom is something that must be fought for, sought after, and devoted to. So let us strive, as it says in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it will be given to you; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who searches, finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” More often than not, wisdom will make us incredibly uncomfortable, for in truth and knowledge comes understanding, and with experience comes conviction of the heart. Still, we should receive this discomfort rather than remain asleep to the Truth. As it says in Proverbs 1:32-33, “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them, but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease without fear of harm.” It is imperative that, as Christians, we seek knowledge in fullness not only to keep ourselves accountable but also to hold others to a higher standard.
Mrs. Beverly LaHaye, founder of Concerned Women for America, wrote in Who But A Woman?, “Wake up from your ignorance and apathy about the world around you. Get up and get to work exposing the works of darkness around you!” So I implore each of you, do not let it be “In Politics We Trust,” but instead, “In God We Trust.” Let us reach for our Bibles, read the newspapers, turn on the radio, delve into books on history, and converse with older generations about philosophies. For without a multitude of perspectives, determination for the Truth, and a genuine seeking of wisdom, we will lose ourselves to the far reaches of political confusion.
Amalie Coskey is a Young Women for America Ambassador in Nebraska.
