Is It Too Late For America?

 David Alan Black

What kind of nation is America supposed to be? Our forefathers gave us the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to protect our God-given freedoms from tyranny. By “tyranny” they did not mean tyranny from a foreign despot but from a government that oversteps and abuses its authority.

And what do we have today? Our freedoms are being taken away at a rate never before experienced in the history of our beloved nation. And not only by liberal politicians, but by “conservatives” who pay little or no attention to the Constitution or to the freedoms it enshrines.

In his essay, “The Modern Threats to Religious Freedom: They Are Greater than One May Think,” William Anderson exposes the dangers awaiting America:

On the surface, it would seem that Christianity has never been stronger or more influential in this country. Not only are the president, attorney general, and other cabinet members and advisors open about their Christianity, but Christian books are on the best-seller lists and Christian popular music dominates the radio airwaves. However, for a long time, I have been intensely looking at the current scene and have concluded that (1) the political authorities have squarely targeted Christians and Christianity for harassment and are freely carrying out their agendas at the present time, (2) the historical legal protections in this country for Christianity have been eroded past the point of no return, (3) most Christians are clueless in understanding this situation, and (4) when Christians do happen to recognize dangers to practicing their faith, they tend to endorse legislative and political actions that in the long run will make things even worse for themselves and those Christians who will follow after them.

As an American citizen, I share Anderson’s concern for the future of our nation. I believe God loves America with all His heart. I believe that He has a special plan and purpose for us. America is perhaps the most unique nation in the history of the world.  Why? First of all, it was created by men who loved God. They were men who sought God’s glory above their own. That’s why God’s name is etched in stone from sea to shining sea in this great land of ours. Second, America was founded on principles of freedom unknown to other nations.  In fact, America is the last bastion of freedom anywhere in the world. Finally and most importantly, America is the last bastion of missionary enterprise on the face of planet earth. It is estimated that 85% of all evangelical missions work emanates from our shores. If for no other reason, this fact alone proves that God has a special love for America. This does not make us a Christian nation; but it does set us apart from the nations of the world as singularly blessed by the Almighty.

Because God has such a special purpose for our nation, He must weep at what He sees happening in this country. That’s why, I believe, He is sending us “severe mercies,” such as the tragedy of 9-11. Such events are meant to wake us up to the point that we will stand up and restore this nation to the biblical and constitutional principles upon which our nation was established. Without biblical standards of morality and a return to constitutional liberty, our nation will certainly vanish in oblivion.

Is it too late for America to repent? Many say yes. I humbly disagree. I believe that God still wants to see our nation restored, not judged. And He is waiting for people like you and me to be the salt and light we are commanded to be. The problem with America is not our form of government or our political institutions or our two-party system or our courts. It is the fact that “We the People” have allowed the enemies of freedom to pervert and abuse the institutions of our great nation.

If you have not read the statements of our Founding Fathers recently, may I ask you to do so? You will see that the country called The United States of America has always been an experiment in freedom. Our Founders asked, Can men govern themselves freely? When we surrender our freedoms to an all-compassionate albeit tyrannical government, we are no longer free men and women.

I wish to ask the American people: Is it patriotic to meekly accept a massive government expansion in the name of fighting terrorism? Is it right to accept severe limitations of personal and religious freedom in the name of security? It is right to surrender the ideals upon which our nation was established as we move into a New World Order of fear and warfare? Will we continue to allow America to sink into oblivion, or will we stand up and be counted?

In my opinion, no one has stated the issues facing Americans better than Congressman Ron Paul of Texas. In a speech delivered before the U.S. House of Representatives, he issued a clarion call to all liberty-minded Americans. Though first given in 2001, the speech remains valid today. It may well be a final warning before liberty disappears. Paul concluded by saying,

I see good reason for American citizens to be concerned—not only about another terrorist attack, but for their own personal freedoms as the Congress deals with the crisis. Personal freedom is the element of the human condition that has made America great and unique and something we all cherish. Even those who are more willing to sacrifice a little freedom for security do it with the firm conviction that they are acting in the best interest of freedom and justice. However, good intentions can never suffice for sound judgment in the defense of liberty.

I do not challenge the dedication and sincerity of those who disagree with the freedom philosophy and confidently promote government solutions for all our ills. I am just absolutely convinced that the best formula for giving us peace and preserving the American way of life is freedom, limited government, and minding our own business overseas.

Americans would do well to ponder these words.

October 4, 2005

David Alan Black is the editor of www.daveblackonline.com.

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