Reigniting Faith in America

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a non-denominational church service with some friends who practice a different Christian faith than I do. The experience was truly enriching. There's something deeply heartwarming about witnessing others express their faith, especially when it involves young people who are actively engaged in their spiritual journeys. Observing their joy and commitment reminded me of the universal nature of faith and how it transcends denominational boundaries.

However, as I listened to the pastor’s sermon, titled "Left, Right, or Christian?" I found myself reflecting deeply on the broader implications of his message. My purpose in writing this is not to critique the pastor’s faith or challenge the doctrines of his church. Instead, I wish to address a growing concern that seems to be spreading across our communities—a concern that touches on the intersection of faith, civic duty, and the role of churches in shaping the future of our nation.

Faith leaders wield tremendous influence over the hearts and minds of their congregations. This influence can either uplift and inspire or, conversely, alienate and dishearten. In a time when many people, especially the younger generation, are feeling increasingly disconnected from the political process, it is crucial that the messages coming from our pulpits inspire hope, optimism, and a sense of civic responsibility. The pastor’s sermon, while clearly encouraging his congregation to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and to love their neighbors, left me feeling perplexed and somewhat concerned. There was an ambiguity in his words that I believe warrants further reflection.

I do not intend to assume the pastor’s intentions, nor do I wish to dissect his every word. Instead, I want to explore the broader theme that emerged from this experience—namely, the responsibility of churches in the United States to encourage their congregations, particularly young people, to engage actively in their democracy.

The Role of Faith in Civic Engagement

The intertwining of faith and civic duty is not a new concept. Throughout history, religious leaders have played pivotal roles in advocating for justice, equality, and the common good. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most prominent figures in American history, exemplified this. King’s leadership during the Civil Rights Movement was deeply rooted in his Christian faith. He saw the struggle for civil rights as a moral imperative, driven by the biblical principles of justice and love.

In his famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail," King wrote, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." This powerful statement reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of our communities and the importance of civic engagement. King’s faith informed his activism, and he urged others to do the same—to see their involvement in democracy as an extension of their religious duty to love their neighbor and to seek justice.

Similarly, leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) have emphasized the importance of civic participation. President Gordon B. Hinckley once said, "We need to be involved in the affairs of our communities and our nations. We need to be good citizens in the countries where we live and contribute to the society in which we belong." This counsel highlights the idea that being a good Christian is not limited to attending church services or adhering to religious rituals. It also involves being an active and informed participant in the governance of our communities.

Os Guinness, a contemporary Christian thinker, has also spoken extensively about the role of Christians in public life. In his book A Free People’s Suicide, Guinness argues that the success of a democracy depends on the virtue of its citizens. He posits that for a democracy to thrive, it requires not just laws and institutions, but also a moral foundation rooted in the character of its people. For Guinness, this moral foundation is closely tied to the Judeo-Christian values that have historically underpinned Western society.

Principles from the Founding Fathers

The Founding Fathers of the United States understood the importance of civic engagement and the role that moral and religious principles play in sustaining a healthy democracy. James Madison, often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution," believed that a well-informed and virtuous citizenry was essential to the success of the republic. In Federalist No. 55, Madison wrote, "The virtue, moderation, and self-control of the people are as essential to the success of a republic as the form of government itself."

Madison’s vision for America was one in which citizens were not only aware of their rights but also deeply committed to their responsibilities. He understood that the Constitution and the institutions it established could only function properly if the people themselves were engaged and morally grounded. For Madison, this meant that religious faith and civic duty were intertwined; the one supported and reinforced the other.

George Washington, the nation’s first president, also emphasized the importance of religion and morality in public life. In his Farewell Address, Washington warned against the dangers of political parties and factions, but he also stressed the necessity of religious principles in maintaining the moral fabric of the nation. He stated, "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."

Washington’s words resonate today as much as they did in the 18th century. He recognized that without a strong moral foundation, rooted in religious principles, the American experiment in self-government would falter. He believed that churches and other religious institutions played a crucial role in nurturing this moral foundation, and he urged Americans to remain vigilant in preserving it.

The Decline of Civic Engagement Among the Youth

Despite the rich tradition of faith-inspired civic engagement, there has been a noticeable decline in participation among younger generations. Many young people today are growing up in a world where they feel increasingly alienated from the political process. They see politics as a realm of corruption, divisiveness, and empty rhetoric—a far cry from the ideals of justice and the common good that their faith teaches.

This disillusionment is dangerous, not just for the future of our democracy, but for the spiritual health of our communities. When young people disengage from the political process, they are not just abandoning their civic duties; they are also missing out on an opportunity to live out their faith in a meaningful and impactful way.

Ben Shapiro, a well-known commentator associated with the Daily Wire, has often spoken about the importance of young people getting involved in the political process. While Shapiro’s views are sometimes polarizing, his emphasis on the need for a morally grounded, active citizenry resonates with the broader theme of this article. Shapiro argues that young people have a responsibility to engage with the issues facing their country, to educate themselves, and to participate in the democratic process. He believes that this engagement is crucial for preserving the values that make America strong.

Churches have a unique opportunity to address this issue. They are places where values are taught, where communities are built, and where people are inspired to make a difference in the world. By encouraging young people to get involved in their democracy, churches can help bridge the gap between faith and civic duty. They can provide the tools and the moral framework that young people need to understand their role in shaping the future of their country.

Faith, Politics, and the Common Good

One of the challenges that many churches face today is navigating the complex relationship between faith and politics. In a time when political divisions are deep and often bitter, it can be difficult to address issues of civic engagement without being seen as taking sides. However, it is important to remember that the call to participate in democracy is not about choosing a political party; it is about fulfilling a moral obligation to contribute to the common good.

The teachings of Jesus Christ offer a clear guide in this regard. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors, to care for the marginalized, and to seek justice. These principles are at the heart of the democratic process, where every person has a voice and the opportunity to contribute to the welfare of society.

In Matthew 22:21, Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." This statement has often been interpreted as a call to distinguish between the obligations of the state and those of faith. However, it can also be seen as a reminder that we have responsibilities both as citizens and as followers of Christ. Our faith should inform our civic duties, and our participation in democracy should be seen as an extension of our commitment to living out the teachings of Christ.

Educating the Next Generation

Given the current state of political discourse, it is more important than ever for churches to take an active role in educating their congregations about their civic responsibilities. This education should begin with the youth. Many young people are eager to make a difference in the world, but they often lack the knowledge and the tools to do so effectively.

Churches can play a vital role in filling this gap. They can offer classes on the principles of democracy, the workings of government, and the importance of voting. They can create spaces for open dialogue about the issues facing our nation and the ways in which our faith calls us to respond. By doing so, churches can empower young people to become informed, engaged citizens who are capable of making a positive impact on their communities.

Additionally, churches can provide moral guidance on how to approach political issues from a faith-based perspective. This is not about endorsing specific candidates or policies, but about helping young people understand how their faith can guide their decisions in the political arena. For example, discussions could focus on how the teachings of Jesus might inform our views on social justice, economic policy, or environmental stewardship.

A Call to Action

In conclusion, I believe that churches in the United States have a crucial role to play in fostering a sense of civic responsibility among their congregations, particularly among the younger generation. The challenges facing our democracy are significant, but they are not insurmountable. With the right education, guidance, and encouragement, our faith communities can help to build a more engaged and informed citizenry—one that is capable of upholding the values of justice, compassion, and the common good.

The words of Martin Luther King Jr., LDS leaders, Os Guinness, and even commentators like Ben Shapiro all point to the same underlying truth: our democracy depends on the active participation of morally grounded citizens. As people of faith, we have a unique responsibility to lead by example, to show that civic engagement is not just a duty, but a reflection of our commitment to live out the teachings of Christ in every aspect of our lives.

Furthermore, the wisdom of the Founding Fathers, particularly James Madison and George Washington, reminds us that the success of our republic depends on the virtue and moral character of its citizens. They understood that religion and morality are indispensable to the preservation of our democracy, and they called upon future generations to uphold these principles.

Let us, therefore, take up this call to action. Let us encourage our churches to be places of learning and empowerment, where young people are equipped to take an active role in shaping the future of our nation. By doing so, we can ensure that our democracy remains strong, vibrant, and reflective of the values we hold dear.