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On the twentieth anniversary of terrorism wrought upon America September 11, 2001, former President George Bush gave an impassioned plea to not only guard against future acts of violence from enemy nations, but to also resist the hatred and extremism surfacing inside the heart of America.
And we have seen growing evidence that the dangers to our country can come not only across borders, but from violence that gathers within. There is little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home. But in their disdain for pluralism, in their disregard for human life, in their determination to defile national symbols, they are children of the same foul spirit.[1]
No contention or controversy was ignited by this former President’s speech. Indeed, his call to protect America has been honored in the media; and those who’ve grown weary of a polarized America breathed a collective sigh of relief to hear a message supported by both sides of the political aisle. President Bush’s words also recounted many acts of heroism and service occurring on 9/11 as he reminded us of the nation we once knew. His speech championed the heart of America that thrived twenty years ago.
And while that heart of sacrifice still exists in many, it is a heart now bruised as we move further away from valuing what unifies us. Like teenage cliques playing out high school drama, we absorb ourselves in criticism, deception, and manipulation; we scheme against those who don’t fit our narrative of societal norms. America is not simply divided; it is torn in pieces. We have moved beyond mere polarization, with those on the left championing equality and social justice while those on the right cry for freedom from governmental infringement upon personal liberty. Today, we find ourselves scattered along many paradigms, searching for a spot to stand. To be sure, the conflict between equality and liberty still ignites the discourse, but the range of ideology runs the gamut.
It’s no longer enough to visualize the polarization as a swinging pendulum of political ideology, with one side waiting for the weight to swing back their way. Perhaps a more accurate image might include a catapult on either side, ready to fire its weapons. But we also need to recognize the chaos of souls running amuck through the valley to find which side they’re on.
As we line ourselves along the political spectrum of haphazard chaos, it would behoove us all to take several steps back, away from tightly held ideologies. A balcony view of societal conflicts may reveal a few surprises. We might notice that in their cry for social justice, those on the left now marginalize another segment of society. Is that the desired result of their appeal? And in their championing of individual liberties, those on the right are dangerously close to inciting rebellion. Is that really the result they desire? Once stalwart ethics of American ideals are now scars, marred by battles fought to preserve them.
The current frenzy of cries for kindness, tolerance, justice, and love fall flat because the definition for these abstract ideals is not clarified. We wave the banners of those ideals, but we advocate for words and deeds that differ from those across the way who hold their own version of the banner. Then, there are others who simply grab any banner they can for the purpose of crying out against something, anything; because in truth, they simply want—and need—to cry.
When divergent perceptions of these noble qualities become apparent, we are left staring at each other in confusion. Can’t there be a collective meaning that all might embrace? But, because opinions regarding how these values play out tend to align themselves with our political allegiances, unity continues to evade us.
The horde mentality of peer pressure offers no solution. Alliances only fight against other alliances, taking us nowhere. No President…no political party… no legislative mandate…no protest…and no cancel culture strategy will bring a unified definition of American ideals. Programs and plans at the national, state or city level also come up lacking. And while communities and families can and do nurture personalities, the individual heart can only be made complete by a genuine hope.
It’s time to realize that politics cannot bring a solution to America’s woes. Decades of compromise and corruption have dealt a fatal blow, and trust in government has all but vanquished. If we continue to seek saviors on either the right or the left, America will never find salvation. Until we can lay down our tightly held allegiances, America’s heart remains vulnerable.
With a collective step up to higher ground, we might realize we are closer to each other than we think, at least in terms of our ultimate desire: a healing of America’s heart. A glimmer of unity reached by gaining a broader perspective might enable us to see the true problem: the change of heart needed for our country can only come from a change in the private hearts of her citizens. It is time to do the difficult work of self-examination. A fully healed heart comes from the spiritual realm—a realm so enormous, our petty differences become miniscule in comparison. We must singularly be brave enough to invite God to transform our individual hearts.
While this essay is not intended to make a case for America’s Christian heritage, there is plenty of research to suggest our founding fathers had strong intention that America would be a Christian nation. Writing for The Heritage Foundation, Mark David Hall offers an objective analysis,
If one is to understand the story of the United States of America, it is important to have a proper appreciation for its Christian colonial roots. By almost any measure, colonists of European descent who settled in the New World were serious Christians whose constitutions, laws, and practices reflected the influence of Christianity [2]
Certainly, there are voices which protest the above contention, but a quote from a letter of John Adams fortifies the argument that our founding constitutional principles were meant to govern a society based on religious and moral excellence.
But should the people of America, once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another and towards foreign nations, which assumes the language of justice and moderation while it is practicing iniquity and extravagance; and displays in the most captivating manner the charming pictures of candor frankness and sincerity while it is rioting in rapine and insolence: this country will be the most miserable habitation in the world. Because we have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.[3]
Adams was warning his audience of the inability of America’s emerging democracy to govern a populace ruled by unbridled human passions. His words warn of compromise in preaching justice while practicing iniquity and extravagance. With today’s increasing violence, exploitation, sexual abuse, and disregard for the life of the unborn, we might readily surmise that American society has reached that point of being a most miserable habitation.
Indulgences and immoralities are not easily legislated, and any governance will fall short of addressing the root of these depravities. The battle must be fought within the individual soul. And that battle will not succeed until repentant hearts seek the help of their Creator, who longs to bless the meek and faithful. When we face our faults, repent of our sins, and seek God’s divine intervention in the habits of life, our souls are rebuilt. Humility is good for us, and will, in turn, be good for America.
Courageously admitting that God’s righteousness is bigger than our tightly held ideologies will change the course of current societal breakdown. The anxiety over political issues of the day will subside when the focal point turns inward. No longer will we have a need to hurl accusation and blame on the other side. Rather, taking the difficult steps of self-examination will instill a new resolve to live faithfully and compassionately, holding ourselves to a higher standard. Embracing forgiveness as well as understanding for those with differing views will move both sides toward a longed-for harmony.
Almighty God will journey with us, individually and collectively. The true meaning of abstract paradigms like kindness, love, tolerance, and justice will be clarified. Unity will be strengthened by powerful truths that will once again inspire heroism and sacrifice for a higher ideal. Renewed values of truth, righteousness and faithfulness will still the storm through belief in God’s providence.
Former President Bush urged us to recognize that an enemy lies within our own borders. Indeed, the most dangerous adversary is not even outside our neighborhoods. The enemy we must battle against is the evil that exists in hearts marred by sin. America is in desperate need of a Savior. We must recognize Who our true Savior is; and we discover that Blessed One through the heroic act of repentance. Then and only then will Christ’s heart of compassion in us genuinely transforms lives, and America’s wounded heart can then heal.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/11/politics/transcript-george-w-bush-speech-09-11-2021/index.html, accessed 9/13/2021
[2] Hall, Mark David, “Did America Have a Christian Founding.” The Heritage Foundation (June 7, 2011), accessed September 15, 2021, https://www.heritage.org/political-process/report/did-america-have-christian-founding,
[3] “From John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, 11 October 1798,” Founders Online, National Archives, accessed September 15, 2021, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102.
