Contributed by Wes Keller
Have you noticed there is more “God talk” lately? Hard times tend to do that! The pain, suffering, and confusion related to COVID 19 is unsettling. When we feel insecure, we tend to be more open to ponder what life is really all about. When we associate hard times with government and politicians, they usually get brutal scrutiny.
Being born free in a democratic republic, we are not restrained from being critical of religion or politics. Nobody can force us to believe anything, and there is good reason to always force the government to justify itself. Critical analysis is essential in both arenas. For those of us who believe in free speech and in the Supremacy of God, we believe we can “blame” God even while taking solace in “Divine Providence”. On the other hand, there is no king or despot to blame because we (the human sovereigns of America) don’t authorize monarchs in our government. In either case, it is only human to evaluate the powers outside of ourselves (God and government) as part of the review of our options and responsibilities in life. We cannot build a worldview about human government without answering the question, “Does God exist?” “God-talk” mingles religion and politics which is both rational and good. It is irrational to expect to be able to completely separate the two.
In America, it gets awkward quickly when we are judgmental or self-righteous about our government because the criticism ultimately comes back to roost on us. The foundational authority of our government is the electorate. We have the power to authorize (ratify) and amend our Constitution: (“We the People”).
The insightful, wise, founders built in a brilliant solution for if the American culture drifts to an inaccurate view of God. They included the First Amendment to ensure open dialogue, allowing truth to precipitate in political and religious speech. We dare not discredit or ignore the importance of our freedom of religion and speech in sorting out what our human government “should” do! Politicians who claim they have a “right to privacy” about their religion deny critical voting information. A person who is incapable of explaining his or her values should never be elected to represent us in our republic. Every one of our nation’s laws and regulations is a value statement impacting our society. Not only do we have the incredible First Amendment, we have the wise prohibition of government banning an official version of “God talk” to manipulate political and religious values. This would violate the forbidden government establishment of religion. The freedom of speech and religion work together so truth can preside — BUT ONLY if we vote!
Human government “grew-up” in history when America was built! No more childish dependency on rulers! When we get hit by an earthquake, hurricane or COVID 19 pandemic, the government is not accountable as though it could prevent or fix any damage discomfort. Free Americans are globally significant and respond well to any challenge. My sincere desire is the “God-talk” will lead to individual renewal which will, in turn, via the complex processes of our Constitution and referenced in our Declaration of Independence, result in a national re-affirmation of “Divine Providence” under the Creator, Supreme Judge, Nature’s Law and Nature’s God.
It is wonderful to live in a country where we are free to say or read anything we want, or not, with impunity. The only risk is whether our words make us a liar, a fool or a dupe. In other words, truth matters! Our wonderful freedom gives us extra responsibility to maintain a healthy world view as it relates to God. Politicians should use the “power of the gavel”, to ensure EVERYONE equal opportunity to speak, especially those who make us uncomfortable with religious talk to allow a free market of religious thought! Truth is not in danger and will always remain.
Statesmen are now speaking more freely of God’s protection, healing, providence… (If you doubt me, do a quick Google search using words like prayer or God with COVID-19). This confirms a recurring historical pattern: when America gets hit with national human catastrophe something spiritual happens. It is a loop we can see even in the secular media! We go from catastrophe >>> to repentance*, confession, “God-talk”, prayer >>> to recovery, prosperity, security (answered prayer?) >>> to forgetfulness, fast living, hard hearts >>> then, back to catastrophe >>>…! *[“Repentance” is the act of turning toward the God of this universe and “turning away” from whatever has distracted us.]. This national “repentance loop” is normal. The Torah and Old Testament record historical national “repentance loops” and we can see them in real time.
If we follow our Constitution, we should never see a law to force repentance. Contrary to common perceptions, Christians do not judge or condemn you if you disagree because they/we are just as guilty as any other human until forgiven. Condemnation, or not, is between each person and God!
To read more, join me at http://weskeller.com/does-god-exist/.
Wes Keller | www.WesKeller.com
