OPINION:
America is a country founded upon Christian principles — a truly “exceptional” nation that’s more profoundly unique than any other government collective in human history.
While jaded critics have taken a posture of ceaselessly critiquing America and even festering hatred for this freedom-granting nation, Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican, fully discerns the truth, finding himself on a mission to help others see the light.
“The whole notion of American exceptionalism can only be explained through something divine, and that would be our love and affection for the Creator,” Mr. Scott told me on the premiere episode of my new Washington Times show, “God, Country and the American Story.”
“The bottom line is … America is an exceptional nation because we are a good nation founded upon Christian principles, and it’s that foundation that allows us to see a springboard for our future.”
Mr. Scott’s new book, “One Nation Always Under God: Profiles in Christian Courage,” serves as part of his mission to drive home this essential lesson: the U.S. must reclaim our Judeo-Christian past if we want a fruitful tomorrow.
“If you want to know what the future looks like, if we adhere to our Judeo-Christian foundational principles, we have a great future,” he said. “Without that, we do not have a good future.”
And Mr. Scott wasn’t done there, explaining the profound theological elements at the center of his argument: “The main thing is, who we are is absolutely, positively and unequivocally a part of the story of God.”
There are certainly societal shifts at the moment that showcase an increased understanding of God’s importance among the citizenry. Revival on college campuses, an increase in prayer and faith, Christian content permeating Hollywood — and much more.
Yet a pervasive proportion of the populace, mostly far-left progressives, academics, activists and elite, remain bent on trying to strip faith out of the American story.
In a twisted narrative, these individuals have come to perpetuate the faux notion of an America in which Judeo-Christian principles have historically played no pivotal role.
Mr. Scott rightly believes the problem in these cultural factions — among those who wish to portray a fictitious America — is an underpinning belief in self-perfection.
“I personally think that a major part of our misconception of what makes us great are those folks who wanna believe that we can be perfected,” he said. “That man is perfectable — that somehow … with the right Ivy League education, you’ll find yourself absent of all the flaws that have really framed history.”
But Mr. Scott said the exact opposite is a reality, pointing to the Bible’s teaching that “the best path towards wholeness is to abide in Truth.” That truth, of course, is a God-based, eternal one, not the relativistic delusion for which so many have fallen.
“Unfortunately, when you go to these great schools these days, you walk away thinking that your truth is the truth,” he said. “And, actually, there’s no such thing as your truth; there’s only the Truth.”
Ultimately, Mr. Scott believes these Judeo-Christian ideals help hold together culture and infuse society with good. In “One Nation Always Under God,” he tells some of the stories that drive home the rich Christian history that built America.
Of course, getting America back on track starts with individual citizens committing themselves to God. Mr. Scott, like millions of others, starts his day off with Scripture and prayer, looking above for his inspiration.
“What keeps me hopeful and optimistic is that, every day, I start my day off in the word of God,” he said, noting that he explores various biblical texts and applies them to life today. “I start my day off reading the book of Proverbs. I start my day off, as I did, at least this morning, reading John 4.”
Mr. Scott sees patterns of faith and devotion kicking up in both individual and corporate lives, citing campus revivals as a sign that “God’s not finished with this country.”
In the end, it is incumbent upon each person to connect deeper with God and to turn to Him to ensure one’s heart, home — and, in turn, nation — is in order.
“It’s understanding the contrast that exists in the word of God to help us understand what to do and what not to do, and then what to do when we do what we should not do,” Mr. Scott said. “Having that understanding embedded in our hearts doesn’t make us perfect, but it certainly should require us to strive to be better.”
In the end, the key to building a brighter future for America won’t be found by human effort alone, but by the alignment of the collective populace with the Lord’s will. That’s the only true path to American greatness.
Watch Mr. Scott discuss these issues and more on “God, Country and the American Story” here.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Mr. Hallowell is the author of four books.
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