OPINION:
America’s founding ideals, articulated in the Declaration of Independence, emphasize true equality, God-given rights and liberty. These key principles provide a proven moral framework shaping our nation’s identity and guiding its unprecedented progress.
As forces seek to rewrite history and strip Americans of their rights to religious freedom and free speech, particularly from Christians, we must stand firmly in defense of these cornerstones.
Here’s why: America serves as an example to the world.
Without George Washington’s military and political leadership, we may never have won the American War for Independence. Had we lost, we would have continued to have restrictions on free speech and the free exercise of religion, which no country in the 18th century fully extended to its citizens.
Even today, the majority of countries do not guarantee these basic freedoms. Many live under governments or regimes that suppress any expression perceived as threatening their power. America stands apart because it has upheld free speech and religious liberty. Americans have courageously and sacrificially fought for these fundamental rights from the beginning, and we must defend them for future generations — an ongoing precedent for the world.
Freedom and justice align with the Bible.
From the earliest nations of the Old Testament to the modern world, God’s character has remained the same. He blesses the nations that honor him and allows those that rebel to self-destruct.
Just as Christ has freely invited us into a relationship with him of our own volition, we must safeguard the foundational American freedoms of choice and voice. If these basic rights are stripped away — either by forcing religion on others or taking away the right of Christians to worship and speak freely about their faith — then we become an oppressive, authoritarian nation, no longer a just and God-honoring country.
A free America extends justice to our people and the rest of the world.
President Lincoln described America as “the almost chosen people — chosen not for special privileges but special responsibilities.” This idea reflects the nation’s unique role as a defender of justice and liberty, requiring accountability to godly principles for its ongoing flourishing.
Likewise, America’s moral duty underscores its responsibility to uphold justice, true equality and liberty for other countries. The reverberations of being a biblically aligned nation compel us to honor God’s commands by serving the poor, helping other nations in need and even praying for enemy lines.
Stand up.
The modern, liberal narrative of America’s principles as nefarious and malicious undermines our freedoms. If we forget why these biblical foundations were laid or fail to uphold them, we stand to lose the freedoms we claim to champion.
Democrats and Republicans can support a resurgence of patriotism, service and hope focused on a brighter future. It’s time to regain our bearings. Citizens and statesmen have the responsibility to listen for God’s footsteps, follow his leading and uphold justice for all, despite any social flak we may encounter.
We face daily battles of offense and political correctness. If we don’t stand for truth today, our freedoms will erode and faith will move from being a right to being a risk.
• Ralf W. Augstroze is the executive producer of “The American Miracle” and chief operating officer of Heroic Pictures. A two-time Emmy nominee, he has led award-winning film, TV and publishing projects across nonprofits and Fortune 50 companies, including the theatrical documentary motion picture “Against the Tide” and the No. 1 bestseller “George Washington’s Sacred Fire.” To learn more about “The American Miracle,” visit: https://americanmiraclemovie.com/.
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