Introduction
In a rapidly changing America, the standards that once shaped the country’s establishment are under attack. Tim Goeglein, in his illuminating presentations at Liberty University in 2013, forewarned us of the challenges Christianity would confront and the disintegration of the values and beliefs that shaped America. These changes have not only become a reality but have been intensifying for a long time, resulting in the ongoing political struggle between major opposing sides.
To address these issues, one must examine President Ronald Reagan’s vision for America, differentiate it from the current president’s viewpoint, recognize the major assaults on Christian institutions, investigate significant scriptural references, and discuss the implications of these assaults on fundamental principles. Moreover, this paper analyzes subsequent court cases, both strengthening and challenging these assaults, and ultimately discusses the role of Christians in shaping the end of the American nation.
Comparing the Outlook of President Reagan and the Current President
According to Tim Goeglein, President Ronald Reagan had a deeply optimistic outlook on America. Reagan believed in American exceptionalism and the intertwined luminosity of Christian faith and the direction of the United States (Goeglein, 2013a). He saw faith and public life as interconnected, drawing parallels between the Christian faith and the principles on which America was founded. President Reagan’s vision encompassed a belief in virtue, moral excellence, and the role of religion in maintaining freedom and liberty.
In contrast, the current president’s viewpoint may not align with Reagan’s vision. Individuals observe distinct differences in three specific areas of governance. For instance, Reagan strongly upheld traditional marriage as a union between one man and one woman (Goeglein, 2013a). This view is in stark contrast to a few later approaches advancing the redefinition of marriage and supporting same-sex unions.
President Reagan was a strong advocate for the sanctity of human life, countering the notion of premature birth. Alternatively, the current president may have contrasting views on the subject, as evidenced by arrangements related to reproductive rights and premature birth. Reagan acknowledged the importance of religious freedom and individual rights (Goeglein, 2013a). He saw these rights as beginning with God, not the government. In contrast, the current climate in America has seen instances where devout liberty is challenged, and devout convictions are pitted against government directives.
Attacks on Christian Foundations and Relevant Biblical References
Tim Goeglein identifies three major attacks on the Christian foundations of America: marriage, human life, and religious liberty. One of the major attacks on Christian foundations is the redefinition of marriage. The biblical reference in support of traditional marriage is found in Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001).
The Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 legitimized the attack on traditional marriage by legalizing same-sex marriage (Clarke, 2023; Porter, 2023). The attack on the sanctity of human life is seen in the widespread acceptance of abortion. The Bible underscores the sanctity of life in Psalm 139:13-16: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). The political, social, and scientific discussions surrounding this matter are primarily focused on defining the moment when a supposedly lifeless or soulless biological matter becomes a human being.
However, these debates usually miss the essence of the issue — that is, whether humans have the right to make decisions for those still not born and to interfere with the process of God’s creation. The Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade in 1973 legitimized this attack by legalizing abortion (Goeglein, 2013a). Attacks on religious liberty challenge the rights of conscience, which are rooted in faith. The Bible speaks to the importance of religious liberty in Galatians 5:13: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). Ongoing legal battles and government regulations that infringe upon religious liberty pose a significant threat to the Christian foundations of America.
Detailed Analysis of One Attack: Marriage and Constitutional Principles
Delving deeper into the attack on the Christian foundation of traditional marriage unveils the actual concept of attacks on Christianity. This attack violates the Seventh Commandment (“You shall not commit adultery”) and the principle of religious liberty, as protected by the First Amendment (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). The basis for the case can be traced to the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide (Clarke, 2023; Porter, 2023). The Seventh Commandment, rooted in biblical morality, emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and fidelity within it. Legalizing same-sex marriage challenges this commandment by redefining the institution of marriage.
This attack on Christian values violates the constitutional principle of religious liberty, as it forces individuals and organizations to act against their religious beliefs. Some people, like the Colorado designer in the 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis (2023), who refused to design a website for a gay marriage due to it running counter to her faith, uphold this principle (Elliott, 2023).
While some may view this case as an example of discrimination against same-sex couples, it is worth looking at it from the point of view of the First Amendment and a citizen’s right to free expression of their beliefs. The case is an example of the Supreme Court upholding that the U.S. Constitution overrides any state-level non-discrimination laws. This way, the Court fully upheld the First Amendment, essentially confirming that all Americans are equal before the law and fulfilling its role as the defender of the law.
Contrary to that, in another decision for Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), the Court ruled in favor of the LGBT community. In this decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects gay, lesbian, and transgender employees from being fired by their employers based on their sex (Totenberg, 2020). However, this decision unrightfully stretches the definition of “sex” to “sexual orientation,” essentially bending the law in favor of a particular side in a debate.
Furthermore, in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia (2021), the Court of Appeals favored the decision to refuse Catholic Social Services the right to not place children in foster homes with same-sex couples. As a result, the Catholic Social Service members’ religious freedom was arguably violated since their decision to refuse same-sex couples the adoption was rooted in their beliefs and adherence to faith. This decision demonstrated how the interpretation of the First Amendment can be twisted in favor of the contemporary political agenda rather than the idea nd the spirit of the Constitution.
The Role of the Christian in a Changing America
As Christians, it is our obligation to live God-abiding lives, protect devout freedom, and advocate for the holiness of life and traditional marriage. In his conclusion, Tim Goeglein underscores the significance of Christians’ part in light of these assaults on Christian values (Goeglein, 2013b). Comparing the political climate in the days of Ronald Reagan and the current sociopolitical agenda clearly demonstrates how the nation has changed, moving toward secularization and away from Christian values. These changes entail the degradation of traditional views and ways of life that have been guiding American forefathers for many generations. Reviving and maintaining Christian values through preaching and engaging in legal battles, when applicable, can help others understand how to transform our culture to glorify God. By standing up for our convictions, we can help others learn how to transform our culture to glorify God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the challenges to Christianity in America are real and growing in intensity. The difference between President Reagan’s viewpoint and the current president’s views on key administration regions is evident. Assaults on Christian establishments, especially with respect to marriage, human life, and devout freedom, challenge protected principles and scriptural values. While a battle is ongoing, later court cases illustrate the continuing struggle to protect religious freedom and uphold Christian values. As Christians, our responsibility is to effectively shape the formation of our country, working to ensure that our culture honors God and our protected values remain intact.
References
Bostock v. Clayton County, 590 U.S. ___ (2020).
Clarke, J. A. (2023). Sex discrimination formalism. Virginia Law Review, Forthcoming.
303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, 600 U.S. 570 (2023).
Elliott, P. (2023). The Supreme Court just made same-sex marriage more vulnerable to a challenge. Time.
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/
Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, 593 U.S. ___ (2021).
Goeglein, T. (2013a). Part 1. Liberty University.
Goeglein, T. (2013b). Part 2. Liberty University.
Porter, K. G. (2023). Obergefell v. Hodges 135 S. Ct. 2584 (2015). Ohio Northern University Law Review, 42(1), 10.
Totenberg, N. (2020). Supreme Court delivers major victory to LGBTQ employees. NPR.