The founding fathers who drafted the American Constitution valued a Republic with a Republican System of Government. They fervently believed that this would require an involved citizenry who gave constant oversight to those entrusted with governance. They did not believe this task could be delegated to a select few people, namely politicians. 

Even the colonial ministers were actively involved in the process, speaking from their pulpits about the virtues and evils of various government acts. They believed it was their duty to inform and forewarn their parishioners. The current state of affairs results from leaving politics solely to the politicians, a situation in which we all have a role. 

I am not advocating that ministers become political analysts or activists but that they speak to the issues identified in the Bible and when those issues endanger society. We have all heard the phrase “A government of the people, for the people, and by the people” or some variation of that. Usually, it is attributed to Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg address as the originator. 

In 1850, in a speech to a New England Anti-Slavery Convention, Theodore Parker, an American preacher and social reformer, declared: “…There is what I call the American idea…This idea demands, as the proximate organization thereof, a democracy, that is, a government of all the people, by all the people, for all the people; of course, a government after the principles of eternal justice, the unchanging law of God; for shortness’ sake, I will call it the idea of Freedom…”

Parker was likely inspired by British politician Benjamin Disraeli, who expressed a similar sentiment in his novel ‘Vivian Grey’ in 1826.  He said, “… all power is a trust; that we are accountable for its exercise; that from the people and for the people all springs, and all must exist.”  The idea of self-government demands the involvement of the citizenry.  In a speech to the U.S. Senate in 1830, Daniel Webster said, “…It is, Sir, the people’s Constitution, the people’s Government, made for the people, made by the people, and answerable to the people. The people of the United States have declared that this Constitution shall be the supreme law. We must either admit the proposition or dispute their authority.”

Some even attribute the phrase or idea to John Wycliffe’s prologue in his 1384 translation of the Bible.  This seems to be a misapplication of his narrative.  I mention this only to suggest that self-governance and involvement by the people being governed is not a new phenomenon but an ancient one.  Yet, in 2024, many are so repulsed by politics that they wash their hands of responsibility and let the politicians devour our Republic.  Is that God’s plan?

Our founding fathers, including Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Madison, and countless others, believed that the Republic’s hope of survival and longevity was active participation by the people.  Our Republic eagerly sought the involvement and guidance provided by the clergy.  Since politics is a part of life, and what the government does affects our lives, I believe that believers must be informed and, where needed, vocal and active in addressing the dangers and values in governmental edicts and actions.

I am not suggesting that ministers become political activists.  NO!  The primary duty of the clergy is the gospel, but that is the prime duty of all believers, according to Matthew 28 and Mark 16. 

Thomas Jefferson believed that an informed and enlightened electorate was critical to the survival of the Republic. James Madison believed that civic participation was essential and indispensable. He believed an informed citizenry was a safeguard against tyranny. Alexander Hamilton called for active participation by the people and contended that apathy was a threat to the survival of the Republic.  John Adams believed that liberty and duty were intertwined, declaring, “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.”

The Bible teaches that we are our brothers’ keepers, and if we see danger, we are to warn of that danger.  Additionally, the strong are to help the weak, and we are to love one another.  If I bury my head in the sand, ignore the dangers, and insist that those in the church leave the politics to the politicians and erect an impenetrable wall of separation between God and government, is that evidence of love? 

I realize that I am opening myself up to being severely criticized and even judged as a minister who has abandoned his call and become a politician. I hope that is not the view! I believe the Bible literally and care enough about this generation and successive generations that I am willing to be targeted in order to sound the alarm when it needs to be sounded.

Today, the current state of affairs in Washington is screaming for an infusion of citizen activity and citizen oversight of the government.  We need to be aware of what the politicians are doing, planning, and hoping to do.  Freedom comes with an incredibly high price tag and requires our investment to preserve it and pass it on to successive generations.

As a believer, a minister, an American citizen, a Vietnam veteran, and a patriot, I ask that those who pray join me and the thousands, if not millions, like me who are interceding for America and the world.  We have a world to win, and having a Free Republic in America will be beneficial!

God bless you, and God bless America!