One major issue driving today’s deep political divide in the United States is that trust in government and each other is at an all-time low. A recent study by the Pew Research Center highlights that 65% of Americans feel exhausted thinking about politics, and 55% feel angry. This lack of trust and negative sentiment towards politics has led to a sense of hopelessness and frustration. The current societal divisiveness and hatred across cultures are being fueled by political polarization, economic inequality, incivility, and a lack of trust in institutions. Addressing these issues requires a re-focus on shared values, increased connections, and efforts to bridge divides. To truly understand humanity, we must go back to the very act of creation, when God granted us free will.
The concept of free will is deeply intertwined with the human need for freedom from external control, as both ideas relate to the fundamental need for autonomy. Humanity has a traditional definition of free will as the ability to choose between different possible courses of action. For your will to be “free,” it must not only be free from God’s control but also unconstrained by worldly forces. You must exist in a world where you can be the author of your choices. For your choice to be truly free, no one should be able to control your actions. The need to be free of control is the social and political expression of that fundamental requirement for unconstrained choice. History would call this “Freedom.”
Freedom, by its nature, is unpredictable. When others are free to make choices that deviate from established norms, it can threaten the sense of safety and stability for those who prefer routine and fixed rules. This anxiety can lead people to choose security and authority over the uncertainty that comes with broad freedom, for themselves and others. The free expression and diverse lifestyles of society challenge these fixed structures, creating discomfort and a feeling of chaos. The freedoms gained by others can be perceived as a loss of status, power, or privilege by those who have not achieved them. One group’s freedoms can feel like a threat to others who have chosen differently. Those in power (governments, media, special interest groups) often exploit the public’s inherent anxieties about change and uncertainty.
How, then, does society emphasize justice, compassion, and challenge unjust social controls? How do they advocate for the oppressed and uphold the principles of fairness and righteousness? The answers will not come from the government, the media, or other worldly sources. The answers lie in the history supplied to us from our very Creator. We call this the “Word of God.” The Bible addresses societal risks and the importance of maintaining justice, compassion, and righteousness. Here are some notable examples:
- The Prophets’ Warnings: Many Old Testament prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos, spoke out against social injustices and the corrupt practices of their times. They warned the people and their leaders about the consequences of exploiting the poor, perverting justice, and neglecting the vulnerable. (See Lostpine’s series on the Prophets)
- Jesus and the Pharisees: In the New Testament, Jesus often criticized the Pharisees and other religious leaders for their hypocritical practices and for imposing burdensome rules on the people. He emphasized the importance of mercy, justice, and faithfulness over rigid adherence to man-made traditions. (Matthew 23:23)1NIV New International Version Translations
- The Parable of the Good Samaritan: This parable, found in the Gospel of Luke, teaches the importance of showing compassion and helping those in need, regardless of social boundaries or prejudices. It challenges the social norms of the time and calls for a broader understanding of neighborly love. (Luke 10:25-37)
God’s Word emphasizes justice, compassion, and the need to challenge unjust social controls. God encourages His believers to advocate for the oppressed and to uphold the principles of fairness and righteousness. To accomplish this, we must have a moral society that is grounded in God. Free will without a belief system is just another worldly form of chaos. John Adams, the second President of the United States, believed that religion and morality were essential pillars of our republic’s success.2https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102 He stated:
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other”. ~ John Adams
Adams and many of his contemporaries believed that a moral and virtuous citizenry was necessary for the republic to thrive and that religious principles played a crucial role in maintaining that morality. Today, an entrenched bureaucracy within our government, a biased media, broken educational systems, and special interest groups are exploiting the public’s inherent anxieties about change and uncertainty. By framing the freedoms of a minority or opposing group as a danger, they can gain political support and justify restrictions on civil liberties. They can even justify violence and even assassinations! When fear of others’ freedoms is amplified through propaganda, it reinforces an in-group/out-group dynamic, making it easier to dehumanize or mistrust anyone with a differing opinion. Fear, then, becomes less about freedom itself and more about the perceived consequences of that freedom. It becomes about the loss of personal or group status, which causes social chaos and eventually leads to moral decline.
In conclusion, our exploration of the Bible’s teachings on societal risks and the role of morality reveals the importance of justice, compassion, and righteousness. The Scriptures emphasize that authentic leadership and societal stability are rooted in adherence to God’s principles. From the warnings of the prophets to the teachings of Jesus, we see a consistent call to challenge unjust systems and advocate for the oppressed. As we also reflect on the wisdom of our founding fathers, notably John Adams, it becomes clear that a moral and religious foundation is essential for the prosperity of any nation. Let’s keep these values close—not just in theory, but in how we treat each other every day. When we choose dignity, compassion, and fairness, we help build a community where everyone matters. And as life throws its curveballs, leaning on our faith and staying committed to what’s right can really help us find our way to peaceful coexistence.
Contemplations
- Think about how the teachings of the prophets in the Old Testament relate to modern-day social justice movements.
- Ideas to Explore: Consider the parallels between the prophets’ calls for justice and the goals of contemporary social justice movements. How can the principles of compassion, fairness, and advocacy for the oppressed be applied today?
- In what ways does the parable of the Good Samaritan challenge our understanding of who our ‘neighbor’ is?
- Ideas to Explore: Think about the social and cultural boundaries that the parable breaks down. How does teaching encourage us to extend compassion and help to those outside our immediate community or comfort zone?
- How does John Adams’ belief in the necessity of a moral and religious foundation for a successful republic apply to current societal challenges?
- Ideas to Explore: Reflect on the role of morality and religious principles in addressing issues such as corruption, inequality, and social unrest. Consider how these values can guide both personal conduct and public policy. What can you do to have a positive impact?
- 1NIV New International Version Translations
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