The “culture war” and “social issues” have been put aside during this time of economic upheaval, but let me make a controversial statement: All political issues are moral issues because they deal with what is “good” for mankind. The fight for greater economic liberty, lower taxes, affordable health care and other such things are just as much grounded in morality and a religious view as topics such as fighting against stem-cell research, abortion, and the redefining of marriage. While I would rather save the lives of the unborn than lower taxes, this preference does not mean taxation is not also a moral issue or that higher taxes are not tyrannical. Every political battle is fundamentally a part of the culture war. Understanding that culture is an expression of shared values and beliefs is not only important, but more basic than economics; it is a culture’s moral values that inform its economic policies.
Please do not misunderstand; I am not saying that this country should become a theocracy; there are truths which are clear to all men apart from Scripture and it is those universal truths to which all men are accountable and which provide a common ground for each citizen and political party. This accusation of theocracy has become an old and stale straw-man, much like the race card. God holds us responsible for what we can know through the light of nature, and so we educate ourselves and our children in order to have and keep the blessings of self-governance in light of what is clear about God.
Glenn Beck’s rally reminded me that restoring America will come through a return to a right understanding of God and man. It will not come first and foremost come through winning elections, changing political parties, drawing road maps or proclaiming Republican revolutions. It will come through fighting this spiritual/ideological battle within the culture, which will restore the moral basis for our economic arguments, our personal aspirations, and our ability to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Thank you Glenn Beck for following your heart and showing us all how to be strong, no matter who is elected or how laws change, I promise to never forget this more basic point for which you assembled.