In recent years many Americans have become distressed by the obvious decline of social and moral values, which is evident in all regions and levels of national life.
Crime has increased, organized gang activity is up, drug abuse is surging, kidnapping incidence is high, and 12 million illegal immigrants have forced their way into American society.
Unprecedented student violence is at record levels, as evidenced at Columbine and Virginia Tech. Abortions and divorces multiply. Even standards of language and dress and common courtesy have descended to depressing lows.
In the fall of 2008, the nation entered a period of precipitous economic decline, admittedly caused by corporate greed, false loan applications, combined with widespread personal dishonesty. Fraudulent housing and credit card misrepresentation have added to the disarray.
Vulgar and profane language, coarse music, body piercing and tattooing signaled the downward spiral. Conduct once reprehensible is now considered by some to be accepted, even exemplary.
Historians and clergy, sociologists and journalists of every stripe, have noted the decline, alleging that the nation is in tragic distress.
Many say that America is no longer a Christian nation, that it has become a pagan (irreligious) society, adrift from its religious foundation.
But I see it otherwise. During more than 400 years of colonial and national history there have indeed been periods of decline and decay. Progress, both material and social, proceeds at uneven and uncertain rates. Revivals and uplifts take place and often recede. I see, even today, the opportunity for recovery.
President Obama glibly notified the Turkish parliament that “the United States is not a Christian nation.”
He surely meant well, possibly seeking to pander to Muslims and to others worldwide. But President Obama misunderstands his people. He is tragically mistaken and lacks a fundamental understanding of American history.
No one challenges the generalities that America is western, democratic, developed, industrial, tolerant, free and civilized. And by a margin higher than 80 percent America is Christian in religious faith.
Jews have been welcomed citizens since the very beginning. Animists, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and a multitude of other religions have been welcomed. Constitutionally and in reality all Americans are free to worship or not to worship, to believe or not believe. And unlike many other nations the United States does not forbid or ban religious faith or practice.
Christian America practices full and unfettered religious freedom for all its citizens and visitors.
Yes, America is a Christian nation, despite the fact that many citizens fall short in faith and practice. Our presidents recite the oath of office with a hand on the Bible, and follow their vows by the pledge, “So Help Me God.” All our monies, both coins and paper, bear the imprint, “In God We Trust.” We pledge allegiance “Under God.” And our national hymns (America, America the Beautiful, God Bless America, and God Bless the USA) all reflect the national faith.
It is vitally important that we retain and practice our national heritage, always bearing in mind a central tenet of the Christian faith, repeatedly expressed in both Old and New Testaments: “Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Robert H. Spiro Jr. of Charlotte was appointed under secretary of the Army by President Carter, and has served as a business foundation executive.