Politics Without God

William Booth “The chief danger that confronts the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, heaven without hell.”

― William Booth

Introduction: This is the ‘hottest’ and most divisive topic that has crept/come into the church community, and it has come with a great vengeance!

‘…in a nation that is becoming increasingly divided politically, the church must set the example of unity, respect, and love in our culture. Our witness to the gospel depends on it’.

THis message is not an endorsement or criticism of any particular party or even topic! This is a message about how important God is in the life of any people / government /nation.

Psalm 33:12, ‘Blessed in the nation whose God is the Lord.’

Proverbs 14:34 – “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.”

Proverbs 14:34 suggests that a nation’s adherence to justice, integrity, and ethical conduct brings it honor, divine favor, and prosperity,

while sin and injustice lead to disgrace and decline.

This concept implies a spiritual law where a nation’s moral character directly influences its success and standing, with leaders playing a crucial role in upholding these righteous standards.

Romans 13:1-2

Jeremiah 29:7

Psalm 96:3

Pledge of Allegiance

The phrase “one nation under God” was added to the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance in 1954 during the Cold War. Its addition was supported by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and was intended to differentiate the U.S. from the “godless” ideology of Soviet communism.

“One nation under God” means the 50 states are unified as a single country that acknowledges a higher power or divine will as its ultimate authority, rather than being solely subject to human rule or law.

The phrase, added to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954, serves to distinguish the U.S. from atheistic communist states and signifies that the nation’s existence and fundamental rights are granted by a Creator. It also calls for unity and a shared moral foundation rooted in this acknowledgment of divine sovereignty.

 Original pledge: The Pledge of Allegiance was first written in 1892 by Baptist minister Francis Bellamy. His original version did not contain any reference to God, reflecting his belief in the separation of church and state.

Cold War motives: In the 1950s, the Cold War sparked a wave of religious revival and patriotism in the U.S..

Has America lost its moral compass? By Tara D. Sonenshine, who writes for THE HILL

‘Writing about morality in 2024 is risky business — especially in less than 800 words. Any subject encompassing religion, belief systems, norms and the titanic struggle between good and evil is inherently fraught’. 

‘But at a time when democracy is under assault, authoritarianism is on the rise, and people are torn apart by conflict, we must ask: Are Americans “good” people? What is “good?” Who sets our moral code’?

Prominent historians and philosophers have argued for centuries about the core moral nature of human beings, from Aristotle’s virtue ethics to Immanuel Kant’s duty-based ethics, and the power of human reasoning in setting a moral compass. You can read Plato’s ethics, or those outlined by David Hume, the brilliant 18th-century philosopher who famously stated that “reason is the slave of the passions.” 

Has America lost its moral compass?  

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) argued that the supreme principle of morality is a principle of practical rationality that he dubbed the “Categorical Imperative” (CI). Kant characterized the CI as an objective, rationally necessary and unconditional principle that we must follow despite any natural desires we may have to the contrary.

Statement for Position: For us as Christians, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Bible must be the ‘unconditional principle’ that we must follow despite any natural desires we may have to the contrary!’

Christian vs. Secularism = is a political philosophy that advocates for and operates on humanistic values rather than divine command.

Core principles for a healthy nation:

1. Justice and righteousness: The Bible states that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people” (Proverbs 14:34). This value calls for a nation to uphold justice and fairness for all its citizens, particularly the poor and needy.

2. Dignity of every person: Stemming from the idea that all human beings are created Imago Dei (in the image of God), this value asserts that every individual has innate worth and dignity.

3. Mercy and compassion: Biblical teaching emphasizes showing compassion and mercy, especially toward those in need.

4. Care for the vulnerable: This value highlights the importance of defending the rights of the poor, the orphaned, and the marginalized.

• Accountable leadership: In both the Old and New Testaments, leaders are portrayed as accountable to a higher standard. They are expected to serve their constituents and govern righteously. The Bible also teaches that leaders are established by God and should be prayed for.

The rule of law: The idea that a nation’s government should be based on a foundational set of laws is a biblical concept. This ensures that power is limited and all citizens are subject to the same standards.

5. Humility and reliance on God: Some interpretations of biblical principles suggest that a nation should not rely solely on its own strength. Instead, it should humbly seek guidance from God.

Americans diverge on where they find their moral compass, with differences appearing along generational and political lines.

Diverse sources: A 2022 YouGov poll found that over a third (37%) of Americans believe morality comes from a person’s conscience, followed by God or a higher power (27%), society (16%), and science and reason (9%).

• Generational differences: Younger Americans are less likely to cite God and more likely to cite science and reason than older Americans.

• Erosion of religious influence: Though religion has historically been a key moral source, its importance has diminished. A 2025 Pew Research Center report found that Americans were less likely to cite religious beliefs as an important moral guide than “practical experience and common sense” or “logic and reason”.

Sources of moral guidance

Americans diverge on where they find their moral compass, with differences appearing along generational and political lines.

Diverse sources: A 2022 YouGov poll found that over a third (37%) of Americans believe morality comes from a person’s conscience, followed by God or a higher power (27%), society (16%), and science and reason (9%).

Shifting social issues

While general pessimism about morality persists, attitudes toward specific issues are becoming more liberal, especially concerning sex and marriage.

Today’s Political

Conservative – Conservatism generally favors the preservation of established institutions, norms, and traditions.

Progressive – While often used interchangeably with “liberal” today, progressivism is a distinct and often more reform-oriented ideology.

Liberal – Liberalism is a broad ideology with a history of adapting to different contexts. In the American context, its meaning has evolved.

Question/Conclusion: Pastor, so where as a Pastor, do you believe we as Christians should stand?

1. That which is in keeping with sound biblical truths!

MH – Need to be connected / convicted with God and His Word more than being distracted / fooled by ‘wordly / popular’ positions.

2. Not what changes to suit us. 2 Peter 1:20