Have you ever thought of your faith as a threat to other communities or nations? I know I haven't, but I've also been a Christian since I was in the womb. Is this something that those living in the U.S. and beyond need to become more aware of?
In recent news, American actor, author, evangelist, and producer Kirk Cameron brings up this very point. Making a controversial TikTok video that's gone viral, Cameron explains that President Trump is sending the National Guard to stop violent crime, protect federal agents, and defend cities that seem out of control. This might also include an invocation of the Insurrection Act.
The Insurrection Act, in case you're unfamiliar, is a law from 1807 that allows the current president to deploy the military in the United States. According to PBS, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that " he is 'allowed' to use it if courts deny his efforts to send the National Guard to U.S. cities.
The concern with this action isn't the abuse or overuse of power, but the fear that if this insurrection is used for everyday unrest, what happens when the next president decides that you are a threat? "What if a future president, a far-left president, declares Christians, homeschoolers, and conservative voices are domestic extremists?" asks Cameron.
When power promises protection, how can believers stay vigilant to ensure that freedom of faith and conscience aren't quietly surrendered in the name of safety?
@kirkcameron.official Here's exactly why this move by Trump could harm people on both sides of the aisle.
♬ original sound - Kirk Cameron
What's Truly at Stake
While I don't believe Cameron meant to cause any strife, his questions have many Christians concerned. And rightly so. The Insurrection Act of 1807 is an emergency power allowing the president to deploy the military domestically during civil unrest. President Thomas Jefferson originally invoked this act in 1807, and it was most recently used in 1992 when massive riots broke out in LA over the acquittal of police officers beating a black man (Rodney King). At the time, President George Bush sent in active-duty members of the Marines and the Army to help settle the dispute.
The U.S. government has typically worked to limit the use of military forces on American soil. Since returning to the office, however, Trump has declared his authority by "declaring national emergencies, which gives the president access to powers and resources that are normally restricted" (BBC). Cameron's concern that a future president may declare Christians as domestic extremists isn't just fear or paranoia, but a cautionary reminder of how unchecked power can shift targets over time.
As Cameron adds: "Would we have any moral ground left to stand on when those powers are turned on us?”
Historical Echo: Pastor Martin Niemöllers's Warning
In the late 1930's Pastor Martin Niemöller was known as a German theologian and Lutheran pastor who boldly opposed the Nazi regime. He was sent to a concentration camp for his affiliation with the Confessing Church, but did not die until 1984 at the age of 92.
The crazy thing about Niemöllers story is that he was initially an antisemitic Nazi supporter. It was not until his imprisonment in a concentration camp that his views changed. The words of his poem, "First They Came," have never left me:
"First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me."
There are scary yet striking similarities between the Holocaust, Niemöller's words, and our present-day violence. As Christians, we're reminded that silence in moments of great moral testing can actually allow injustice to grow unchecked. Cameron's call mentioned above is thus a call to action: Christians shouldn't wait until the threat hits home to care about how power is used. My question is, how close to home will these events have to hit before you take action?
Power, Faith and Fear
In Scripture, it's clear that we're to respect our government and its officials, but also give to God what is His (Romans 13). Earthly authorities have a purpose, but God's sovereignty reigns over it all. Micah 6:8 highlights a call to all believers regardless of political affiliation or status: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (NIV).
Matthew 10:28 also reminds us not to fear those who can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. "Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (NIV). Time and time again, Jesus used truth, not tyranny, to bring peace. His Kingdom highly contrasts with that of worldly control.
But when leaders justify control in the name of safety, how can we discern righteous authority from moral compromise? Fear is often a motivator, but fear often leads societies to trade liberty for perceived peace. I won't pretend to know the answers to this situation. I've barely skimmed the surface. But I do know that our nation needs to humbly come before our Lord and God in prayer.
How Christians Can Practically Respond
As we pray, let us seek to stay informed. Friends, ask God to help us remain faithful, wise, and courageous in the face of change and chaos. Understand that laws like the Insurrection Act can be used, but we can also grow in knowledge and understanding.
Second, speak out and speak early. We can advocate for justice, even and especially when it doesn't directly affect our groups. Remember Paul and Silas in prison? People were praying for them all over. We're called to do the same for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Third, remember to pray for your leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 reminds us to pray for wisdom, restraint, and righteousness in wielding authority. Psalms and Proverbs tell us not to make decisions rashly or too quickly. Model peace in your relationships with those around you, and resist fear-driven tactics by possessing a calm, truth-filled perspective that comes from resting in the Lord.
Finally, remember your ultimate allegiance. We will bow down to Christ's kingdom in the end. While we're called to respect our political powers and authorities in the here and now, we can also take a stand for what's right, truthfully and respectfully.
World events will continue to press upon our world, but stand firm. When fear tempts us to cling to control, we can trust that the light of Christ is stronger than the world's chaos. Examine your heart today, and ask yourself: Am I relying on political forces to do what only God can do?
A Prayer for True Peace
Dear God,
In the face of Insurrection Acts and violence, please help us remember that true peace is found in you. We may want to cling to power or control, but your presence is enough. Please give us discernment and patience in times of fear and courage to stand up for the truth, even when it's hard or doesn't make sense. Use your light within us to drive out the darkness, and help us speak peace to a world desperately in need of your love. In Jesus' Name we pray.
Amen.
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