IF YOU CAN KEEP IT

God blesses America, the author contends.

Admitting that “the idea that God had chosen this nation for great things does not sit comfortably with modern sensibilities,” Metaxas (Lecturer at Large/The King’s Coll.; Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness, 2015, etc.) nevertheless makes a faith-based argument for American exceptionalism. He believes that the Founding Fathers incorporated into the Constitution the Golden Triangle of Freedom: “freedom requires virtue; virtue requires faith; and faith requires freedom,” an idea articulated by British social critic Os Guiness. Metaxas exhorts Americans today to revitalize freedom by behaving virtuously, insisting on virtuous leaders, and recognizing the significance of Judeo-Christian religion in the nation’s identity and destiny. “There are certain populations in Europe whose unbelief is only equaled by their ignorance and debasement,” writes the author, “while in America, one of the freest and most enlightened nations in the world, the people fulfill with fervor all the outward duties of religion.” Metaxas is convinced that God has played “a central role” in America’s history.” “What we have are gifts from God,” he writes, “intended for us to steward in such a way as to bless as many people as possible.” Americans, therefore, must take up God’s mission to share democratic ideals with the whole world. Among the historic events that he believes God influenced was the writing of the Constitution, in which the Fathers conceded, “the finger of the Almighty might indeed have been involved.” Acknowledging that the nation has not always acted virtuously, the author encourages citizens to celebrate love of country through the arts (he cites the movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington as both critical and inspiring); rituals (celebrating Flag Day); and memorizing poetry, such as “Paul Revere’s Ride.”

A controversial view of America’s past and future that will appeal to Christian readers.