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“Freedom of religion is written into our nation’s Constitution, and I certainly hope and pray this never changes,” shared Franklin Graham, recalling his late father’s words.
Billy Graham once remarked that communism was the political ideology of the devil. A patriot at heart, Graham even sought to volunteer and fight during World War II. He was ultimately encouraged to remain at home and share the Gospel, being told that he would be needed in the States more than he realized.
It is true that Christians should seek peace and avoid war at all costs, yet history has proven that the adversaries of not only the United States but also the faith of Christianity have different plans.
The Founders were undoubtedly more isolationist or neutral in their outlook, especially after the victory over Great Britain. Yet, the formation of the U.S. Constitution and the freedom it bestowed were at the center of American democracy and have not only been tested but also often been labeled a direct threat by the nation’s enemies.
While not a perfect nation, and not as Christian in identity as in the past, one might ask, is freedom of religion still prevalent in the United States? Can Christians live freely and practice their faith? The answers to both questions are yes, and that alone lies at the center of why foreign policy matters.
Surely, Christians exist across the world, even in communist China. Yet the dominant force of religion in China is not Christianity, and communism has shown Christianity is a fearful enemy, as even penned by Marx himself.
Today, nearly one in seven Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution for their faith. In 2025 alone, thousands of believers were martyred in Nigeria, and the rise of digital authoritarianism in China is being used to track and silence underground house churches. If America retreats, who stands for them?
Revolutions throughout history, often centered on freedom, and freedom is at the heart of Christianity, founded by Jesus Christ.
Today, one cannot go a day without international news threatening the makeup of American democracy, from the constant war in Ukraine to the mass killings of Iranians to the talks of acquiring Greenland. From the strategic necessity of the Arctic to the brutal suppression of freedom-seekers in Iran, every move on the global stage affects the security of the American home. America cannot be complacent in foreign policy; a repeat of World War II is inevitable if we ignore the rising tide of global instability.
The very precepts of Christianity deny neutralism, as the realization of sin and darkness proves that while peace is desired, it will not occur in a fallen world.
This does not mean America is a Christian nation; yet, for the time being, it is the nation that upholds freedom of religion and allows Protestants and Catholics to not only share their faith but also live it freely.
Of course, there are other predominantly Christian nations across the world, particularly in Africa and South America. Yet their military strength is not comparable to that of the United States.
From Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama to the current President Donald Trump, the rise of dark forces in modern times, building in direct opposition to the United States, has been a common theme. Previous presidents such as Truman, Kennedy, and Reagan understood this reality as well.
It was Bush who coined the term axis of evil in his generation, echoing Churchill during WWII, naming nations such as North Korea and Iran. Obama likewise shared concerns over North Korea, while Donald Trump has recognized the seriousness of threats posed by nations such as Iran, Russia, and China.
Simply put, while Americans enjoy the liberty to complain about foreign policy initiatives and even military intervention, the enemies of the United States continue to develop plans not only to surpass America economically, but also to compete in science and arms races.
Christians, like all Americans, should care deeply about foreign policy because of what is at stake. This week, President Trump reminded his European counterparts that they would be speaking German, or perhaps Japanese, had it not been for the United States in World War II. That same principle still stands today. The threats facing America are too great to ignore the realities of evil and the growing tensions directed against the United States.
Americans should certainly not seek war. However, complacency, ignoring the growing threats not only to our livelihoods but to the free world, is too dangerous to justify folding our hands and looking the other way. Thankfully, President Trump understands this reality and the seriousness of national protection.