A recent statement from our president while in Turkey about our nation not being Christian is very disappointing. He said, "Although we have a very large Christian population, we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation."
According to recent polls, at least 62 percent of Americans consider ours to be a Christian nation, and, we may not like a Christian nation, but 76 percent of Americans consider themselves Christians.
Our president, beginning with George Washington, through Reagan, and through the two George Bushes, stated openly their faith in Jesus Christ. Would that we could hear such a declaration of faith in Jesus from President Obama. We need such a forthright and bold witness of Christian faith from him. Unless he cannot do so.
We must admit that for a score or more of years the open sharing of Christian faith had diminished in homes and public assemblies, on the street or eating places. Some months ago I shared that Rev. Martin Niemoller of Germany in Hitler's time admitted that the lack of Christian conversation in Germany made the rise of Hitler there possible.
Fellow Christians, the practical speaking of Christian faith and living it is needed today without fear and embarrassment, if we are really Christian, in obedience to our Lord.
This must replace the rudeness and violence which has increased in our cities and towns. And we might add, also in our families: both parents and children. Homes are disintegrating. This paper reported last Thursday that married couples, man and wife, are fewer than half in our nation. The dignity in the federal and state government offices is forgotten in partisan squabbling. There seems to be contagion of savagery in most ares of our country's life.
Let us pray that more evidence of our Christian commitment will become evident from all of us who call ourselves Christian, and from our president.
