The United States was founded on principles deeply rooted in Christian values—individual liberty, personal responsibility, and the belief that rights are endowed by a Creator, not granted by governments. However, as Christian influence wanes in our nation, we are witnessing a troubling erosion of the very freedoms that once defined us. A clear correlation exists between the degree of individual freedoms and rights a nation enjoys and the level of Christian influence within its culture. As the United States drifts from its Christian roots, embracing secularism and the rise of other religious influences, we risk losing the liberties that have made this nation exceptional. It is time to repent as a nation, return to our Christian foundation, and reclaim the virtues that sustain a free society.

The Correlation: Freedom and Christian Influence

Freedom House, a non-partisan organization that assesses global political rights and civil liberties, provides compelling evidence of this correlation. In its 2024 Freedom in the World report, nations classified as “Free” overwhelmingly share a historical or cultural Christian heritage. Countries such as Norway, Sweden, Canada, and Australia—all with significant Christian populations or historical Christian foundations—consistently rank among the freest. Even nations like South Korea and Taiwan, which have seen substantial Christian growth (with South Korea’s Christian population nearing 30% and Taiwan’s Christian minority exerting cultural influence), score highly for political rights and civil liberties. In contrast, nations with minimal Christian influence, such as those dominated by authoritarian regimes or non-Christian state ideologies, often rank as “Not Free” or “Partly Free.”

This is no coincidence. Christianity emphasizes the inherent dignity of the individual, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and the moral responsibility to uphold justice and compassion. These principles foster societies that value freedom, accountability, and the rule of law. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). This biblical call to liberty undergirds the very concept of a free society, where individuals are empowered to govern themselves responsibly.

The Decline of Christian Influence in America

Yet, in the United States, Christian influence is undeniably declining. According to a 2020 Pew Research Center study, the percentage of Americans identifying as Christian has dropped from 77% in 2009 to 65% in 2020. Meanwhile, the religiously unaffiliated (“nones”) have risen to 26%, and other religious groups, including Islam, Hinduism, and others, have grown modestly but steadily. This shift dilutes the cultural dominance of Christian values that once shaped American institutions, laws, and public life.

As Christian influence wanes, we see a corresponding erosion of freedoms. The ever-expanding reach of government—through increasing taxation, regulatory overreach, and policies that encroach on personal liberties—threatens the autonomy of individuals and families. For example, the Tax Foundation notes that the average American now spends over 30% of their income on federal, state, and local taxes, a burden that stifles economic freedom and personal initiative. The recent findings of the Department of Government Efficiency, established to uncover waste and fraud, reveal how government overreach has ballooned beyond its constitutional bounds, further entangling citizens in bureaucratic bondage.

The Biblical Call to Repentance

Scripture warns of the consequences of turning away from God. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God declares, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” This promise, given to Israel, resonates today. The United States, though not a theocratic nation, was built on Judeo-Christian principles that acknowledge God’s sovereignty. When a nation abandons these roots, it risks losing the blessings of liberty and prosperity.

The story of Nineveh in the Book of Jonah serves as a powerful narrative. When Jonah warned the city of impending judgment, the people—from the king to the commoner—repented, fasted, and turned to God. As a result, God spared them (Jonah 3:5-10). America stands at a similar crossroads. National repentance, a collective return to humility, faith, and biblical values, could restore the moral foundation necessary to preserve our freedoms.

The Fragility of a Republic

Benjamin Franklin’s famous quip, “A republic, if you can keep it,” underscores the fragility of self-governance. A free society requires citizens who embody virtues like honesty, compassion, and personal responsibility—qualities rooted in Christian teachings. Jesus Himself emphasized personal accountability, saying, “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Yet, our culture increasingly shirks responsibility, as evidenced by the growth of the welfare state. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 60 million Americans received some form of government assistance in 2023, fostering dependency and undermining the self-reliance that a free republic demands.

Politicians may paint grandiose visions of prosperity and freedom, but no government can instill the moral character necessary to sustain them. History shows that unchecked governments tend toward corruption and tyranny. The Roman Empire’s decline, marked by moral decay and overreach, serves as a cautionary tale. Closer to home, the Department of Government Efficiency’s findings of systemic fraud and waste remind us that human institutions, left unchecked, drift from their purpose.

A Call to Action

The correlation between Christian influence and freedom is clear: nations grounded in biblical principles thrive in liberty, while those that abandon them risk oppression. To preserve our republic, we must heed the call to return to our Christian roots. This begins with personal and communal repentance, a recommitment to the virtues of faith, responsibility, and compassion. As Christians, we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), preserving the moral fabric of our society and shining the truth of God’s Word.

Let us pray for revival, hold our leaders accountable, and cultivate the virtues that sustain a free society. If we fail to act, the erosion of our freedoms will continue, and the vision of a prosperous, healthy, and free America will fade. As Psalm 33:12 declares, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” May we, as a nation, turn back to Him before it is too late.