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A Landmark Executive Order Restoring Religious Liberty and Ending Government Persecution
The recent Executive Order on Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias, (please read that, it is comprehensive!) issued by President Trump, stands as a crucial defense of religious liberty in the United States. Rooted in the First Amendment, which guarantees the free exercise of religion, this order reaffirms the nation’s foundational principle that faith must be protected from government overreach and hostility. For Christians, this is not merely a policy shift; it is a reaffirmation of biblical truth and justice, ensuring that believers may worship and live out their faith without fear of persecution.
The Constitutional Foundation of Religious Liberty
The US Constitution enshrines religious liberty as a fundamental right. The First Amendment states:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
This foundational principle is further reinforced by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, which prohibits the federal government from substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion unless there is a compelling governmental interest pursued in the least restrictive manner. Additionally, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals from religious discrimination in employment, underscoring the nation’s legal commitment to faith-based protections.
Yet, as highlighted in the executive order, government institutions under previous administrations have weaponized their power against Christians, selectively enforcing laws in ways that disadvantage those who uphold biblical values. Such government actions contradict the biblical principle of justice, which calls for equal treatment under the law:
“You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:15)
Addressing Government Hostility Toward Christianity
The executive order identifies numerous instances where Christians have been unfairly targeted:
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Pro-Life Persecution – Peaceful pro-life Christians, including clergy and elderly individuals, were criminally prosecuted for praying outside abortion facilities. In contrast, violent attacks against pro-life centers and churches were largely ignored by federal law enforcement.
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Governmental Discrimination – The FBI labeled traditional Catholic groups as domestic terrorist threats, while the Department of Education, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Department of Health and Human Services sought to impose policies contradicting Christian beliefs.
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Defiling of Christian Holy Days – The Biden Administration proclaimed March 31, 2024—Easter Sunday—as “Transgender Day of Visibility.” Such an act stands in stark contrast to the reverence due to the day commemorating Christ’s resurrection, an essential tenet of the Christian faith.
These actions mirror what Isaiah 5:20 warns against:
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
A Biblical Mandate for Action
President Trump’s executive order establishes the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, ensuring that federal agencies identify and eliminate policies that discriminate against Christians. This initiative aligns with the biblical mandate to uphold justice and defend the oppressed:
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” (Psalm 82:3)
The Task Force’s functions include:
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Reviewing past anti-Christian policies and recommending their revocation.
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Investigating and addressing government failures in prosecuting anti-Christian crimes.
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Protecting the rights of faith-based organizations.
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Recommending legal and legislative remedies to safeguard religious freedom.
Christian Witness in a Hostile Culture
Christians are called to stand firm in faith, regardless of cultural or governmental pressures. As 2 Timothy 3:12 states:
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
While persecution is expected, Christians are also called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing society with truth and righteousness. This executive order provides an opportunity for believers to reclaim their voice in the public square and resist unjust oppression.
Conclusion
This executive order is a vital step toward restoring constitutional fidelity and upholding biblical principles in governance. It affirms that the government must not be weaponized against faith, a principle deeply rooted in both Scripture and the American founding ideals. As Christians, we must continue to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), advocate for justice, and remain steadfast in the face of opposition.
In an age where hostility toward Christianity is rising, this order serves as a reminder that God is sovereign and that the battle belongs to Him (2 Chronicles 20:15). Let us remain faithful, standing firm in our convictions while advancing His kingdom through truth and righteousness.
