Faith, Life and Citizenship
“Once apolitical by duty, now engaged by faith and conscience.”
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| Transition from Soldier to Civilian |
For me, it has taken three years to become comfortable enough to express my opinions—especially political ones. My beliefs have not changed. Let me be clear: I am politically conservative and conservative in my understanding of Scripture. I am not fully satisfied with either political party, but the Republican agenda aligns more closely with my convictions.
Nothing has changed regarding what I believe—only my ability to speak openly from a biblical worldview.
Some have expressed surprise at my conservative views, or that I would express them at all. Others have voiced concern that I might isolate people I’ve known for years, subtly suggesting I should remain apolitical out of fear of division or because of my role as a minister. My hope is that the relationships I’ve built over decades—inside and outside the Army, across political and religious lines—are strong enough to allow honest conversation and, at times, agreement to disagree.
I am not likely to convince someone who believes differently to see things exactly as I do. Yet as a Christian—and especially as a minister, chaplain, or whatever title one chooses to give me—I have a responsibility to speak truth. I believe I will be held accountable before God not only for what I say, but also for what I fail to say when I should.
Outside of God’s mandate to share the Gospel, I also believe that after serving nearly four decades in uniform, I have earned the right to express my views.
Early in my career, a senior chaplain required us to read Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein. Like many of you, I initially assumed it would be a deeply spiritual book. This chaplain had it underlined and tabbed more than most people mark their Bibles—and yes, we had to take a test afterward.
I actually found the book compelling and enjoyable. One quote became a guiding principle for much of my career:
“Soldier, shut up and soldier!”
There are Soldiers today who could benefit from that lesson. It might even save their lives.
Heinlein also wrote something that struck me deeply:
“Only those who have served in the military become full citizens.”
Even in a novel, that statement raises an important question: why would someone write that? To me, it speaks to the willingness of some to place their lives on the line for something greater than themselves. Perhaps as a nation we should listen more to those who have served than to millionaire musicians or Hollywood elites—many of whom would cave under the slightest pressure.
What has defined my life longer and more deeply than the military is my relationship with Jesus. I was born to a pastor and his wife. At five years old, I surrendered my life to Christ. I have been in church for 58 years, a Christian for 53 years, and a minister for 35 of those years—30 as an Army Chaplain.
Because of this, my faith defines my life. My life does not define my faith. I do not compartmentalize belief. I view every aspect of life—including politics—through a scriptural lens.
Having served nearly four decades in uniform, my duty required political silence, and I honored that duty. Retirement did not change my faith; it changed my role. I do not believe the state should enforce Christianity, nor do I confuse the Kingdom of God with any nation or political party.
The First Amendment states:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
While our nation was undeniably influenced by Christian principles, government-mandated faith would ultimately destroy religious freedom. History proves that enforced belief—whether atheistic or religious—leads to oppression.
Thomas Jefferson’s reference to a “wall of separation” was intended to protect the church from the state, not to remove personal conviction from public service. A politician’s faith should shape their conscience, and their conscience should inform their decisions. When convictions are abandoned for popularity, integrity is lost.
My engagement as a citizen is guided by conscience shaped by Scripture—not by a desire for power or control. Speaking as a Christian in the public square is not Christian nationalism; it is faith-informed citizenship in a free society. I seek persuasion, not coercion; witness, not dominance; and fidelity to Christ above allegiance to any earthly system.
I have been accused of Christian nationalism simply because my faith informs my politics. If loving my country and allowing my faith to shape every area of my life earns that label, then the misunderstanding lies with the label—not with me. I am not a patriot who happens to be a Christian; I am a Christian who is a patriot.
What Christian Nationalism Is—and Is Not
Christian nationalism typically includes beliefs such as:
The nation was founded exclusively as a Christian nation
Government should favor or enforce Christianity
National laws should enforce a specific religious framework
Citizenship is tied to religious identity
Church and state should function as a unified authority
At its core, Christian nationalism is about power and identity, not faith.
The theological concern is this:
Christian nationalism shifts trust from the Kingdom of God to the power of the state.
Christian faith teaches:
God’s Kingdom is not tied to any nation (John 18:36)
The Gospel advances through witness, not coercion
Faith requires freedom of conscience
Christian nationalism is not:
Voting according to faith-informed convictions
Advocating moral values publicly
Acknowledging Christianity’s role in Western history
Praying for the nation
Speaking openly about faith after service
Exercising citizenship guided by Scripture
A Christian engaging politics ≠ Christian nationalism.
My hope is that this helps other believers navigate their own civic engagement. And when I engage those who disagree with me, my prayer is not simply that minds are changed—but that hearts are touched by the message of Jesus.
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