OUR EXPORT IMBALANCE:

American Moralism: Why the World Needs More of It (BreakPoint with Charles Colson, August 20, 2004)

This election year, Christians can expect to be criticized for injecting moral values into American public life—of being moralists. This derisive term often puts Christians on the defensive and causes them to be apologetic for their convictions.

I have a better idea: Instead of being defensive, we ought to say, “You’re doggone right I’m a moralist.” And our fellow citizens ought to be glad that we are. That moralistic streak is why people all over the world look to America for leadership. It’s why America is different.

The impact of this moralistic streak, and the morally based public life it produces, can be seen in events all around the world. This attempt right now to bring democracy and freedom to the Middle East isn’t only about national security. It stems from the moral conviction that tyranny and despotism are bad and democracy is good.

The only reason we care about the freedom of people thousands of miles away is our moralism and commitment to universal moral principles. Our concern for human rights is a product of America’s Christian heritage. We refuse to sit idly by while the human rights of others are trampled.

Our moralism is why America, spurred on by its Christian citizens, works to combat the AIDS epidemic in Africa. It’s why we are trying to eliminate scourges such as the international sex trade. Neither of these directly affect most Americans, but our moralism won’t let us ignore the problem.

America and Britain generally enjoy good relations but the especially tight embrace right now is surely a function of the moralism of the two leaders.

Posted by Orrin Judd at August 20, 2004 1:14 PM