Despite living in this world, we are not of it, as Jesus Christ declared that our kingdom is not of this world. It is not our time to fight or take sides, even though political conflicts in our nations increasingly impact us negatively, with promises of worsening conditions. Holding back will be challenging, but we must maintain our understanding that we are followers of Jesus Christ and not of this world.

Southern Christianity, with its conservative and traditionalist bent, poses a risk of fostering bigotry that could lead to severe social consequences. Under the influence of conservative Southern Christians turned bigots, a forced ejection of various groups, including those under God's protection, is quite within the realm of possibility. Such actions, driven by a misguided attempt to cleanse the land of perceived false religions, stand in stark contrast to the diversity championed by liberals. This potential for religious persecution and social fragmentation could contribute significantly to the decline of America, as large numbers of people might flee for safety from such oppressive measures.

America, founded on a vast tolerance toward others, has often grappled with the undercurrents of intolerance that challenge its cultural liberality. While many citizens adopt a live-and-let-live approach, accepting neighbors' behaviors as long as personal peace is undisturbed, there are influential circles that exhibit stark intolerance. These groups, often identifying as progressive, are driven to impose their views, unable to allow differing opinions to coexist. They are motivated to rescue others from perceived ignorance, using any means, including deceit and legal action, to enforce their will. This intolerance, particularly against Christianity and its beliefs, has been growing for decades. It begins with subtle feelings of disdain but escalates to a point where opposing views must be eradicated or forcibly aligned with their own. Such dynamics are the seeds of persecution, historically evident in both religious and political spheres, where the intensity of intolerance has led to ruthless actions to achieve desired ends. As Henry A. Wallace, vice president under Franklin Delano Roosevelt, noted, a fascist combines a lust for power with such intense intolerance toward others—be it of different races, parties, classes, religions, cultures, regions, or nations—that they become ruthless in using deceit or violence to attain their goals.

In a world seething with animosities, bigotry stands as a destructive force that deepens divisions and fuels strife. It is not the way of heavenly wisdom, which is peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield, calming rather than driving wedges of separation deeper. Bigotry, rooted in pride and anger, often serves as a root cause of contention, breaking the peace among individuals and groups. As Christians, we are called to guard against such attitudes, ensuring our conduct does not provide just cause for complaint and striving to live peaceably with all men as much as depends on us. By rejecting bigotry and embracing humility, meekness, and patience, we work to soothe, heal, and unify, reflecting the nature of God in our lives.