#71 Identity Politics | Executive Power

Dr. Stephen Phinney: In recent years, America has witnessed a growing cultural shift marked by a decline in respect for Presidential authority across various aspects of society.

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Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution establishes the executive branch, vesting its power in the President of the United States.

It outlines the President's four-year term, the process of electing the President and Vice President through the Electoral College, and the qualifications required to hold office. Additionally, it specifies the procedure for handling presidential vacancies and affirms the President's oath of office.

Romans 13:7 speaks on respecting authority, emphasizing submission to governing authorities as they are instituted by God. It teaches that resisting authority is resisting God's order and encourages honoring leaders, paying dues, and maintaining a respectful attitude.

LOST RESPECT FOR GOVERNING AUTHORITY

In recent years, America has witnessed a growing cultural shift marked by a decline in respect for Presidential authority across various aspects of society. From public discourse to interpersonal relationships, the erosion of civility has led to increased polarization, diminished trust, and a weakening of traditional Biblical values that once functioned as a glue for unity. Depraved factors such as social media, political division, and generational differences have contributed to this movement, making it next to impossible to engage in constructive dialogue and mutual understanding. As respect continues to wane, the need for intentional efforts to restore Biblical authoritative respect becomes more urgent.

When Biblical respect for God, country, and the Holy Word erodes, the foundational principles that uphold a just and moral society begin to crumble. Without reverence for divine truth, the “In God We Trust,” the integrity of leadership weakens, and governance loses its anchor in righteousness, thus dissolving its ability to maintain proper power. History has shown that when nations turn away from spiritual wisdom, corruption rises, unity fractures, and governmental structures implode under the weight of self-interest and moral decay. A nation’s strength depends on its adherence to truth, justice, and the values that sustain order and accountability.

What happened to America and its respect for Biblical authority?

Sadly, I blame the pastors of local churches! The loss of respect for authority has been deeply impacted by the moral failures of church leaders, as pastors who once served as pillars of spiritual guidance have, at times, succumbed to immorality. When those entrusted with teaching biblical truth stray from righteousness, it shakes the foundation of trust within congregations and communities. This decline in integrity has contributed to a broader cultural skepticism toward leadership, particularly those who have authority over us, reinforcing the idea that authority figures—whether spiritual or governmental—are no longer worthy of honor. As respect weakens, division grows, leaving society in desperate need of restoration through true, unwavering leadership grounded in faith and accountability.

Secondly, I blame irresponsible parents! When parents fail to instill the Biblical principle of honoring authority—whether reasonable or not—they risk raising children who lack respect for structure and accountability. This absence of guidance can lead to a disregard for rules, a breakdown in societal order, and an inability to navigate relationships with humility and understanding. Teaching respect for authority is not about blind obedience but advancing a sense of responsibility and integrity that equips children to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Children grow up!

Disrespectful children often grow into adults who harbor resentment and hostility toward governing authority, as their lack of foundational respect establishes a mindset of defiance and cynicism. They frequently struggle to engage constructively with societal structures without the guidance to honor authority, even when imperfect, leading to divisive attitudes and a rejection of accountability. This cycle of disrespect undermines the potential for Biblical unity and progress within communities and nations.

A GENERATION OF HATE

The growing norm of questioning authority, particularly the President of the United States, reflects a cultural shift toward skepticism and individualism. While healthy accountability is essential in a democracy, the erosion of respect for leadership risks hateful division and undermining governance stability. This trend highlights the need for balanced discourse that holds leaders accountable while maintaining the dignity and unity necessary for a functioning society.

The Founding Fathers established Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution to ensure respect for leadership and proper accountability in governance. By vesting executive power in a single President, they sought to create a strong yet balanced system where authority was exercised with responsibility and oversight. The Electoral College and oath of office provisions were designed to uphold integrity, ensuring that the President serves the people with honor and adherence to constitutional principles. This framework reflects their vision of a government rooted in respect, duty, and the rule of law - as well as honoring the written Word.

Before taking office, a President must pledge this oath:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Here is the irony. The Oath of Allegiance for the U.S. naturalization process, where immigrants pledge their loyalty to the United States before becoming citizens. The oath states:

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

When respect for proper law erodes, the integrity of the Oath of Allegiance is diminished, turning a solemn commitment into mere words without conviction. The oath is meant to signify loyalty to the Constitution and the principles that uphold justice, but when individuals disregard lawful authority, the foundation of citizenship weakens - resulting in Civil Wars. Without adherence to the rule of law, the very values that bind a nation together falter, leading to division, instability, and a loss of collective Biblical and governing accountability.

What if?

Imagine that before getting your tax benefits, all existing American citizens had to recite the Oath of Allegiance. Ridiculous, you might think! In reality, that idea is not too far-fetched. Since America has unraveled at the seams, and less than 10% are pure American patriots, this ridiculous idea might be the solution to separate the goats from the sheep when it comes to One Nation Under God.

When a nation abandons the Biblical principles of honoring and respecting governing authority, it risks falling into a system where obedience is no longer a choice, but a demand. True freedom thrives in a society where respect for leadership is rooted in righteousness, accountability, and a shared commitment to uphold justice. Without this foundation, chaos gives way to control, and the nation may find itself under a governance that enforces submission rather than fostering unity through faith and wisdom. America must return to the values that sustain both liberty and order, lest it be handed over to rulers who seize authority without the people’s consent.

1 John 2:18 – "Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore, we know that it is the last hour."

So, what is a responsible believer to do?

In a world where authority can often be flawed or even dishonorable, believers are called to rise above personal grievances and embrace the biblical principle of honoring leadership. Scripture does not command respect only when it is convenient or when rulers are righteous—it calls for obedience and reverence because authority is established by God Himself.

This is not about blind submission or endorsing wrongdoing; it is about demonstrating unwavering faith that God’s sovereignty surpasses human failures. When believers choose honor over rebellion, they reflect the character of Christ, who submitted even unto death for the sake of divine purpose.

The challenge is clear: return to the foundational truth of respecting authority, not because earthly rulers are perfect, but because honoring leadership is an act of faith, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. Stand firm in righteousness, lead by example, and let your witness be one that restores dignity and order in a culture that has lost its way.

Dr. Stephen Phinney is a theologian, author, and speaker with a passion for helping individuals discover their true identity in Christ. His extensive knowledge and compassionate demeanor make him a guiding light for those seeking to understand the depths of spiritual transformation.

Judge Mark T. Boonstra & Dr. Phinney are co-writers of the Identity Politics series. Their mission is to reestablish the founding father’s faith and commitment to building one nation under God.