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Written by: Rex M. Rogers

Published: 29 June 2026

We’ll celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary July 4, 2026, at least many of us will. Patriotism in this year of the Semiquincentennial is waffling.

Hi, I’m Rex Rogers and this is episode #268 of Discerning What Is Best, a podcast applying unchanging biblical principles in a rapidly changing world, and a Christian worldview to current issues and everyday life.

The 250^th birthday of the founding of the United States of America is July 4, 2026. It’s called the somewhat less than elegant term, “Semiquincentennial.”

I was around for the nation’s 200^th birthday, the Bicentennial in 1976. Back then, patriotism was everywhere apparent, people prepared floats and marched in parades, special programs on television presented the nation’s past, and in general the public seemed excited about the event. In January 1976, we were blessed with our first child, a baby girl, or as everyone said back then, a “Bicentennial baby.”

Surveys indicated Americans were proud of their country in the high 80 or even 90+ percentiles. It was an exciting time and we enjoyed it thoroughly.

For the Semiquincentennial, it’s different. It’s not that no one is patriotic or that that there are no special events or displays of patriotism, but by comparison it is muted, and of course, some are openly non-patriotic. Surveys are indicating about 49% of the American public are proud of their country, a drop from fifty years ago of about forty percent. 83% of Republicans say they are proud to be American – 43% of independents – 31% of Democrats. 66% of those 65 and older while only 34% of adults aged 18 to 29 say they are proud to be American.

Patriotism has become a victim of contemporary politicization or polarization. It is increasingly difficult to separate love or respect for country, heritage, ideals from politics or personalities. 

Even Christians are polarized.  I know Christians who are:

·      not patriotic because they don’t like Donald Trump. –But hey, don’t political leaders come and go?

·      not patriotic because they are disillusioned by events and issues. –True, since COVID things have not been a bowl of cherries in America, but I’m not at all sure these are the worst of times. We live in a fallen world, so things are not the paradise of the Garde of Eden, but still, there is much about America that is good and positive, like our basic freedoms for one.

And I know Christians who are:

·      patriotic to the point of wrapping the Bible in the flag. – Frankly, they sometimes get themselves twisted up with unwise theologies like Christian nationalism, and some of these folks seem to worship the nation as much as the Lord.

·      patriotic to the point they shout, “My country right or wrong but right or wrong my country.” – This triumphalist, often arrogant, view, is not biblical to say the least. No country, no leader, no political party, nor you and I are beyond the need of the continual critique of a Christian worldview.

So, what I am saying is that patriotism is a choice, and you can think yourself into a cul-de-sac of unhappiness and a nihilistic view of life in America that lacks perspective and is dangerous to yours and the well-being of others.

Years ago, I read a book by the Dutch theologian, H. M. Kuitert, entitled Everything Is Politics, But Politics Is Not Everything. I’ve never forgotten that title. His point was that while virtually all activities and relationships in life involve politics with a little “p,” that is, politics as the art of the possible – negotiation, trade-offs, decision-making. Sure, everything is politics in that sense.

But his bold point and caveat was, politics—meaning big “P” politics in Washington, DC or state capitols, is not the end-all, be-all of life. Partisan politics is not salvific, that is, political solutions cannot meet the spiritual needs of your heart. Politics, big “P” and political personalities in many cases cannot even address, let alone resolve, the existential questions in your life. Politics, while important and not evil as such, cannot fulfill your greatest needs and bring you peace and well-being. Politics is not as important as family, church, vocation and community.

So, if this is the case, politics is not everything, then perhaps we are better served to engage it with perspective, approach government and deploy politics is a manner that seeks to honor our neighbors and the Lord.

The American political system is one based upon a government of laws, that is a constitutional republic including shared powers, separation of powers, and checks and balances, all protective devices conceived by the Founding Fathers to protect us from our own human passions.

From its inception in the Declaration of Independence, the American political vision acknowledge that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” The Founders sought to create a government that would protect and perpetuate freedom, so they conceived a system they called “ordered liberty,” an oxymoron seemingly, but liberty by law.

No nation in the history of the world had ever been formed in this manner, which is why America has been called “The First New Nation.” No nation in the history of the world had ever been formed in a manner that based its hopes for existence on the consent of the governed and self-rule, which is why the Founders spoke so often about virtue—the moral character of the citizenry required to support a free society. The Founders honestly did not know if what they created would last, which is why even George Washington referred to the new nation as “The Great Experiment.”

America’s ideals and the system of government of America’s founding resulted in freedom and flourishing like no other civilization in history. No nation or people have ever been as blessed as the citizens of the United States. This is why scholars then and now referred to something they called “American exceptionalism,” not that American citizens were somehow better than others in the world, not that America was somehow chosen of God over others in the world, not that America is more beautiful than any other nation, No, it is that America was launched on a foundation of exceptional ideals—the rights to life, liberty, and equality all given not by government but by God.

Patriotism at the Semiquincentennial is waffling in America, but any serious review of the nation’s heritage and its current reality must result in amazement and gratitude.   

In particular, Christians should exercise a biblically sound patriotism that:

·      Respects legitimate governing authorities.

·      Avoids panic when culture declines.

·      Avoids triumphalism when culture prospers.

·      Anchors hope in God’s eternal kingdom.

·      Begins with gratitude – for national blessings = liberty, order, security.

·      Engages civic life thoughtfully.

Yes, as believers we belong first to Jesus Christ, but we can and should love our country where God has placed us. It is our home. We do not worship the nation, but we pray for its leaders of all political persuasions, and we work for justice and peace. In the words of Scripture, we “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1 Pet. 2:17; Rom. 13:1).

In the 20^th Century, during the lifetime of many listening, America with its Allies defeated Fascism in WWII—Mussolini and Hitler, the Nazis. And during the 20^th Century American helped to stymie Communism in Cold War: President Reagan’s “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” And the Berlin wall came down in 1989, just months before the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialists Republics. 

Communism as a political philosophy still exists and is at deployed today in Russia, North Korea, China, to name a few. But it is different from what the Soviets pushed on the world.

Now in 21st century, America must stand again for freedom. We must defeat Leftism and Islamism, both of which have serious footholds in America and are now working together in what’s called the “Red/Green” Alliance. The warped and evil ideas and beliefs propagated by these “Isms” are incompatible with the freedom that is our birthright from 1776. They must be stopped. 

I do not believe the USA is on the “wrong side of history” and somehow irredeemable, so I reject the nihilism of the contemporary Left. In America, we’ve done what is right in our own eyes, we’ve built our Towers of Babel and crafted our own versions of the Golden Calf. We’ve ignored or insulted America’s exceptional ideals. We’ve turned from truth and embraced travesty. We’ve traded virtue for license.

But we still are given the opportunity to work toward “a more perfect union,” to realize the poetry and promise of America’s moral vision, the “last best hope on earth.”

Well, we’ll see you again soon. This podcast is about Discerning What Is Best.

If you find this thought-provoking and helpful, follow us on your favorite podcast platform. For more Christian commentary, see my website, r-e-x-m as in Martin, that’s rexmrogers.com, or check my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers.

And remember, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm.

© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2026  

*This podcast blog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact me or read more commentary on current issues and events at www.rexmrogers.com/ or my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers, or connect with me at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.

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Written by: Rex M. Rogers

Published: 13 April 2026

The nation’s Semiquincentennial is approaching.  Will we last till then?

Hi, I’m Rex Rogers and this is episode #257 of Discerning What Is Best, a podcast applying unchanging biblical principles in a rapidly changing world, and a Christian worldview to current issues and everyday life.

I’d assume most Americans know that this coming July 4, 2026 is the 250^th Anniversary of the nation’s founding, but if you read surveys or watch person-on-the-street interviews conducted by news anchors or comedians you’ll discover that many Americans evidence an appalling lack of understanding about even the most basic facts about American history, like for example, “Who won the Civil War?”

So, I am not surprised to learn that American citizens do not know much about their homeland or citizenry.

A 2023 survey “indicated that over 40% of Americans did not know the specific reason for Independence Day, with 45% incorrectly identifying the year of the signing.” “When asked what July 4 is meant to officially commemorate, only 59% gave the correct answer: ‘The signing of the Declaration of Independence.’”

An April 2026 survey discovered, “Thirty-seven percent of respondents view the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as ‘a proud national milestone,’ while 24% say it is ‘not something I think much about,’ and 18% describe it as ‘mostly symbolic and ceremonial.’”  “A majority of respondents, 59%, said the founding ideals of the Declaration of Independence still guide the country in meaningful ways, while 41% said those ideals are mostly disconnected from today's reality.” “When asked about progress over the past 250 years, 57% said the United States has achieved the nation's founding ideals either "a great deal" or "a moderate amount," while 33% said "not very much" or "not at all," and 10% were unsure.”

The Pew Research Center, “in a 2025 survey…asked people in 25 nations to say – in their own words – what makes them proud of their country. In several ways, Americans’ answers stand out from those of people in other countries.

Americans are among the most likely to emphasize freedom as a source of pride. They are also more likely than people in many other surveyed nations to offer a negative sentiment when asked what makes them proud.

And Republicans and Democrats tend to highlight different sources of pride.”

“Few Americans (3%) mention U.S. history as something that makes them proud of their country.”

In 2001, Gallup asked Americans, How proud are you to be an American — extremely proud, very proud, moderately proud, only a little proud or not at all proud? 87% responded affirmatively.  In 2025, twenty-four years later, this same question was asked, and only 58% responded affirmatively. In 1976, during the Bicentennial, 94% of Americans said they were proud of their country.”

So, the steady media drumbeat on how bad, sad, and mad America is today, is having its effect, especially among young Americans. Aside from media messaging, why is this?

One reason is something called polarization. Americans are divided, fragmented. Another is the existential nihilism and exhausted fatalism gripping American culture in the early 21st Century. Culturally, we’re not only divided, we’re lost, drifting, searching for meaning everywhere but where it can be found.

As Christian believers, we know how to respond with the truth that meaning entered history in a person, Jesus Christ, who confronted suffering and injustice, experienced death on our behalf, and rose again breaking death’s finality, thus Jesus fulfills all longing as “the way, the truth, and the life.” (Jn. 14:6).

But this simple yet profound truth is largely not welcome at the American cultural table, less so in Europe, certainly not at all in academia, except perhaps for the university revivals we’ve been hearing about.

Americans are struggling with an identity crisis. We don’t know who we are, so many of us are not proud of a heritage they’ve never learned or about which they’ve been misled.

We know from the study of past empires certain centrifugal forces can tear a civilization apart. The Roman Empire unraveled over centuries due to a combination of internal weaknesses and external pressures: corruption and ineffective administration eroded trust and stability, heavy taxation and debt, barbarian invasions, decline in civic pride. There is no guarantee this cannot happen or is not already happening to the U.S.A.

Meanwhile, America’s founding ideals are still there. America coalesced around two critical, fundamental principles: the then-self-evident truth of individual equality and the unalienable right of liberty endowed by the Creator. 

For all the immigration fuss in recent days, America is and has always regarded itself as an idea. Being an American is not exclusively about being “made in America,” i.e., born here . Being American is not about soil or tribe or blood or lineage or ethnicity or nationality or race or religion. American identity is a civic identity rooted in shared founding ideals.

Sometimes it’s called the American Creed, a set of beliefs that emphasize liberty, justice, and the rule of law, insisting that government exists by consent, of, by, and for the people. The American Creed also celebrates opportunity, individual responsibility, and civic virtue. We tend to think about “rights” but we’ve forgotten about “responsibility.”

Unlike many nations with rigid hierarchies, the American Creed holds that political authority is not inherited, not a matter of class or wealth or “privilege,” certainly not about race or sex, but granted through active citizenship.

America has been gifted both faith in freedom and freedom of faith, precious blessings most of mankind has never known.

The United States is far from a perfect union and sometimes we struggle to realize “liberty and justice for all.” But no nation’s history even remotely approaches America’s efforts to believe in, to fight to protect, and to celebrate human freedom.

In his book, Biblical Patriotism, Adam Wyatt said, while “God has created all nations with love and care according to His plan, there is something unique to the American experiment. Even a cursory look at American history shows that God has indeed used this country and blessed it in a way that few countries have had the honor to experience.”

So, we as Americans, as Christians, as conservatives, or frankly however you align your beliefs, if we care about passing on to our children and grandchildren a country and culture that is a land of freedom and opportunity, then we need to stand up, speaking the truth in love, that politics cannot solve our crises. 

As the British author and social commentator G.K. Chesterton noted, we need ordinary men and women who have accepted the message of the Gospel, who embody its incredible transformative power, who then live out or “externalize” their religious beliefs in their everyday life. We need people who believe in truth because God Is There and He Is Not Silent, that he is Truth. We need people who are weary of politicians who mouth platitudes to get elected but then in office go along to get along, never really voting to change anything in the interest of freedom and opportunity. We need people who believe in marriage, family, procreation, an admirable work ethic, and generosity, the building blocks of society.    

We need Christian nonprofit organizations who help the Church help others in both spiritual and humanitarian need—the “truly needy,” as Ronald Reagan called them, people who life has dealt them hard knocks but people who want to contribute to the good of their families and society. We need citizens who affirm right and wrong, law and order, mercy, responsibility and accountability, blind justice.

We need people who commit, with the Holy Spirit’s enablement, to be the light of the world and the salt of the Earth. This is a centripetal force greater than all others.

E Pluribus Unum, Out of Many One, served as a de facto national motto from 1782 until “In God We Trust” was officially adopted in 1956. E Pluribus Unum is a Latin phrase rooted in a Christian conception of society. Significantly, it is not E Pluribus Tantum, Only Many. The “diversity” being marketed today, often religiously absolutized as a value with little or no concern for unity, is a recipe for social disaster.

The USA, God be praised, is still a land where religious liberty is honored, and with it, freedom of speech. It is a place where all people, including Christians, can learn to discern how their faith can contribute to lives and culture.    May this struggle, this Great Experiment, continue.

Well, we’ll see you again soon. This podcast is about Discerning What Is Best.

If you find this thought-provoking and helpful, follow us on your favorite podcast platform. For more Christian commentary, see my website, r-e-x-m as in Martin, that’s rexmrogers.com, or check my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers.

And remember, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm.

© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2026    

*This podcast blog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact me or read more commentary on current issues and events at www.rexmrogers.com/ or my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers, or connect with me at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.

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Written by: Rex M. Rogers

Published: 08 December 2025

Whatever your age, do you sometimes feel like culture is spinning out of control? What are the forces generating this spin, and what can restore stability?

Hi, I’m Rex Rogers and this is episode #237 of Discerning What Is Best, a podcast applying unchanging biblical principles in a rapidly changing world, and a Christian worldview to current issues and everyday life.

Centrifugal force is an established fact of physics. It’s the outward (fictious) “force” that seems to push an object away from the center of a circular motion. It’s the idea that if something moving has no anchor, no hub, no center mooring, it will spin off from the center, moving away in any or all directions.

A car turning a corner such that passengers feel pushed to the outside of the turn. A tetherball flying outward away from the pole. Clothes in a washing machine spin cycle. People riding carnival rides feel pushed to the outside of a merry-go-round or a tilt-a-whirl.

Meanwhile, centripetal forces pull things toward the center or hub. For example, the centripetal force of gravity from the sun keeps planets in orbit. Same with the moon. Gravity holds the moon in orbit around the earth. The moon tries to move in a straight line (because of inertia). Earth’s gravity continuously bends that straight-line path into a curved one, preventing the moon from flying off into space.

During Medieval times, scholars believed religion was the essential glue, or centripetal force if you will, holding society together. They saw social order, morality, authority, and unity as rooted in divine law. Many later scholars worried that as modern secularized nation-states emerged, without religion’s unifying role, society might fall apart, i.e., lose moral coherence and fragment.

But as it turned out, secularization didn’t remove religion; it: privatized it, pluralized it, reduced its political power. Today, many scholars still argue that religion helps bind communities, just not as the sole basis of social order. Religion helps generate forms of “collective moral sentiment,” even if not overtly religious, e.g., patriotism, national celebrations, constitutions treated with symbolic reverence, social solidarities through shared values. These moral sentiments act like what scholars have called “civil religion.”

We know from the study of past empires certain centrifugal forces can tear a civilization apart. The Roman Empire unraveled over centuries due to a combination of internal weaknesses and external pressures: corruption and ineffective administration eroded trust and stability, heavy taxation and debt, barbarian invasions, decline in civic pride.

Question becomes, what can we learn from this history? Certainly, the USA is fraught with a growing list of centrifugal forces: political polarization, deep ideological divisions, increasing distrust between opposing political identities, media echo chambers, debates over immigration and street protests: free speech or lawlessness, anarchy, and planned chaos?

These centrifugal forces reduce social cohesion, make compromise harder, weaken confidence in institutions, heighten social conflict, and reduce a shared sense of belonging. The United States of America are not as “united” and our e pluribus unum maximizes “pluribus” over “unum.”

Thankfully, Americans still widely rely on several centripetal forces, for example, shared national institutions like a single Constitution and legal system, a unified military, a Federal Reserve and unified financial system, mature civil rights legal framework, a common currency, national corporations, national holidays, symbols (flag, anthem), widespread civic rituals (voting, jury duty) that reinforce a sense of belonging to a larger whole. High geographic mobility, marriages across region, religion, and ethnicity, national entertainment, sports, music, and a common language.

The growing belief on left and right that elections are unfair, rigged, subject to fraud, the focus of voter suppression, non-citizen voting, tampering, political bias, foreign influence, or other corruption is a key threat to national unity. This is a huge issue that indeed has come close and could still in the future precipitate a constitutional crisis.

What is that? It would happen if an incumbent elected official, especially the President, rejected an election outcome and refused to leave office. This is banana republic stuff, and we want no part of it in the USA, but our political polarization and overwhelming distrust has us on the brink.

America’s sense of disruption, polarization, chaos, and decline has largely occurred in my lifetime—that is, since the 1960s when Christianity began to lose its time-honored spot at the head of the table. Now, depending upon the social circumstances, like a public university, Christianity is not only not at the head of the table, but it’s not at the table at all.

Christian scholar Henry Van Til famously defined culture as “religion externalized.” In other words, a people’s religious presuppositions will work themselves out in the culture, the way of life, they develop.

“Culture is simply a worldview made evident. It is basic beliefs worked out into habits of life. It is theology translated into sociology. Culture is a very practical expression of the common faith of a community or a people or a nation.”

“What a person thinks, what he believes, what shapes his ultimate concerns, and what he holds to be true in his heart—in short, his faith or lack of it—has a direct effect on his material well-being, behavior, and outlook; on his sense of what is good, true, and beautiful; on his priorities, values, and principles. After all, ‘As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.’”

If Christianity, or what scholars like Peter Berger, Os Guinness, and others cited as America’s historic, “Judeo-Christian moral consensus,” our “sacred canopy” as they called it—when this was jettisoned we lost our glue, our reason for existence, and with it, our key centripetal force holding Western Civilization and specifically the USA together.

But there is still hope.

“In 1905, Max Weber, the renowned political economist and ‘founding father’ of modern sociology…in his classic work, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, argued…that faith brought men and nations both liberty and prosperity.”

“The great lesson of history…is ordinary people of authentic Christian faith who are ultimately the ones who best able to shape the outcome of human events or, as G.K. Chesterton said, “The most extraordinary thing in the world is an ordinary man and an ordinary woman and their ordinary children.”

Ultimately, that is our greatest hope for the future. It is simply that a new grassroots majoritarian emphasis on things that really matter–on the Gospel and its fruits–will emerge as we train up the next generation of culture-shapers.

It is that a love for hearth and home, community and culture, accountability and availability, service and substance, morality and magnanimity, responsibility and restoration will capture hearts and minds and lives. It is a hope that may be stymied, obstructed, and hampered–but ultimately it cannot fail.”

So, we as Americans, as Christians, as conservatives, or frankly however you align your beliefs, if we care about passing on to our children and grandchildren a country and culture that is a land of freedom and opportunity, then we need to stand up and speak up, sharing the truth in love, that politics cannot solve our crises. Politics might assist, but politics and political leaders cannot provide ultimate meaning or a vision for tomorrow that perpetuates a shining city on a hill.

As G.K. Chesterton noted, we need ordinary men and women who have accepted the message of the Gospel, who embody its incredible transformative power, who then live out or “externalize” their religious beliefs in their everyday life. We need people who believe in truth because God Is There and He is Not Silent, that he is Truth. We need people who are weary of politicians who mouth platitudes to get elected but then in office go along to get along, never really voting to change anything in the interest of freedom and opportunity. We need people who believe in marriage, family, an outstanding work ethic, and generosity.

We need Christian nonprofit organizations who help the Church help others in both spiritual and humanitarian need—the “truly needy,” as Ronald Reagan called them, people who life has dealt them hard knocks but people who want to contribute to the good of their families and society. We need citizens who affirm right and wrong, law and order, mercy, responsibility and accountability, blind justice.

We need people who commit, with the Holy Spirit’s enablement, to be the light of the world and the salt of the Earth. This is a centripetal force great than all others.

Well, we’ll see you again soon. This podcast is about Discerning What Is Best. If you find this thought-provoking and helpful, follow us on your favorite podcast platform. For more Christian commentary, see my website, r-e-x-m as in Martin, that’s rexmrogers.com, or check my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers.

And remember, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm.

© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2025  

*This podcast blog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact me or read more commentary on current issues and events at www.rexmrogers.com/ or my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers, or connect with me at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.

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Written by: Rex M. Rogers

Published: 13 October 2025

What can we learn from ancient King Nebuchadnezzar about our nation’s longevity and our political leaders’ pronouncements and projections?

Hi, I’m Rex Rogers and this is episode #229 of Discerning What Is Best, a podcast applying unchanging biblical principles in a rapidly changing world, and a Christian worldview to current issues and everyday life.

Ancient rulers, let’s just say thought very highly of themselves, some to the point of proclaiming themselves gods. Most early history people groups considered themselves the greatest, the salt of the earth.

For example, the Sumerians, the first known civilization, 3500–2300 BCE, saw Sumer (or Mesopotamia) as the center of civilization. Other lands were “foreign” or “barbaric.” The Babylonians believed Babylon was the navel of the world; the Etemenanki ziggurat, considered by many scholars to be the site and replication of the biblical “Tower of Babel,” was literally called “the temple of the foundation of heaven and earth.” The Romans saw Rome as caput mundi (“the head of the world”), the center of civilization and the divine order. The Middle Kingdom Chinese considered China the world’s center; surrounding peoples were “barbarians.” In old Japan, the term Nippon means “Origin of the Sun,” implying their land was where the sun (and thus the world) begins. Aztecs believed their capital, Tenochtitlán, was built at the center of the universe, where the “four directions” met. Among 9th–20th century nationalisms, various nations, e.g., British Empire, Imperial Japan, Nazi Germany, Soviet Union, the United States, portrayed themselves as the bearers of civilization or destiny — “the people” leading history’s center stage.

All this is to say that President Donald J. Trump’s “Make America Great Again” and other nationalistic pronouncements are not anything new.

Thinking highly of one’s nation or people group, it seems, is part of human nature. And on one level, there’s nothing wrong with selfless patriotism and humble confidence aimed at one’s nation or people.

Problems arise when patriotism gives way to ethnocentrism, the idea one’s nation or people are inherently superior to others, which usually partners with another negative attitude, xenophobia, an intense, irrational dislike, fear, or hatred of people from other countries or cultures.

And problems arise when confidence morphs into hubris, an arrogant conceit that God had nothing to do with our blessings, power, and well-being; in fact, we don’t need God for we are gods, with the character Jack Dawson in the Titanic movie we say, “I’m king of the world!”

During his 43-year reign, ancient King Nebuchadnezzar the Great, the second king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, 605-562 BCE, was without question the most powerful person in the world. He built a colossal golden statue of himself and commanded people to bow down to it (Dan. 3).

And though God had warned him via the captive prophet Daniel’s words, still, Nebuchadnezzar later looked upon his city and said,

“Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” (Dan. 4:30).

At that moment, God judged Nebuchadnezzar, causing him to lose his mental faculties for seven years, thinking he was a beast, living in the wilderness, and eating grass like an ox. At the end of his time, God restored Nebuchadnezzar’s faculties and throne, and the King said, “Now, I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Dan. 4:37).

King Nebuchadnezzar is mentioned in the Bible more than 90 times. He became a symbol of God’s authority over nations, even over pagan empires. There is much we can learn from his story.

In the Bible, God makes it clear, as Nebuchadnezzar discovered, that God is sovereign over nations and rulers. For example, the Scripture says, “God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne” Ps. 47:8. And, “He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away” Job 12:23.

And another, “Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales” Is. 40:15.

Then the Word also says the Lord is sovereign over rulers. For example, in the book of Daniel (2:20-21), it says, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.” In Psalms (22:28), the Word says, “For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.” And then in Proverbs (21:1), it states, “The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”

So, I find it interesting and instructive that the Word both commands us to pray for rulers and warns us about them. The Apostle Paul said, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:1-5).

But even as we pray for them, in the book of Psalms (146:3-4) the Scripture reminds us about who ultimately is in charge. “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.”

Remember I said there is much to learn from King Nebuchadnezzar’s story?

1. Neither we, nor fate, nor rulers, nor forces determine our’s or our nation’s future; God does.

It is not wrong to develop a vision or goals, plan, prepare, or work toward a better tomorrow for our families, our work, or our nation, but we should always do so remembering what Nebuchadnezzar learned—God does according to his will (Dan. 4:35). This is not limiting but liberating, for the truth that we serve a living omniscient, omnipotent Creator God who loves us, redeems us, and grants us freedom sets us loose from fear of mysterious fates and forces, bad luck, or various ideological determinisms. No, we are rational, reasoning beings made in the image of God who can use the talents he has given us to build, contribute, and bless for the glory of God.

2. Nations do not last forever, nor do rulers.

This is a reminder that, blessed as the experience is of living in any country, especially one that celebrates life and liberty, one that perhaps we patriotically love and appreciate, even these United States of America, no empire, no nation – not even the three thousand years of the Egyptian kingdom – continues eternally. The USA is not mentioned in the Bible and is not cited relative to End Times scripture.

This does not mean the USA won’t be around when the Lord returns, but we don’t know this. The USA celebrates its 250^th Anniversary in year 2026, but there are many undermining ideas afoot in the US today, ideas that have consequences and some like Cultural Marxism, left-wing radicalism, and creeping bureaucracy directly attack the foundations of the American republic. There is no guarantee the United States of America will continue another 250 years.

President Donald J. Trump is a dynamic personality, who if he lives will be 80 years old at the time of the nation’s 250^th birthday. I pray God’s blessings upon Mr. Trump’s health and well-being, but he, like the rest of us, will not live forever. Nor will his legacy.

So, what else do we learn from King Nebuchadnezzar and scripture?

3. Do NOT put your trust in nations, including the USA, or national leaders, only God. 

I am patriotic. I am grateful for my American birth and life, and I’m grateful for the intention and the ideals that made this country strong in the first place, most especially freedom. I hope we can see America not simply great again but restored and renewed based on its founding principles. But either way, the USA will not take care of us into eternity.

As Os Guinness reminded us, “Humans are still mortal. Superpowers and civilizations are mortal too. They all have expiration dates.” Scripture says, God “makes nations great, and he destroys them.” With King Nebuchadnezzar, we can bless the Most High, praise and honor him who lives forever, for his dominion is everlasting, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation (Dan. 4:34).

Well, we’ll see you again soon. This podcast is about Discerning What Is Best. If you find this thought-provoking and helpful, follow us on your favorite podcast platform. For more Christian commentary, see my website, r-e-x-m as in Martin, that’s rexmrogers.com, or check my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers.

And remember, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm.

© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2025  

*This podcast blog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact me or read more commentary on current issues and events at www.rexmrogers.com/ or my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers, or connect with me at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.

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Written by: Rex M. Rogers

Published: 08 September 2025

The NFL started the 2025 season in Philadelphia, broadcasting “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the so-called Black National Anthem, followed later by “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Is this laudable or unwise?

Hi, I’m Rex Rogers and this is episode #223 of Discerning What Is Best, a podcast applying unchanging biblical principles in a rapidly changing world, and a Christian worldview to current issues and everyday life.

The NFL opened the 2025 season in Philadelphia with a performance of the so-called Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This decision to broadcast this song at NFL games has sparked both support and criticism.

On the positive side, performing the anthem can be seen as an act of recognition and respect for African American history and contributions. The song, written in 1900 and long appreciated within Black communities, carries emotional and cultural significance. Including it alongside “The Star-Spangled Banner” ostensibly highlights the diversity of the American experience and acknowledges struggles for racial equality. For many, this represents progress toward healing and giving voice to communities that have historically been marginalized. The NFL, with its about 70% Black players, hopes to send a symbolic message that it values the heritage and identity of its athletes and fans.

On the other hand, critics argue that playing what amounts to two national anthems risks deepening racial or ethnic divisions rather than promoting unity. The traditional anthem is intended to represent all Americans, not some and not a fractured identity rather than a shared one. Opponents claim this further politicizes sports, introducing controversies into what is meant to be a unifying and entertaining event. Some feel it emphasizes racial differences rather than common citizenship. Additionally, because sports events reach millions, detractors fear the move could alienate certain fans, potentially fueling resentment rather than understanding.

The tradition of playing the national anthem before sporting events in the United States dates back more than a century and is closely tied to moments of national challenge and unity. The earliest widely recorded instance occurred during the 1918 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. With World War I ongoing and the nation in a somber mood, a military band played “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the seventh-inning stretch of Game One. The crowd, players, and soldiers in attendance stood and saluted, creating a powerful moment of shared patriotism. This positive reception encouraged organizers to repeat the practice in subsequent games.

Although at that time, “The Star-Spangled Banner” was not yet the official national anthem—it would be designated as such in 1931—the song grew in popularity at public events throughout the 1920s and 1930s. During World War II, the tradition became firmly established.

“Major League Baseball became the first professional sport to make it a standard to play the national anthem. With the United States of America being in World War II, the NFL joined the MLB in making it a standard to play the national anthem before every NFL game.” The national anthem was first played before NFL games starting in the 1941-1942 NFL season. Since that wartime season, the NFL has made it a tradition to play the national anthem before every game.

At a time when the nation sought unity and morale, playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before games symbolized collective resolve and national pride. The rise of radio broadcasts also amplified the anthem’s impact, allowing it to be experienced by millions beyond the stadiums.

By the mid-20th century, the practice spread beyond Major League Baseball and the NFL to other professional sports such as basketball and hockey, as well as to college and high school athletics. Over time, it became a standardized part of the pre-game ritual, regardless of whether the country was at war.

Today, the anthem is viewed as both a tradition and a symbolic act that connects sports to national identity. Its origins reflect the role of athletics not only as entertainment but also as a stage for expressions of unity, loyalty, and shared values in times of both crisis and celebration.

The tradition of playing national anthems at sports events is not unique to the United States. While “The Star-Spangled Banner” gained prominence at American games starting in World War I, other nations developed similar customs, often tied to international competitions and moments of national pride.

In Europe, national anthems were first widely used in international soccer (football) matches. The earliest recorded instance dates to 1905, when teams from France and Switzerland played, and “La Marseillaise” was performed.

The practice grew as international tournaments expanded, especially after the founding of FIFA in 1904. By the time of the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, national anthems were already standard before matches as a way to honor competing nations.

The Olympic Games also played a major role in spreading anthem traditions worldwide. Beginning in the early 20th century, Olympic ceremonies featured anthems both for medal presentations and for opening and closing events. This global exposure helped normalize anthem performances as symbols of national representation, eventually filtering down into domestic competitions in various countries.

In the United Kingdom, “God Save the King/Queen” was played at major soccer and cricket matches well before World War II, especially during matches involving national teams. Similarly, Canada’s “O Canada” gained prominence during international hockey tournaments in the early 20th century and became customary at both domestic and cross-border games against American teams.

But unlike the U.S., where the anthem became standard at nearly all professional and amateur games, in many countries the practice remains primarily tied to international or representative competition rather than every local or club match. Still, the symbolism is consistent: anthems serve as reminders of unity, pride, and identity, connecting sport to the broader meaning of nationhood.

The United States has long embraced “The Star-Spangled Banner” as its sole national anthem, a unifying song meant to represent all Americans regardless of background. In my view, while I respect the feelings of Black Americans, rather than play a separate song just for them, I’d rather emphasize one nation under God. 

Keeping one anthem is important for patriotism because it provides a common symbol around which citizens can rally. At sporting events, where people from varied walks of life gather, the anthem serves as a reminder of shared identity and national pride.

And the national anthem is not just about a song. What it represents is symbolized in the American flag, and this special banner is what American soldiers fought to protect and for which many gave the last full measure of devotion. Honoring the national anthem, and the flag, honors those who made our freedom possible, and that “our” is all of us.

Limiting official ceremonies to a single anthem also reinforces the American motto E Pluribus Unum—“Out of many, one.” The nation is composed of people from countless cultures, faiths, and traditions, yet the historic national anthem offers a moment where those differences are set aside. Standing together for the same song communicates that, despite varied histories and perspectives, despite varied races, citizens are bound by a common commitment to their country.

From a practical standpoint, designating only one anthem also avoids the appearance of favoritism or division. What about all the other races and ethnic and national subgroups in America? If different groups were each represented by separate songs at national events, the effect could unintentionally fragment identity rather than solidify it. Sports work best as unifying experiences where loyalty to team and country should outweigh political or cultural divides. Retaining only “The Star-Spangled Banner” at NFL games and other events reinforces the idea that all citizens are part of one nation with one shared anthem.

America is comprised of the many, but to sustain nationhood and citizenship a melting pot of unity is vital. A single anthem reflects the belief that many voices together form one people. “The Star-Spangled Banner” remains the official national anthem, representing the shared ideals of freedom, resilience, and loyalty to country. Its continued performance ensures that Americans—Black, Yellow, Red, Brown, and White—rally around a common symbol. By upholding “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the anthem for all, the nation affirms its commitment to positive patriotism and to the enduring ideal of E Pluribus Unum.

Well, we’ll see you again soon. This podcast is about Discerning What Is Best. If you find this thought-provoking and helpful, follow us on your favorite podcast platform. For more Christian commentary, see my website, r-e-x-m as in Martin, that’s rexmrogers.com, or check my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers.

And remember, it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm.

© Rex M. Rogers – All Rights Reserved, 2025  

*This podcast blog may be reproduced in whole or in part with a full attribution statement. Contact me or read more commentary on current issues and events at www.rexmrogers.com/ or my YouTube channel @DrRexRogers, or connect with me at www.linkedin.com/in/rexmrogers.