(Daily Signal)—In the introduction of his 1984 book, “The Naked Public Square,” then-Lutheran pastor Richard John Neuhaus wrote about the relationship between religion and politics in society,
Politics and religion are different enterprises, and it is understandable that many people would like to keep them as separate as possible. But they are constantly coupling and getting quite mixed up with one another … The naked public square is the result of political doctrine and practice that would exclude religion and religious grounded values from the conduct of public business. The doctrine is that America is a secular society. It finds dogmatic expression in the ideology of secularism.
Earlier this month, Dr. Arthur Brooks of Harvard University echoed this theme in a rather remarkable commencement address at Divine Mercy University. Speaking to the faithful graduates who are about to leave their school behind and enter the world, he talked about how they needed to become “missionaries in a secular society.”
The doctrine, as Neuhaus said, that America is a secular society has led many to hide the light of their faith “under a bucket” as Jesus warned in Matthew 5:15 (ESV). But, as Brooks pointed out, faith can never be truly hidden because, in his words, “Faith is literally the most natural thing in the world for Homo sapiens for our species research shows that humans have a religious instinct many believe is biological in nature.”
He added, “Religious secularism has torqued us away from the natural to the unnatural because we have this instinct.”
Thus, the question becomes not a matter of having faith, but instead what you place your faith in.
As I write in recent book, “Stumbling Toward Utopia: How the 1960s Turned into a National Nightmare and How We Can Revive the American Dream” (Fidelis 2024), it was during that decade that radical activists sought to take over mainstream religion by replacing faith in God with a new secular religion based on left-wing politics and activism. This was particularly true in the old mainline Protestant denominations.
But, as we have watched these denominations slowly wither and die, it has become evident that this new religion, based on secular values, is ultimately unfulfilling.
Brooks noted this, saying, “Fake religion doesn’t get the job done, my friends. That’s why politics and activism when they become an identity always lead to depression and anxiety.”
Religion, without a fundamental belief in a loving and just God, but instead based on secular values, is doomed to fail. Without genuine faith, it divides rather than unites us as people.
On the other hand, true faith—embodied by not hiding our faith under a basket but letting it shine—brings us together as a people.
Thus, is any doubt that we became a more divided nation when the religion of secularism ascended in the 1960s?
That is why I was so encouraged to hear Brooks’ closing words to the graduates, encouraging them to do as Christ has commanded all of us. That is to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, rather than return their attacks and mockery of our faith with hostility and scorn.
He concluded, “Begin the journey of love and excellence and truth which will bring you and me and all of us greater happiness and greater hope and greater holiness.”
I could not agree more because to do so requires a genuine, rather than manufactured, faith. It is genuine faith—based on love, excellence, and truth—” loving our neighbors” as Christ commanded—that we, as faithful people are called to proclaim to the world. We must reject the current fake religion based on secular values of division and seeking to conquer our neighbors.
It is that genuine faith that I hope and pray will be modeled by the next generations of Christians—regardless of their faith background. Such genuine faith, based on biblical values rather than secular values, will bring about the national healing and restoration so many of us seek. Rather than a naked public square, we can once again have a public square clothed in love, compassion, and hope for each other and for our nation.
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How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
- Peace of Mind: Sealed in durable, waterproof containers that protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
