The Scriptures are clear that governments act per the will of God (Romans 13:1, Colossians 1:16). The U.S. prides itself on democracy, independence, and freedom for all. America is not perfect; it fought its own battle with slavery and civil rights. However, the founding ideals and principles have maintained prominence in American culture and have become the standard for many people worldwide. It is not a coincidence that people seek to migrate to America from all over the globe.

Foreign policy positions have always divided Americans. Division exists even within the Democratic and Republican parties.

Isolationism is the belief that a country should avoid involvement in other nations’ military, economic, and political policies.

Studying the early history of the United States, it is safe to say that “isolationism” was the preferred foreign policy of the Founding Fathers. Times were different, and the colonists strongly opposed monarchies and empires. The Founders shared the belief that the government should focus on freedom and independence from Europe and European affairs. The colonists wanted to be completely independent and free.

The Founders opposed imperialism, but some past presidents, such as Thomas Jefferson, wanted to expand America’s land. The Louisiana Purchase was a significant achievement for Jefferson, as he acquired much of present-day America from the French.

President James Polk secured several western U.S. states from Mexico as a result of the victory in the Mexican-American War. A short time later, the U.S. Civil War broke out in which Abraham Lincoln refused to allow secession, seeking to preserve the Union. A common theme slowly appeared: American expansion and a showcase of military might.

A few decades later, President William McKinley gained control of Hawaii and multiple Caribbean Islands. The latter resulted from the victory over Spain in the Spanish-American War.

Despite isolationism’s popularity, the U.S. expanded its global influence through annexation and military power. It is vital to note the island acquisitions, as most territories became a key asset and played an integral role during World War II.

With all the foreign policy changes, we must ask: could the U.S. maintain its isolationist reputation?

The first significant test came during World War I, when U.S. forces agreed to enter the conflict, inarguably pushing the Allied powers to victory. American forces eventually left Europe, confirming its isolationist reputation.

With the destruction in Europe and Asia during World War II, the U.S. officially entered the war after the attack at Pearl Harbor. During WWII, foreign policy procedures changed within the U.S., a notable shift that still exists today. After sending U.S. troops to Europe in two world wars and losing thousands of American lives in battle, politicians knew isolationism was a thing of the past. Winston Churchill foresaw that the U.S. joining WWII would make it the leading world power, surpassing Great Britain, and his assessment was correct.

While isolationism always represented early Americans—from maintaining the Union during the Lincoln administration to positioning itself in island territories and entering both world wars, Americans were no longer isolationists.

This is clear today. The U.S. maintains foreign military bases worldwide and supplies billions of dollars in aid to countries around the globe.

The post world-war years have been dictated by wars opposing communism (Korean War, Vietnam) and terrorism. Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Ronald Reagan are some American leaders who pushed democracy and defended it at all costs. No longer was the goal to protect American democracy; the U.S. had changed to begin pushing its political belief (democracy) to keep the world safe from tyranny.

Perhaps Reagan’s peace-through-strength policies best embodied modern-day America. The lesson is that America would not sit idly by and allow tyranny and autocracy to bring America into another world war. The mindset maintains that Americans must forcefully address such opposition before it spirals out of control. Leaders from both political parties typically accept the political position. Regardless of differences in military capacity and level of engagement in modern conflicts, presidents have consistently wielded global influence.

While the U.S. may be seen as the “world’s police,” the reader needs to know history to grasp the change in foreign policy and engagement in global affairs.

From a Christian worldview, is the new foreign policy position biblical?

First, the Scriptures are clear that governments act per the will of God (Romans 13:1, Colossians 1:16).

The U.S. prides itself on democracy, independence, and freedom for all. America is not perfect; it fought its own battle with slavery and civil rights. However, the founding ideals and principles have maintained prominence in American culture and have become the standard for many people worldwide. It is not a coincidence that people seek to migrate to America from all over the globe.

Whether it be individualism or religious liberty, America’s founding and current posture embody freedom. Here, a political divide might arise in how large and involved the government should be with its citizens. Nevertheless, the nation’s distinct reputation sets it apart from other global powers.

Christians can freely worship in the United States. In other parts of the globe, authorities can imprison and even kill individuals for being Christians and practicing their faith.

While the nation (U.S.) has seemingly abandoned several Christian ideals, democracy is at the heart of foreign policy decisions. Those who stand with democratic tenets are the strongest allies of the U.S., while nations who embrace tyranny typically oppose the U.S. and view the nation as a threat.

Does living in a democratic government promote religious freedom and liberty? This question lies at the core of the Christian worldview. Socialism and communism are and have historically been an enemy of Christians and religious liberty.

Likewise, a theistic government cannot work, as we cannot force souls to embrace one specific religion. This is especially true within the Christian worldview, as conversion must be personal and sincere, focused on Jesus Christ. Several Middle Eastern countries are theistic and remain some of the most hostile nations in the world to Christians.

A democratic government still allows one to become a believer and disciple of Jesus Christ.

Sadly, people in the U.S. and other democratic nations often mock Christian ideals and beliefs. But the mere right to practice the belief system and voice one’s support is distinct. The freedom of religion and freedom of speech gives Christians hope they can proclaim Jesus Christ to all ears.

Make no mistake: the U.S. is home to the majority of the largest Protestant denominations in the world and has constantly made a global impact on souls worldwide. From natural disasters to wars and famines, Christians are always ready to serve and make a difference for the kingdom. And this we can credit to American liberty and democracy.

David Crumholds a Ph.D. in Historical Theology. He serves as an Assistant Professor of History and Dissertation Chair. His research interests include the history of warfare and Christianity. He and his family are members of Christ the King Church, in Easton, Maine.