(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.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.
I appreciate this article, especially the ironic, yet completely accurate claim by the Harvard prof that Christian graduates need to be missionaries to this secular society. I am a missionary in Mexico, and often seriously wonder what I’m doing here. If it wouldn’t be much more important and helpful to return as a missionary to my own America.
I somewhat disagree that religion fails to bring fulfillment. I get his overall point, and don’t believe that anyone could deny the veracity of that claim as a general statement. However, religion can and does, soothe people’s consciences and make them feel temporarily better. They can perceive themselves as morally good folks, they can be nice and do good deeds (which are actuall mostly virtue-signalling their ‘moral superiority’) all of which brings a kind of short-term fulfillment.
Again, I agree overall, and appreciated this important piece on American churchianity. It is a brutal truth that America needs to face. We need less religion and more Christ in Christianity. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Preach it from the rooftops.
On an unrelated note, I still cannot understand, for the life of me, why a site using a form of the term discernment in its very title, would choose to associate in any way with the filthy-mouthed, violence-obsessed, and juvenile name-caller JD Vance. It is truly astounding, that if you have seen what he’s done to The Liberty Daily, you wouldn’t run in the opposite direction. That you would refuse any connection whatsoever. He is the poster boy for religion without transformation. He uses Christianity as a shield for his nefarious deeds. He hides behind the fact that he actually claims to be a born-again believer to do his dirty work. What’s up with that???