Save Democracy!

So: what American – with a stripe of patriotism in their multi-layered personal make-up – would decry that rallying-cry? I mean, come on: if America was/is drowning in the political floodwaters of 2025, wouldn’t you want to jump in and save it?

Are things in the (formerly) United States reaching the point of foundational collapse? Think about it: we were schooled in classrooms to start the day with the Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Wait a minute: the Pledge affirms our fidelity to “the Republic,” not “the Democracy”. What gives?

Our country is a unique entity in the world and history of governments. In categorizing this astounding model for a nation’s existence, America is fundamentally a constitutional republic. We’re governed by elected representatives who are bound by the Constitution that limits the power of government and protects individual rights.

At the same time, we’re a representative democracy, allowing us – the citizens – to employ the electoral process to select our leaders. Citizens – by constitutional declaration – have the right to vote, influence policy and, ultimately, to hold leaders accountable.

America’s Founding Fathers were careful not to architect a direct democracy, wherein the majority could impose its will without safeguards protecting the minority. They designed an historic hybrid: a constitutional, representative democratic republic.

Interesting that our two-party system has created two warring entities, with brand identities tied to the two contrasting philosophies: Republicans and Democrats march to their respective anthems. In real-time, today, the calls to “Save Democracy!” are most often shouted by operatives who are hoping to “Save the Democrats!” Their concerns are understandable, but the country may not be at the precipice of annihilation just yet. There’s always another national election just ‘round the corner, where salvation will be offered on the red/white/blue bumper-stickers leading to a ballot box…

“Save the…” has a compelling ring to it. In the modern town square, here are some of the banners that are flying in the wind: Save the Planet. Save the Environment. Save the Rainforest. Save the Bees. Save the Oceans. Save the Wildlife. Save the Children. Save the Whales. There’s no last entry on the list of things that seem to be destined for extinction unless someone steps in to intervene…

It’s great marketing: “salvation” is what happens when someone steps in alongside someone or something that, left to itself, is destined for destruction. Woven into our very souls is the latent longing to rescue the perishing. The ultimate Super Hero is always presented as a fictional savior.

With no intent to enter the public political arena regarding the possibility of the death of democracy at the hands of the “other guys,” let me provide some historic context: from Genesis to Revelation, the top-line emphasis – from Earth to Heaven, and back again – is all about that crisis. Here’s the short-course: from Earth, the appeal from people is for God to save them. From Heaven, the reply is always wrapped in the provision of salvation. 

The stakes are eternal: life and death hang in the balance. There is no authority figure but the Lord Jesus with whom the appeal can be made with hopes for resolution. Isaiah quoted God:

“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other” (45:22). Joel added his harmony to the chorus: “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (2:32).

Jesus delivered the closing argument in His encounter with Nicodemus:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).

Hundreds of entries – through Old and New Testaments – contain the desperate shouts for help and the divine offer of salvation, but always offered on the Savior’s terms.

Will “Democracy” be saved? No telling. Will lost people be saved? It’s up to us to tell them how, and it’s their chance to grab the preserver. Nothing – nothing – is more important than getting to them in time. 

Jesus Saves…

Bob Shank

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