In the labyrinthine corridors of American Christianity, we find ourselves at a critical juncture, where echoes of a distant past resurface with disquieting clarity.  The specter of past autocracies like Nazi Germany looms large, urging a re-examination of faith’s place amidst political strife.  The Barmen Declaration, a vigorous assertion of Christian independence against totalitarian overreach, is central to this discourse, underscoring the essential principles of religious equality and freedom in America.
 
Christianity must inform us as citizens, yet we must resist the manipulative forces pushing an unchristian agenda.  Our mission as Christians extends to shaping authoritative systems that affect our communities, our nation, and the world.  We are called to thwart powers and principalities that dehumanize, remembering Christ’s paramount commandments with unwavering zeal.
 
In the words of Jesus: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
 
The Barmen Declaration of 1934 was more than a theological statement; it was a resounding call for the Church’s sanctity against the state’s grasp.  The rise of the German Christians, who sought to fuse church and Nazi ideology, highlighted the dangerous interplay between faith and political power.  This movement aimed to cleanse Christianity of its Jewish roots, bending it to Nazi will, starkly opposing the Confessing Church’s resolute stance.  Figures like Barth, Bonhoeffer, and Niemöller championed this cause, affirming Christ’s Lordship over the Church and rejecting any earthly doctrine’s totalitarian grip.
 
Karl Barth, a principal architect of the declaration, vehemently opposed all forms of idolatry, including the state’s deification.  His warnings resonate today, cautioning against conflating God’s kingdom with earthly power.  In an era where political leaders cloak themselves in piety to advance their agendas, the Barmen Declaration’s emphasis on Jesus Christ as the sole divine word is more pertinent than ever.
 
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s focus on the cost of discipleship and the dangers of “cheap grace” enriches this dialogue.  His life, ending in ultimate sacrifice against Hitler’s tyranny, underscores the ethical imperative to confront injustice.  Bonhoeffer’s example compels us to scrutinize the hollow piety of political figures who don the veneer of Christianity without embodying its core tenets.
 
Martin Niemöller’s haunting reflection, “First they came…,” on the clergy’s silence amidst Nazi ascendance, serves as a timeless cautionary tale.  His words implore us to uphold our duty to the marginalized and resist the exploitation of our faith for oppressive purposes.
 
The Barmen Declaration’s insistence on a clear separation between church and state remains crucial.  This principle, both a constitutional safeguard and a theological necessity, protects against state idolatry and church corruption.  The contemporary blending of religious and political spheres, the co-opting of Christian symbols for political gain, endangers both faith’s integrity and our democracy’s health.
 
The Barmen Declaration challenges us to assess our allegiances critically.  In an era marked by deep divisions, the temptation to align the Church with partisan agendas threatens to silence Christianity’s prophetic voice.  The declaration calls for discipleship transcending political divides, advocating justice, peace, and neighborly love.
 
The theological legacies of Barth, Bonhoeffer, and Niemöller offer invaluable guidance for navigating the complex church-state relationship in 21st-century America.  Their steadfast witness against power’s allure and fidelity to the Gospel’s message serve as beacons for Christians committed to justice and integrity.  As we face today’s challenges, we draw inspiration from these figures who affirmed Christ’s light amidst encroaching darkness.
 
The Confessing Church’s legacy and the post-Holocaust lessons remain ever-relevant.  Despite progress in Christian-Jewish relations, the alarming resurgence of antisemitism in 2024 demands renewed vigilance.  The old hatreds, often in new guises, creep back into our societies.  In these troubling times, the unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and human dignity—principles that Barth, Bonhoeffer, and Niemöller championed—guide Christians today.
 
Combating antisemitism requires not only theological reflection but also concrete action.  Interfaith dialogue, educational efforts, and a firm public stance against bigotry are vital.  By remembering the past and embodying our faith’s core tenets, Christians can help ensure that understanding triumphs over the darkness of antisemitism and other dehumanizing movements.  A renewed vision calls us to embrace interfaith awareness, appreciation, and engagement in a pluralistic world.

 
—Ron Starbuck
Publisher/CEO/Executive Editor
Saint Julian Press, Inc. © 2024
 

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Bishops Issue Pastoral Letter about Trump’s Rhetoric
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

The American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
In the grand tapestry of American history, we must revisit the noble intentions of our Founders.  Today, citizen and candidate Donald J. Trump behaves like an emperor, exerting an alarming influence over the Republican Party that starkly contrasts with our democratic norms and heritage, endangering national security and global leadership.  His controversial remarks on NATO worry our European allies, while his favoritism towards Putin and opposition to aiding Ukraine reveal a dangerous trajectory.  This moment, reminiscent of 1939, demands our unwavering attention.
 
Trump's recent actions, including his stance on NATO and his manipulation of Republican legislators to block bipartisan border security and asylum reform bills, are deeply troubling.  His ambition to center his 2024 campaign around these issues undermines the nation.  Like decrees from an imperial throne, his dictates erode our democratic values.  His authority often goes unchallenged by his base and most Republican lawmakers, save for a few exceptions.
 
Once a party that championed global leadership for national welfare, the GOP is now driven by the whims of a narcissistic leader who lacks true strength of character.  This is a man who idolizes the world's bullies and strongmen.
 
Yet, the threat to our democratic fabric extends beyond Trump.  The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025poses a formidable challenge to American democracy by attempting to augment presidential power to an alarming extent, akin to a king or emperor.  This project aims to dismantle the checks and balances inherent in the U.S. Constitution, undermining the structure designed to prevent the concentration of power.
 
Forget the genteel English-style tea parties and ancient parchments.  America’s birth wasn’t a polite disagreement with the Crown but a psyche-shredding rebellion.  During the Age of Enlightenment, our Founders, haunted by the specter of monarchy, didn’t just swap out a king for a more democratic symbol; they dismantled the idea of divinely ordained rule.  This is the raw truth etched into our national DNA.  We must again remind ourselves and “Citizen Trump” of this noble rebellion by denying him access to the Oval Office.
 
Donald Trump is not a divinely anointed savior.  He is a man devoid of higher vision or wisdom.  As Proverbs 29:18 states: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
 
Consider the Federalist Papers, not as academic bedtime stories but as fiery pamphlets against monarchy.  Hamilton and Madison, our intellectual rock stars, envisioned a government where power wasn’t a glittering crown jewel but an aggressive, three-headed beast, each head checking the others' ambitions.  They warned us about narcissistic despots and demagogues.  For Americans in revolutionary times, this was their middle finger to the King and all who desired to be king, a rebellion still echoing in their bones.
 
Scholars and filmmakers like Burns and Novick have shown us the Founders’ delicate balance.  They sought a steady hand, a captain for the state, but not an emperor.  So, they created a system of checks and balances, akin to one of Benjamin Franklin’s inventions, designed to prevent power from mutating into tyranny.  Trump has shown that he would erase these checks and balances, his thirst for autocratic power is unquenchable, and he emulates the authoritarian strongmen he admires.
 
Abandoning monarchs wasn’t about efficiency; it was about rejecting inherited power.  The American Revolution wasn’t a fancy dress party gone awry but a repudiation of the “divine right of kings” elitism.  The Founders envisioned a nation where authority flowed not from a bloodline but from the people.  They built a republic, a messy, beautiful tapestry of individual rights and self-rule.
 
The Federalist Papers warned about the mob’s fickle nature, not just about fearing kings but also unchecked power in any form.  The Constitution wasn’t a simple legal guide but a rebuke to both kings and mob rule.  It was a nuanced approach to power, informed by the scars of absolute authority.  This is the foundation of our national identity, a testament to the Founders' foresight and our ongoing struggle to be “we the people.”
 
Our culture wars and political extremism threaten national security and global leadership.  We must, through our voices and votes, reject all forms of authoritarianism and autocracy.  We must support Ukraine’s fight for freedom against Putin.  Failing to do so will erode American values and liberties, diminishing our international influence.  The world depends on our democratic resilience.  We must preserve democracy for future generations and the world.
 
Let us renew our commitment to freedom and liberty, a heritage that benefits all humanity.  We must resist political fatigue and continue our resolve, passing the torch to a new generation.  This American Revolution is far from over.

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

​Imagine a nation birthed from reason, not revelation.  Where individual liberty trumped blind obedience, and the echoes of ancient Athens resonated through bustling colonial towns.  Fueled by the Enlightenment's potent brew of skepticism and scientific inquiry, this utopian vision profoundly shaped the American experiment.  In this crucible, Christian and Jewish thought shed their dogmatic cloaks, embracing the ideals of reason and individual rights championed by thinkers like John Locke and Moses Mendelssohn.
 
Let us begin by delving into the fascinating tapestry woven from Enlightenment ideals, classical liberalism, and religious reform, exploring their profound impact on the American republic's genesis.  We'll then turn a critical lens to the contemporary landscape, where shadows threaten to eclipse the democratic ideals enshrined in the nation's founding documents.  Finally, we'll consider the vital role of poets and writers in rekindling the embers of civic engagement and reminding us of the enduring power of the American experiment.
 
The Enlightenment wasn't just a philosophical movement but a cultural earthquake.  It shook loose the grip of rigid dogma, prompting religious scholars to reexamine their faiths through the lens of reason.  Figures like John Locke argued for a natural law preordaining individual rights, which resonated deeply with Christian and Jewish thinkers yearning for a more just and tolerant society.  This intellectual ferment paved the way for classical liberalism, a philosophy emphasizing individual liberty, limited government, and the separation of powers – principles that would become the bedrock of American democracy.
 
The Founders weren't just politicians but avid readers of Enlightenment classics.  The Constitution, a testament to their intellectual lineage, meticulously enshrined the separation of powers to prevent the concentration of tyranny.  This document, echoing the critiques of absolute monarchy prevalent during the Enlightenment, aimed to create a balance of power to safeguard individual freedoms.
 
But the story continues after quill and parchment.  The often-overlooked influence of Masonic lodges deserves a spotlight.  These fraternal societies, emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity, provided fertile ground for the cultivation of Enlightenment ideals.  Within their walls, social barriers dissolved, and the pursuit of reason, scientific inquiry, and questioning authority flourished.  Founders like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were active members, and their commitment to these principles shaped the very fabric of the developing nation.
 
Fast forward to today, and the American landscape starkly contrasts the ideals that birthed it.  Partisan gridlock, erosion of trust in institutions, and attacks on the free press threaten the very foundation of a functioning democracy.  These challenges are stark reminders that the lessons of the Enlightenment – of reason, tolerance, and civic engagement – are more relevant than ever.
 
But where can we find the strength to rekindle this flame?  Look no further than the wordsmiths, poets, and writers who have always served as society's conscience.  From the biting satire of Jonathan Swift to the powerful verses of Phillis Wheatley, literature has the power to move hearts, challenge injustice, and inspire change.  Today's writers can play a crucial role by reflecting the diversity of the American experience, critiquing inequality, and envisioning a more just and inclusive society.
 
The American experiment, born from Enlightenment ideals, religious reform, and classical liberalism, is a testament to the transformative power of reason and individual liberty.  Yet, the challenges of the present demand a renewed commitment to these principles.  Through literature, civic engagement, and a collective reflection on our shared heritage, we can honor the legacy of the Enlightenment and strive towards a more perfect union where the ideals of reason, justice, and equality continue to illuminate the path forward.

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

 
In Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, delivered on March 4, 1865, he offered these words of unity to a nation torn asunder: 
 
“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
 
In a carefully coordinated effort, the majority of Presidential Foundations and Centers issued a joint statement last September (09/07/2023) concerning the future of our nation. In a thoughtful declaration, they reaffirm our nation’s commitment to the democratic values on which our republic was founded.  Reaffirming our original democratic republic's core foundational values designed by the founders in the Age of Enlightenment and Reason.
 
In a world continuously tested by division and disagreement, it is rare to see multiple, sometimes divergent, forces come together in unity.  Yet, the statement released by thirteen presidential centers, representing the legacies of presidents across a broad spectrum of American history, is a reminder that certain ideals remain sacrosanct — even in the tumultuous arena of American politics.
 
The underpinning principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—eloquently enshrined in the Declaration of Independence—are not just mere words.  They are the guiding stars, the threads woven into a tapestry of American identity over the centuries.  From the suffrage movement to the civil rights era, these principles have been both a beacon and a benchmark.  They illuminate the heights America can achieve and expose the chasms it sometimes slips into.
 
America's strength lies not in its homogeneity but its ability to embrace diversity.  It is a nation of myriad backgrounds and beliefs, yet united under the grand canopy of democracy.  This canopy, rooted in the rule of law, has sheltered the country through storms of disagreement and debate, ensuring all rights remain protected. As the statement suggests, living within such a vibrant community underscores the vital need for compassion, tolerance, and respect.
 
But democracy is not a spectator sport.  It demands the active participation of its citizenry.  When thirteen presidential centers, each with distinct viewpoints and priorities, rally around the cause of democracy, it underscores an elemental truth: differences in perspective can coexist harmoniously, provided they are grounded in democratic principles.
 
The tumultuous terrain of politics thrives on debate and disagreement.  Yet, as emphasized in the statement, civility must remain its heartbeat.  The discourse must be respectful, even during an election year's heat.  Words can wound as much as they can heal.  When the world looks upon the United States, it should see a house and a home united despite disagreements.
 
There's an outward dimension to this unity, too.  As the statement astutely notes, a free society abroad can contribute to security and prosperity at home.  But to export democracy, America's heart must be free from turmoil.  The world, with its rapid pace of transformation, cannot wait, making it imperative for America to heal at home while extending support abroad simultaneously.
 
The duty of nurturing and preserving this democracy doesn't rest solely on the shoulders of elected officials, though their role is paramount.  Every citizen from every walk of life has a part to play.  Participating in civil dialogues, respecting democratic institutions, ensuring elections remain untainted, and contributing to the collective betterment of society are duties incumbent upon every American.
 
The joint declaration by these presidential centers serves as more than just a statement—it's a clarion call to rally around the principles that gave birth to a nation.  A call to protect freedoms hard won.  A call to recognize and respect fellow citizens.  America finds its strength and soul in such unity, becoming an enduring beacon of hope in a fracturing world.
 
The act of these 13 foundations coming together is a testament to the enduring power of democracy.  As the nation's history has shown, when America unites, it does not just progress—it inspires and thrives.   

Indeed, America's essence--its binding tie—is our democracy and our commitment to unity amidst diversity in a pluralistic society.  The unwavering call for unity remains through the din of differing voices and the cacophony of evolving times across all generations.  The coalition of these presidential centers is but a manifestation of our unyielding spirit as Americans.  As Lincoln once beckoned, the task before America is to strive to bind up the nation's wounds, cherishing a just and lasting peace.
 
This singular act will undoubtedly stand tall in the corridors of history and the annals of politics.  Not as a testament to political unanimity but a reminder of an unyielding commitment to democratic principles and the delicate threads that have bound, and will continue to tie and bind, the American fabric together.  This is who we are as a nation and a people.
 
These times, rife with division and uncertainty, beckon every American to return to the foundations, to remember the threads that have intricately woven the nation's story.  In heeding this call, America does not merely survive—it thrives, renews, and leads.   American politics must step back from the present trend to embrace a religious fundamentalist autocracy and theocracy based on only one faith, denomination, and interpretation of scripture. We must reaffirm and rededicate our commitment to America as a democracy and democratic republic seeking a more perfect union.

Our pluralism across America should be valued for all the talents and resources it offers the nation.   We must remember this heritage.  It is one that honors and embraces E Pluribus Unum - Out of Many, One.

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

Saving American Democracy
 
John Winthrop's famous “City Upon a Hill” sermon has long been a touchstone for U.S. Presidents, invoked to underscore America's core values as a liberal democracy and its role as a global exemplar.  This ideal, central to the notion of American exceptionalism, posits the United States as a unique nation with an extraordinary destiny.
 
This vision has underpinned the idea of America as a pluralistic society, where diverse religious beliefs—or the absence thereof—can coexist.  As we navigate the remainder of 2024, we must reassess the importance of robust journalistic standards that support democracy rather than exacerbate political and cultural divisions.
 
The proliferation of sensationalist media and politicians who exploit our deepest fears for profit must end.  As citizens, we must reject this manipulative model and heed Abraham Lincoln's 1862 Annual Address to Congress instead.  Lincoln urged us to "disenthrall ourselves" from destructive patterns.
 
“We can succeed only by concert. . . . The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present.  The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise—with the occasion.  As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.  We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.
 
Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history.  We of this Congress and this administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves.  No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us.  The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.”
 
— Abraham Lincoln, December 1, 1862, Annual Message to Congress
 
 
The cultural wars and extreme politics in the United States have eroded American values and ideals, posing a threat to democracy.  These cultural conflicts—over academic freedom, education, immigration, women's healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights,  gender, race relations, and religious freedom—are marked by intense partisanship and a lack of compromise.
 
Extreme rhetoric and polarization have degraded civil discourse and trust in democratic institutions.  Conspiracy theories and disinformation further undermine confidence in the democratic process and citizens' ability to make informed decisions.  America's pluralistic foundation is at risk as the value of diverse beliefs and worldviews is disregarded.  Protecting human rights within our democracy is paramount.
 
Both far-right and far-left factions in the Republican and Democratic parties have failed to reach consensus on critical issues like immigration reform, climate change, economic inequality, and healthcare reform.  The rise of authoritarian and anti-democratic movements, both domestically and abroad, is facilitated by this erosion of American values and the failure of democratic institutions to address all citizens' needs.
 
America's global adversaries, authoritarian governments, are actively interfering in our society and politics to diminish our democratic influence.  Democracy matters immensely.
 
As the 2024 election cycle approaches, we must consider which candidates will invoke Winthrop’s metaphor of America as a shining city upon a hill or Americans as shining points of light.  Who will rise to heal our divisions and remind us of our collective identity?  Where will we find leadership that fosters bipartisan governance?
 
We might do well to recall Carl Sandburg’s poem “The Long Shadow of Lincoln: A Litany.”The refrain “We must disenthrall ourselves” echoes Lincoln's call for new thinking and acting from his 1862 message to Congress.  Sandburg urges us to break free from dogma and tradition, embracing change and progress.  The poem ends on a hopeful note, with the image of a “whitesmoke ghost” representing Lincoln and the dream of a world where all people are equal and free.
 
“The Long Shadow of Lincoln: A Litany” is a poignant tribute to those who sacrificed for a better world while acknowledging ongoing challenges.  Sandburg's vivid imagery, repetition, and call-and-response structure evoke a powerful sense of communal remembrance and solidarity.
 
“with the low healing song of time, / the hush and sleep murmur of time.  / Make your wit a guard and cover.”
 
“There are wounds past words.  / There are cripples less broken / than many who walk whole.”
 

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

As cited in this July 17, 2023, New York Times article. Donald J. Trump and his allies are reportedly planning to expand presidential power if he is re-elected in 2024 and takes office in 2025.  This would be dangerous for American democracy and must be met with fierce resistance.
 
The potential plans of Donald J. Trump and his collaborators to extend presidential powers, should he secure re-election to the presidency in 2025, could endanger the core tenets of American democracy.  The U.S. was conceived on the principle of limited governance and the separation of powers across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, serving as a bulwark against autocracy.  If Trump's objectives come to fruition, he could rule as a king would by decree, bypassing the checks and balances of Congress and the judiciary.
 
This deviation would significantly depart from U.S. history and its foundational norms.  The Founding Fathers were wary of centralizing power, designing a governance system to ensure no single person or branch becomes excessively influential.  The president's role, in their view, was not that of an authoritarian but a servant of the public.  Our Constitution restricts the president's powers and mandates accountability to Congress and the judiciary.
 
Granting Trump enhanced presidential authority could have several adverse effects on American democracy.  First, it would make holding the government accountable more challenging.  If the president can act as he wishes, unchecked power could pave the way for abuses.  Second, it could steer us toward an authoritarian regime.  With unchecked power, Trump could silence opposition and consolidate his power.  Third, it could harm America's global standing as a democracy.  Setting a precedent where the president rules by decree could dangerously influence other nations.
 
Americans should resist any plans to extend presidential power.  We must prevent the transformation of our democracy into a dictatorship.  We must demand respect for the Constitution and the rule of law and hold our elected representatives accountable for preserving our democratic values.  We must deny the man who would be king the office of the presidency.
 
Our democracy's future hangs in the balance.  We cannot allow Trump to encroach upon our hard-earned freedoms.  We must uphold and defend our rights as Americans.
 
In addition to the negative impacts above, Trump's proposed expansion of presidential power harbors further risks.  It could enable manipulation of elections by allowing control over federal election bodies, potentially obstructing opponents’ voting efforts and easing their path to victory.  It also makes potential human rights violations more feasible.  With the ability to disregard the judiciary and Congress, Trump could act freely against political adversaries, potentially leading to their unjust imprisonment or even death.
 
Trump's plans for presidential power expansion pose a grave risk to our democracy.  We must mobilize to prevent these plans from becoming a reality and fight to protect our rights.
 
In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton wrote about the perils of despots and demagogues:  “History will teach us that the former [despotism] has been found a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter [demagogy], and that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants.”
 
Hamilton's words, expressing concern about the dangers of centralized power and the manipulative tactics of demagogues, still resonate today as we observe similar figures rising to power worldwide.  These demagogues often incite fear and hatred to divide societies and secure support while undermining democratic institutions like the media and judiciary.
 
We must remain vigilant about the threats such demagogues pose and staunchly defend our democratic values.  We must not let them infringe upon our hard-earned freedoms.  Our democracy and rights are worth defending.
 
The Age of Enlightenment, commencing in 17th-century Europe and later spreading to the Americas, was a time of significant intellectual and philosophical shifts.  This period fostered an increased focus on reason and science and a growing skepticism of traditional authority.  Enlightenment paved the way for substantial political and social changes, including the advent of democracy.
 
Among the Enlightenment’s most influential concepts was the belief in natural rights, positing that every individual is born with inherent rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  This idea was a significant catalyst for the American Revolution and is encapsulated in the Declaration of Independence.
 
The Wars of the Reformation; religious conflicts between Protestants and Catholics during the 16th and 17th centuries resulted in millions of fatalities and a severe curtailing of liberties.  The devastation of these wars incited skepticism about the church’s and the state’s authority, contributing to the rise of democracy.  America was not founded as a wholly and exclusive Christian nation.
 
Americans today must remember that colonial religious backgrounds and beliefs were sundry and often held conflicting visions and values.  Founded during the 17th century, the American colonies were established by individuals and groups seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity.  Informed by Enlightenment ideals, they sought to create a government to protect their rights, leading to the American Revolution and the formation of the United States, a democratic republic.  America was a diverse and pluralistic society that valued coexistence.
 
Although the U.S. has been a beacon of democracy since its inception, it has not always upheld these principles.  Instances of government overreach and periods of political instability have occurred.  Despite these challenges, America has consistently reassigned its commitment to democratic values.  We must do so once again in this generation, at this moment in human history.
 
American democracy's history is often stressed, challenged, and tangled but ultimately showcases progression.  From its foundation to today, America continues pursuing a “more perfect union.” Enlightenment ideals inspire individuals globally, serving as a roadmap for creating a fair and equitable society.
 
As a nation, we must not betray these founding principles of American democracy.  We must meet any challenge to our core ideals and values with intelligence and fierce resistance just as prior generations upheld them to the last full measure, in the words of Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address.
 
“—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Echoes of Barmen
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham
 

 
A Deeper Dive into Projection, Transference, and Populist Politics
 
In the labyrinth of psychological intricacies lies the captivating interplay of projection and transference, two concepts often relegated to the realm of the arcane.  Yet, their significance reverberates far beyond the confines of academic discourse, permeating the fabric of our socio-political landscape.
 
Decoding Projection: Picture this, an individual burdened by their own inadequacies, unwittingly casting shadows of doubt onto others.  This phenomenon, aptly termed projection, serves as a psychological defense mechanism, wherein internal conflicts are externalized onto external entities.  In simpler terms, one might accuse another of incompetence when grappling with feelings of unworthiness themselves.
 
Transference Unveiled: Delving deeper, we encounter the enigmatic terrain of transference, where emotions once reserved for one figure are clandestinely redirected onto another.  Think of it as the subconscious replaying of past relational dynamics onto present interactions.  Clients often project feelings onto their therapists in therapeutic settings, blurring the boundaries between past and present relationships.
 
The Political Ploy: Turning our gaze to the political arena, we uncover the Machiavellian tactics employed by populist demagogues.  Projection becomes a potent weapon, wielded to deflect attention from personal failings onto convenient scapegoats.  By projecting their own shortcomings onto political adversaries or marginalized groups, these leaders craft a narrative of righteous indignation, rallying support under the guise of saviorhood.
 
The Emotional Alchemy: Simultaneously, transference emerges as a tool of emotional manipulation as populist leaders tap into the collective psyche of their supporters.  They foster an emotional symbiosis by evoking primal fears and desires, wherein personal grievances are transmuted into political fervor.  In this alchemy of emotion, loyalty is forged amidst the tumult of societal discord.
 
Navigating the Quagmire: Yet, amidst the din of political theatrics, lies a sobering truth: the erosion of democratic ideals.  When emotions usurp reason, and loyalty trumps critical inquiry, the very foundations of democracy tremble.  It is imperative to discern the puppetry at play and reclaim the narrative from the clutches of demagoguery.
 
The Path Forward: As torchbearers of intellectual integrity, we must arm ourselves with the beacon of critical thinking.  Through rigorous analysis and discernment, we dismantle the veils of manipulation, exposing the fallacies that shroud political discourse.  In our pursuit of truth, we uphold the sanctity of democracy, safeguarding it against the encroaching shadows of authoritarianism.
 
Parting Reflections: In the words of Martin Buber, we are reminded of our existential imperative to engage authentically with the world.  In the crucible of our collective consciousness lies the power to transcend the illusions of projection and transference, forging a path toward genuine connection and ethical stewardship.
 
We Must Hear the Message – Reduction is Forbidden
 
Over the last decade, many journalists, writers, and poets have warned the public about the language and rhetoric of fear and manipulation.  The danger of populism to democracy and our democratic institutions.  I am reminded of these powerful words from the 20th-century Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, paraphrased with “we.”
 
Buber describes totalitarian leaders as persons – who take over the organs of the state through “negative charisma,” stripping absolute freedom and judgment from the ruled, and who are immersed in the political ends of attaining and retaining power.  Such leaders are so thoroughly egotistical and selfish that they are devoid of any real connection to others, the people, themselves, and the divine.  
 
They do not see themselves as being answerable to a higher power.  And they are often elevated by their base as being ordained by the divine, becoming idols of admiration, and becoming addicted to that admiration.  And whatever novel ideology they are espousing becomes an idol, too.
 
In writing about our “I and Thou” relationship with God and creation, Martin Buber gives us this sacred admonishment when considering our place, our communities, our relationships, and our responsibilities within the world and across creation. 
 
“We ... must hear the message, stark and un-transfigured, which is delivered to “us” out of this hour, presented by this situation as it arrives.  — And “we” must answer, by what “we” do and do not do, “we” must accept and answer for the hour, the hour of the world, of all the world, as that which is given to us, entrusted to us.
 
Reduction is forbidden; we are not at liberty to select what suits us, the whole cruel hour is at stake, the whole claims us, and we must answer — Him (God).” 

Saint Julian Press Suggested Readings & Books
 
 
Hope Over Fear
 
An American Experiment: A Saint Julian Press Retelling
 
We Must Think and Act Anew
 
America: Blest Be the Tie That Binds
 
From Dogma to Democracy: How Enlightenment Ignited the American Spirit
 
The Radical Love of Jesus: A Call for Compassion
 
We Are Citizens of the World
 
We Must Disenthrall Ourselves
 
A Threat to American Democracy
 
The Shining City Upon the Hill
 
Citizen — C. Andrew Doyle (Ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas)
 
And There Was Light — Jon Meacham