As Protestant evangelical Christians, our perspective on political agendas like Project 2025, spearheaded by The Heritage Foundation, warrants careful consideration. Rooted in biblical principles, we believe in the separation of church and state, and we remain vigilant against alliances or agendas that may compromise our faith or biblical truth. In light of Project 2025, here are critical points to consider.
What Is Project 2025?
Project 2025 is a policy agenda aimed at preparing a conservative government to implement sweeping changes in American society and governance by the year 2025. The Heritage Foundation, which developed the project, seeks to influence policies regarding education, economy, and family values, among other issues. While some goals may align with Christian values, deeper concerns arise when examining the agenda through a biblical lens.
The Concern: Church-State Union
Biblical Christians do not endorse the merging of church and state. In John 18:36, Jesus states, “My kingdom is not of this world.” This declaration underscores that His mission is spiritual, not political. History has shown that when the church and state merge, religious freedom often erodes, and true biblical Christianity is undermined.
Project 2025 appears to encourage government enforcement of moral and religious standards. While this might seem appealing to some Christians, it raises concerns about coercion and loss of individual freedom of conscience. Biblically, faith cannot be legislated—it must be a personal decision inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The Role of The Heritage Foundation
The Heritage Foundation, while respected in conservative circles, has ties to Catholic influence, which adds another layer of concern for Protestants. Historically, Protestant reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin identified the Papacy as the Antichrist foretold in Scripture (Daniel 7:25, Revelation 13). This interpretation stems from the papal claim to spiritual and temporal authority, a union that has historically led to persecution of dissenters.
The Heritage Foundation’s influence in shaping Project 2025 raises the question of whether this agenda could pave the way for increased Catholic dominance in political affairs. For Bible-believing Christians who adhere to the principle of sola scriptura and view the Papacy with caution, this warrants vigilance.
Tyranny in Prophetic Perspective
Revelation 13 warns of a future global system where religious and political powers unite to enforce worship and suppress dissent. Evangelicals have long cautioned against systems that centralize power under religious influence, fearing this could align with prophetic descriptions of the Antichrist’s reign. While Project 2025 is not explicitly tied to such prophecy, its promotion of centralized moral governance could set a precedent for future abuses of power.
What Should Christians Do?
- Stay Rooted in Scripture: Evaluate political agendas against the Bible. Ensure your ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not political movements.
- Pray for Discernment: Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom to navigate these complex issues (James 1:5).
- Engage Thoughtfully: Participate in discussions and policy-making with a focus on preserving religious liberty and the Gospel mission.
- Avoid Political Idolatry: Do not equate political success with spiritual revival. True transformation comes through the Gospel, not government.
- Be Watchful: Be vigilant against any agenda that seeks to merge religious authority with state power, as this can lead to persecution of true believers.
Conclusion
While Project 2025 may have commendable goals from a conservative standpoint, Protestant evangelical Christians must approach it with discernment. The potential for church-state union, Catholic influence, and centralization of power should give us pause. Our ultimate hope lies not in political agendas but in the unshakable kingdom of God. As we navigate these uncertain times, let us remain faithful to Christ and steadfast in our commitment to biblical truth.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.” — Psalm 33:12
