Janus, the Roman god for whom this month is named, had two heads looking forward and back at the same time. This provides a valuable perspective for beginning a new year.

Last year we witnessed a media frenzy over a two-ton abridged version of the Decalogue being removed from an Alabama courthouse. Millions of Americans who make no serious attempt to actually keep the Ten Commandments expressed their dismay at the monument’s removal. The U.S. Supreme Court also agreed to decide whether adding “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance is constitutional. Religious symbols are contentious.

Looking ahead to the new year, the contention is not likely to be restricted to the symbols. Eventually, outrage over religious symbols will likely proceed to the substance. Anger over removal of a Ten Commandments monument may well degenerate into popular clamor that the substance of the Ten Commandments become renewed in American law.

It’s not enough to proclaim that America is “one nation, under God.” Indeed, it might even be dangerous. Islamic terrorists insist they are fighting a morally bankrupt Christian America. The more we publicly posture as though God is on our side, the more we feed their fervor. As Christians, we know that what really counts is not what we claim, but what we really are.

Is America really a nation under God? If so, it’s not for the reasons most Americans think. The Bible clearly distinguishes between civil and religious authority. Saul forfeited his kingship when he usurped the prerogatives of the priesthood. Christ’s disciples continued to covet the kingdom and civil authority right up until Christ’s ascension. Christ told them the only power He would bestow was that of the Holy Spirit.

In prophecy, the United States speaks as a dragon when she exercises “all the authority of the first beast in its presence,” both civil and religious. America is at her Christian best when she protects the bright line between civil and religious authority, between church and state.

Many Americans, including some Adventists, want our government to exercise religious authority. Invoking God’s name and blessing on America, as in the Pledge, is only the beginning. Recall that the Pledge was amended in 1954 precisely to declare that God was on our side in the Cold War against godless communism.

Promoting the Ten Commandments by erecting public monuments is still just the tip of the iceberg. Adventists too often join other Christians in contending that prayer be restored to public schools, even though it has never actually been banished. The underlying principle is that America should return to its Christian roots and have public policy favor Christianity.

Too easily we forget that a government that usurps spiritual authority is judgment bound. In the words of the prophet, “national apostasy will lead to national ruin.” Such apostasy is the inevitable result when the state asserts spiritual jurisdiction. The second angel’s message warns the Church against intimacy with the state.

As we look to the new year, repentance is in order. We cannot flirt with the state and faithfully warn of spiritual adultery. We have compromised the integrity of our message by our own ambivalence toward state power and support. The Church does not need Caesar. She needs the power of God.

Repentance is the best way to begin the new year. Let us repent for not depending fully and completely upon God; for failing to faithfully proclaim the warning against mingling churchcraft with statecraft; and dare I include for failing to enthusiastically support magazine ministries, including Liberty?

We’ve all talked long enough about the problems. Now let’s get on our knees and begin to be part of the solution. Far from being “under God,” America is in grave danger of forsaking the true source of her godliness—liberty of conscience protected by separating church and state. But as in the days of Nineveh, repentance cannot come unless the judgment warning is given. Is anyone willing to give it?