Staff Reports
In an era marked by chaos and uncertainty, Pastor Allen Jackson’s latest book, Angels, Demons, and You, has struck a chord with Americans seeking clarity on the spiritual battles raging beneath the surface of our daily lives. Jackson’s message, grounded in biblical truth, reminds us that the struggle between good and evil is not just a metaphor but a real and present conflict. For many, recognizing the existence of angels and demons is a wake-up call to the spiritual dimension that shapes our culture, politics, and personal choices. In a society increasingly hostile to faith and traditional values, Jackson’s call to spiritual awareness is both timely and necessary.
Alongside this spiritual conflict, the United States is facing a disturbing surge in anti-Semitism, particularly since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Reports from the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League reveal that incidents of anti-Semitism have skyrocketed to record highs, with Jewish Americans reporting unprecedented levels of harassment, vandalism, and even physical assaults. The rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence is not limited to the fringes but has become commonplace on social media, college campuses, and public demonstrations. This alarming trend should concern every American who values liberty and the Judeo-Christian principles on which our nation was founded.
The response to this crisis has, unfortunately, exposed deep divisions in how we address hate while protecting our constitutional freedoms. Some political leaders, including prominent Republicans, have advocated for aggressive measures to combat anti-Semitism, such as expelling or punishing students and organizations accused of anti-Jewish speech. While the intention to protect Jewish Americans is commendable, these proposals risk undermining the very bedrock of American society: the First Amendment. The conservative movement has long championed free speech as a shield against tyranny, recognizing that suppressing even hateful ideas only drives them underground and makes them more insidious.
Rather than resorting to censorship or heavy-handed government intervention, the answer lies in a robust defense of free expression and open debate. History has shown that the best antidote to hate is not silence, but truth spoken boldly and confidently. Universities and public institutions should enforce clear standards against harassment and violence, but they must also resist the temptation to police thought and opinion. The left’s obsession with “safe spaces” and speech codes has already done enough damage to intellectual freedom; conservatives must not fall into the same trap by sacrificing principle for short-term gain.
Ultimately, the twin crises of spiritual warfare and rising anti-Semitism call for a return to America’s foundational values: faith, reason, and liberty. Pastor Jackson’s exhortation to recognize the unseen forces at work in our world is a reminder that cultural renewal begins with spiritual awakening. At the same time, defending the rights of Jewish Americans—and all Americans—requires an unwavering commitment to free speech and the rule of law. Only by embracing these truths can we hope to overcome the darkness and restore unity, compassion, and strength to our nation.
