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If we allow this pernicious ideology to continue unchecked, we are not merely risking political and social discord — we are inviting the very destruction of the American experiment.
In the America we once knew, the guiding principle was clear: E Pluribus Unum — out of many, one. This ideal demanded unity, requiring us to find common ground amidst our differences and prioritize shared values over individual grievances.
But today that ideal is being lost. According to a 2020 Pew Research Center report, 77 percent of Americans believe that the country is more divided now than in the past, and the ideological gap between political parties has reached its widest point in decades. The rise of identity politics — a force that poses as justice but is actually undermining the very foundation of our country — is largely to blame for this escalating division.
Identity politics has also exacerbated racial and social divisions. A 2021 Gallup poll revealed that 64 percent of Americans believe race relations are “very” or “somewhat” bad, with 57 percent stating that these relations have worsened over the past year. Despite widespread concerns, identity politics continues to push for policies that prioritize group identity over merit, further entrenching societal divisions.
Identity politics, now accepted and pushed by both major political parties, erodes the core principles that have made America a beacon of hope for generations. This ideology prioritizes group identity over individual merit, not just dividing us but actively destroying our societal cohesion. Underneath the façade of social justice lies an agenda designed to fracture national unity, undermine individualism, and ultimately threaten the survival of our nation.
This is not a mere battle of ideas, but a battle for America’s future.
Identity politics shifts the focus from individual merit to leveraging group identity for political power. It insists that our identities — whether based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics — are paramount and must be prioritized above all else. This strategy not only divides us but also pits us against one another, establishing a hierarchy of victimhood where a person’s value is based on the severity of their oppression. This is not a framework for unity, but a recipe for conflict.
In this identity-driven society, the individual is overshadowed by the group. Collective guilt replaces personal responsibility, and identity dictates opportunities rather than ability or effort. This erosion of individualism is not just dangerous; it is a direct assault on the principles that have made America exceptional. The American dream has always centered on the individual’s ability to rise above circumstances through hard work, ability, and character. Yet identity politics dismisses these values, replacing them with demands for group-based entitlements and reparations.
This shift from individual merit to group identity poses a significant threat to the American way of life. If identity politics continues to dominate our discussions, we risk fragmenting our national identity, where loyalty may shift from America to the ever-evolving demands of various identity groups.
This is especially concerning given the biblical principle that “God shows no partiality” (Romans 2:11), a stark contrast to the divisive nature of identity politics.
Public perception further evidences the dangers of this ideology. As society grapples with these challenges, the growing awareness of identity politics’ divisive nature underscores the urgency of addressing this issue before it irreparably damages our nation.
History provides undeniable evidence of the dangers when societies allow identity politics to dictate their futures. The Weimar Republic in Germany is a prime example. Weakened by deep social and economic divisions, it became fertile ground for the rise of the Nazi Party. Adolf Hitler exploited these divisions, using identity politics to scapegoat Jews and other minorities, leading to the Holocaust and World War II. The fall of the Weimar Republic is a stark warning: weaponized identity politics can erode democracy and pave the way for totalitarian regimes.
Similarly, the Partition of India in 1947 illustrates the perils of exploiting identity for political gain. As the British prepared to leave India, leaders stoked religious divisions, leading to horrific violence. Millions died, and entire communities were uprooted in one of history’s largest forced migrations. The scars of Partition remain today, highlighting the lasting damage identity politics can cause.
More recently, the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 serves as a harrowing example of identity politics taken to deadly extremes. Leaders who incited hatred and violence exacerbated ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi, resulting in over 800,000 brutal murders in just 100 days. This tragedy is not merely a cautionary tale — it reminds us that unchecked identity politics can lead to unimaginable violence and destruction.
These historical parallels are urgent portents of the dangers we face today. As the Bible warns, “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand” (Mark 3:25). Division within a society leads to its downfall, underscoring the need to reject identity politics and preserve national unity.
At its core, identity politics is not merely a tool for social justice but a tool for power. By dividing society into identity groups and assigning them varying degrees of victimhood, identity politics creates a hierarchy that can be manipulated for political gain. Those who control the narrative of oppression and privilege dictate the terms of political discourse, wielding power over both their allies and their opponents.
The danger that identity politics poses to American democracy cannot be overstated. Our system of government is predicated on the belief that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. However, identity politics rejects this notion, insisting instead that some are more equal than others and that rights and privileges should be distributed based on identity rather than humanity. This is not just a deviation from American principles but a direct assault on them.
As James 3:16 highlights, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” This Scripture mirrors the societal chaos that identity politics can bring, where selfish ambition leads to disorder and destructive practices.
The data show a growing loss of trust in our institutions. The 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer showed that 57 percent of Americans distrust the government to do what is right, a sharp decline from previous years. The rise of identity politics, which divides society into competing interest groups and weakens our national fabric, is only worsening this trust erosion.
Despite the clear damage that’s been done so far, it’s not too late to turn back from the precipice. America can still reclaim its foundational principles of unity, individual rights, and equality under the law. But to do so, we must categorically reject the divisive narrative of identity politics. We must return to the idea that what unites us is far more important than what divides us, that our shared values and aspirations are the true measure of our national identity.
The path back to unity begins with a renewed commitment to the principles that have made America great: personal responsibility, hard work, and a belief in the inherent worth of every individual. These are not just values; they are the bedrock upon which our nation was built. They transcend identity, heal divisions, and restore the bonds of trust and fellowship that have been frayed by decades of identity politics.
As Philippians 2:4 urges, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” This Scripture encourages a focus on others’ needs over selfish pursuits, countering the self-centered nature of identity politics and aligning with the call for a unified, compassionate society.
We must also work to build a society where people are judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin or the identity groups to which they belong. This will require a cultural shift, a rejection of the victimhood mentality that has taken root in so many parts of our society. It will require us to prioritize faith, community, and shared values over the narrow interests of identity groups.
But most importantly, we must remember that we are all Americans, bound together by a common heritage and a shared destiny. The future of our nation depends on our ability to transcend the divisions of the past and persist in forging a new path forward, one rooted in the timeless principles of liberty, justice, and equality for all. As Galatians 6:9 encourages, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Identity politics is not just a passing trend; it is a silent but deadly threat to America’s future. If we allow this pernicious ideology to continue unchecked, we are not merely risking political and social discord — we are inviting the very destruction of the American experiment. The soul of our nation is at stake.
We stand at a crossroads — one path leads to division, conflict, and the eventual collapse of our great nation. The other leads to unity, strength, and the restoration of the values that have made America a beacon of hope for the world. The choice is clear, but the time to act is now.
We must awaken to the reality that identity politics is not merely a social issue; it is the harbinger of a divided, weakened America. But there is hope. We can still turn back. We can still fight for a future. To do so, we must stand united against this divisive ideology and recommit ourselves to the timeless values of life, liberty, and justice for all.
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