My Answer

on Nov 6, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Many people claim that America has been the most successful experiment in self-governance. Is this God’s plan? – S.G.

A: The American Dream was a glorious attempt. It was built on a religious foundation; its earliest concepts came from Holy Scripture. But America has gone a long way down the wrong road. No form of government has been able to establish righteousness, justice, and peace, the three elements essential for continual prosperity and peace.

The world holds spiritual things in contempt, lusting after the things of the world. Money and power are worshipped; God is disdained. Pleasure takes precedence over purity, and gain has priority over God. But in God’s kingdom, obedience and service to God are put above self-interest. This form of government that will ultimately come is unique and lasting. It’s not a democracy where the people govern, but a kingdom where Christ is the supreme authority.

In a government of unredeemed people, democracy is the only fair and equitable system. But no democracy can ever be better than the people who make it up. When people are selfishly motivated, the government will be inequitable. When men are dishonest, the government will be rigged and contrived. When everyone wants his own way, someone will get hurt.

The history of mankind has been a continuous series of half successes and total failures. Numerous civilizations have come and gone, and man still battles with the same problems. But God’s kingdom is coming and is present in those who trust in Him. This Kingdom has Christ as King – compassionate, merciful, and just. When He is sovereign in people’s hearts, anguish turns to peace, hatred is transformed into love, and misunderstanding turns to understanding. This will be realized in the kingdom of God.

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)