OPINION:
For decades, America has been on a slippery slide toward moral oblivion. And yet, in recent years, there have been glimmers of hope — moments of light that indicate a much-needed spiritual reprieve could be on the horizon.
Since 2023, claims of spiritual revival have reverberated throughout the nation. From stories about college students flocking to embrace the Gospel and get baptized to surveys showing increased Bible engagement among various cohorts, a shift has been afoot.
Many have pondered what’s driving these metamorphoses. Sometimes, when the parameters of morals and ethics are pushed to the limits, people reach an awakening and a breaking point. And that’s what’s been happening in America, as people — and, in particular, young people — have found themselves desperate for truth and on track to turn back to the Lord.
In recent days, a powerful event unfolded that perfectly illustrates this recommitment to faith: America Reads the Bible, a self-described “national Scripture-reading event and movement.”
When Bunni Pounds, founder of Christians Engaged, told me about her plans to bring hundreds of famous actors, pastors, politicians and influencers together at the Museum of the Bible in Washington for a massive Genesis to Revelation reading of the Scripture, I thought it sounded nearly impossible.
But Ms. Pounds, compelled by God and on a mission to encourage Americans to return to the Bible, embarked on an incredible path to make the seemingly implausible an amazing reality. The result has been something deeply powerful — a coalition of some of the nation’s most well-known names calling citizens to return to eternal truth.
And the timing of this Bible reading couldn’t be more impeccable, as America’s 250th birthday is about to hit. After losing our way and drifting from the Judeo-Christian values that not only helped form the nation but subsequently shaped its success, America Reads the Bible is an opportunity to reclaim lost ground. It’s a chance to spark a mass return to God.
America is in desperate need of spiritual revival, and a return to the Bible is the exact remedy we need. God’s timeless truths have been abandoned for far too long. Ms. Pounds’ efforts bring us back to the roots we need to heal our individual hearts and our nation.
Over the course of a week, the entirety of the Bible being proclaimed by a collection of hundreds of politicians, actors and influencers offered not only powerful optics, but also a call to action. One of the most remarkable moments in the week-long Bible reading came when President Trump read 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 from the Oval Office.
Mr. Trump’s section of Scripture included a call to repentance (Verse 14): “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
And House Speaker Mike Johnson, sharing during the opening ceremony, recited a well-known saying about those who read the Bible regularly. “A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t,” he said.
I, too, was honored to speak at the opening event. As I took the stage and stared out at the pastors, dignitaries and celebrities in attendance, I realized the gravity of the moment and the power the gathering would have to remind America of what matters most: obedience to God.
See, so many of us are walking through life on our own terms and following our own compasses. But Ephesians 6 tells us we’re in a battle that requires much more than that. Ephesians 6:11 implores us to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand against the devil’s schemes. And Verse 12 continues that narrative, adding, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
We’re in a spiritual battle. We can’t understand our lives, our politics, or our culture if we don’t comprehend this reality. Scripture is part of the protective nature we need to help us understand and navigate the muck around us.
Ms. Pounds’ effort to encourage America to read the Bible turns us back to the antidote we need to combat the chaos, selfishness and insanity plunging us into the bowels of national tragedy. Ironically, this restorative remedy has been right in front of us the entire time, yet too many of us have forgotten.
We are at a historic point in our history — one that can be successfully navigated only if we recommit ourselves and our nation to the Lord. America thanks you, Ms. Pounds, for your efforts, inspiration and devotion to God. Now, let’s all get back to reading the Bible.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Mr. Hallowell is also the author of four books.
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