Once again, I am thoroughly convinced that the current religious debate in America does not conform to what the media portrays as a struggle between Christian Evangelicals and The Left or even between church and state. America's 21st century debate on religion invites a triad of philosophies to contend in the ring of American public opinion: religious secularism, religious pluralism and religious exceptionalism.

Religious secularism enters the fray with the least amount of support, endurance and possibility of victory. This nation may not be a Christian nation but one cannot deny it embraces spirituality. From our founding fathers, whether Deists or Christians, the faith narrative contextualized in our history cannot be denied.

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“Take two pills and call me in the morning”, said the Doctor. Today’s moral, political and social climate demands a more viable prescription in order to address the ills inundating humanity today. Regardless of one’s faith experience or lack thereof, the undeniable presence of the revolutionary and transforming figure, Jesus Christ, continues to permeate the 21st century narrative 2000 years after his death. Why?

Dr. Luke in the book of Acts incorporates with surgical precision and accuracy a simple truth in the spiritual body of our journey; Acts 17:28 “For in Him we live and move and have our being”.

This simple yet powerful truth guides us to an unshakeable reality. In Him, not in religion built around him, wars fought in his name, exercises in grandeur, dogmatic systems or hierarchical bureaucracies, but in Him we live. In his humility, love, mercy, grace and compassion, we live. We live when we embrace his nature, his mission and his sacrifice. We live in his purpose to turn the other cheek, love thy neighbor and our enemies while above all, we walk justly before our God.

We move in his character, his holiness, his righteous indignation against the pharisaic spirit. We move in his journey from Bethlehem to Golgotha and all points between. We move in his encounters with the rich and the poor, fishermen and political leaders, we move in his passion for all God’s children to be free. Every opportunity to forgive, assist and heal presents an invitation to move in Him.

Finally, In Christ we have our being. Descartes declared “I Think therefore I am”. Pascal countered with “I believe therefore I am”. My response in the midst of moral relativism, social, political and economic uncertainty is simple; “Christ, Therefore I am”.

Prescription: Live in His nature, Walk in His Spirit and Exist in His Grace.