Is the United States destined for fragmentation? Gab founder Andrew Torba, a vocal proponent of "Woke Right" Christian nationalism, argues that it is. He believes that as society becomes increasingly divided and fragmented, Christians must take steps to prepare for the inevitable balkanization of our society. Torba asserts that America will break into smaller, ethnically, or culturally homogeneous regions due to mass immigration and ineffective elected representatives who he claims serve the interests of "the Zionists" rather than "the people." He dismisses the concept of a future American melting pot, stating, "Individualism works only in homogeneous societies; it cannot work in a multicultural one."
However, this perspective is flawed. The history of the United States demonstrates that individualism can thrive in a multicultural society. The idea that future balkanization is inevitable is far from accurate. America has maintained its identity and ideals for over two centuries by embracing the principle of E pluribus unum, "From many, one." Americans have traditionally rejected ethnic tribalism in favor of a unifying philosophy that expects immigrants to assimilate and adopt the republic's values, culture, and English language.
Historian Philip Gleason wrote in the Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups that to become an American, a person did not need to be of a specific national, linguistic, religious, or ethnic background. Instead, they needed to commit to the political ideology centered on liberty, equality, and republicanism. This American dream remains a reality despite the challenges posed by mass illegal immigration and the encouragement of racial animosity by radical Leftist politics.
In recent conversations with individuals from various ethnic and racial backgrounds, all proud American citizens, I have seen firsthand the enduring potential of the United States. A Jewish man and I discussed the future of our constitutional republic, while an Eastern European immigrant spoke eloquently about the U.S. Constitution's genius. My childhood memories with friends from diverse ethnic backgrounds further reinforce the notion that we all enjoyed the same privileges of individual liberty, united by common American principles and values.
Unfortunately, the race-based resentment espoused by Christian nationalists like Torba is intensifying. Torba's rhetoric, including reposting divisive messages on social media, accelerates the possibility of balkanization. He argues for creating alternative institutions grounded in a Christian worldview, which would lead to a fractured America where Christians are isolated from others who need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Torba's anti-"Zionist" and race-based ideology is detrimental to both the American melting pot and the Christian worldview. Faithful Christians understand that our ultimate unity will be realized in the Body of Christ, comprising people from all tribes and languages, united by faith in Jesus Christ.
The balkanization of America is not inevitable but is a desired outcome for both the Woke Left and the Woke Right Christian nationalists. Torba's book, "Christian Nationalism: A Biblical Guide for Taking Dominion and Discipling Nations," reveals a goal to build a parallel Christian society to replace the secular state. This approach seeks to fracture our nation, making it more susceptible to totalitarianism.
Instead of surrendering to balkanization, Christians should fight to preserve our republic by upholding the rule of law and working for national unity. Immigrants who have fled totalitarian regimes may be especially valuable in this effort and open to the message of Jesus Christ. We must continue to embrace the melting-pot model that made America great and reject the political gospel of hopelessness and hostility propagated by Woke Right Christian nationalists.
Balkanization is a choice, and it is not inevitable.