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American Exceptionalism & A Cristian Approach
Natanael Roman
NSEC 503: National Security, National Defense & Foreign Policy
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American Exceptionalism, Christian Realism and American Engagement
Abstract
As a requirement for week two is my intention in this paper to answer the following
questions as well as to outline the definition of the American exceptionalism, as well as to
describe Christian realism. I will be presenting key elements of American exceptionalism in the
inauguration ceremonies given to us by the former Presidents, George W. Bush, Barack Obama,
and Donald J. Trump. Furthermore, how they were able to portray those messages in their
speeches, I will be discussing and evaluating the relevance of Christian realism and American
Exceptionalism to a Christian understanding of national security. Lastly, I will be introducing
bible verse and scholarly references to support my statement.
Keywords: American exceptionalism, Cristian realism, Cristian understanding
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Define American Exceptionalism
It is the belief that the United States is fundamentally different from other countries that
are known as American exceptionalism. The concept that the United States contains
characteristics that distinguish it as distinct, distinctive, and special is known as American
exceptionalism. In the context of species, nation, culture, institution, movement, individual, or
historical period. exceptionalism is defined as the sense or opinion that something is special.
“Simply, America has never thought of itself as just another nation-state driven by a cold
calculated quest for power.” (Curry, 2018). For this reason, the founder’s fathers such as
Abraham Lincoln describe American exceptionalism as set up in the Declaration of
Independences as the maximum standard for a free society (2018). America's influence was not
limited to the internal affairs reason why begin expressing the sentiment, President Woodrow
Wilson proclaims the mission of making the world a safe place for democracy.
James Wilson's article talks to us about his point of view regarding America's
exceptionalism where he can highlight five major key components that contribute to this belief.
The five components explained are the Constitution, federalism, religious freedom, and
spreading democracy. The same article as well brings us to the discussion of Alexis de
Tocqueville who explained American exceptionalism in Democracy in America, and Wilson
describes his view as correct. “There was then and there continues now to be in this country a
remarkable commitment to liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, and laissez-faire values.”
(Wilson, 2006). Tocqueville provided three explanations for state affairs in which federalism, an
independent judiciary, and religious traditions have been the ones that shaped the Nation. He
addresses the order in which we prioritized these three to include what he so-called “habits of the
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heart” being the custom one of the most important being our customs more important that our
laws and this last being more important than our geography.
When it comes to The Constitution, Wilson wrote despite Tocqueville’s understanding of
federalism, but failed or at least did not describe the separation of branches in the government
that share equal power between each other. This separation impedes as described in the lecture
the rate of change in ways that will be more difficult to create changes or adopt new policies
(Wilson, 2016). Contrary to this European parliamentary system permits temporary changes
when the popular majorities, and in charge, and the presidential system with an independent
congress requires debates and substantive accommodation prior to approval. Under a
parliamentary system, several parties will compete, while on the other hand a majoritarian
system only two parties contest for the election. It is described that we several parties, middle-
class voters will be able to change voting habits if the government wishes to increase taxes
mention an example (2016).
Federalism is how the government remains closer to its people, especially regarding a
matter that is relevant to the people. Some of the examples mentioned in the article are the
schools who I believe are implied referred to as the education system and to the criminal justice
system. Since those are an example of things that matter to the people, we find more variation in
the policies of these agencies than can be found in a centralized democracy (Wilson, 2016). “By
keeping certain policies close to the people, the government here cannot long ignore popular
demands.” (2016). An attribute of federalism and allowing the people to choose when to hold
accountable mayors, governors, and judges if they do not perform their duties in accordance with
public understanding of what should be proper of their functions. A notable difference from the
Britain government is that the leaders do not propose the idea for enactment even when this
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possesses people's support (2016). On the other hand, when states and public representatives
make questionable choices, people have the choice to even move to a different state.
Going back to Tocqueville he describes an attribute of the political culture in part thanks
to the religious heritage. Nation first settlers were established as an escape from religious
persecution. Contrary to the European tradition and philosophers the explanation of our
religiosity is thanks to the freedom of religions. “That is because a nation that never had an
established church and did not grant money or privileges to existing churches left religion in the
hands of spiritual entrepreneurs. These people were sometimes domestic missionaries and
sometimes local citizens eager to create and govern a religious organization.” (Wilson, 2016). In
America, historically religious freedom has helped Americans to self-government by having
independent congregations to manage in places where they first settled. “Religion requires
constitutional boundaries to limit the radical demands of a few. But constitutional government
without religion may, as the examples cited earlier in this suggest, given to people no sense of
common destiny nor any faith in the transcendent value of their principles.” (2016).
Freedom & Spreading democracy are two topics that co-exist and can be one without the
other. America has a deep sentiment towards the commitment to freedom, and the common belief
is to mention an example in between the Armed Forces is the defense of this freedom abroad to
preserve as such. “The courts have become immensely powerful for two reasons: the existence of
an independent judiciary and the beliefs Americans have about the foundation of their
government. Courts that are independent of the legislative and executive branches will inevitably
become the referee that determines when a law or order violates the Constitution.” (Wilson,
2016). This helps us preserve the status that protects the law and rights that govern our society
and without this, the freedom we enjoy could be potentially compromised. To prevail over
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democracy, we have demonstrated a trait that is lacking in many other countries that try to
implement in the same way we had. These countries lack a successful war against a colonial
power, wise statements drafted such as our constitution, and a political structure that will sustain
democratic authority and protect human freedom (2016). To mention an example England
became a democratic state a few decades after the United States was created. One of the reasons
this system work so well is because before the establishment of the Republic there was no other
prior example to follow that will cause tension other than the monarch and the prosecution of the
church many of the settler experiences in the very beginning before moving to the new world.
Cristian realism
A theological principle that relays on the perfect nature of Christianity, diverse by sinful
nature of humanity, freedom of humanity, and the tenet of great commandment is the Cristian
realism. “Within the realist tradition, there are two streams. A stream rooted and atheism, and a
stream rooted in Judeo-Christian values, beliefs, and teaching.” (Curry, 2018). Thus, perceiving
Christianity not as perfect theology in my opinion but as a realistic one that tries to achieve a
good result while understanding that it is hard, and some discrepancies scrutinize its perfection.
Cristian Realists argue that nation-states can and should use their power in the service of the
universal standard of justice (2018). An influential figure in the 20th century was Reinhold
Niebuhr, he was considered a realistic public intellectual. In the narrative described by the
speaker, Dr. Walter Russel, describes realism as sobriety due to the different varieties of
definition people can attribute. The enemy of sobriety, in other words realism, is described as
utopianism which is inclined to believe that depending on the action the outcome could
determine whether everything will be good. Another will be Catastrophism, which looks at the
worst possible outcome if the condition leading to it does not change. Lastly, nuclear sees
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nuclear power and weapons of mass destruction as the end of the world. How people perceive
these dangers makes effective action harder, not easier, tends to divert action from paths that
must do some good (Russell, 2018).
American Exceptionalism in Presidential Speeches
While reading the diverse presidential speeches from the three formers Presidents I was
able to identify three common characteristics. Those characteristic in one way or another vary in
the level of sophistication and eloquently characteristic of each different President, but the
general messages persist. Three examples of this are the hope for a better nation, the Christian
values character of our Nation and heritage left to us, and the patriotism or love for our Country.
In the George W. Bush inauguration ceremony, some of the exceptionalism examples he I was
able to identify he speaks about the “It is the American story--a story of flawed and fallible
people, united across the generations by grand and enduring ideals.” (White House, 2021).
Making this reference tells us about our history and the values that are characterized by our
culture. “But the stakes for America are never small. If our country does not lead the cause of
freedom, it will not be led. If we do not turn the hearts of children toward knowledge and
character, we will lose their gifts and undermine their idealism. If we permit our economy to drift
and decline, the vulnerable will suffer most.” (2021). This part of the speech to me summarize
few of the most important things as people we all care about freedom, children’s for being the
future of the Nation, and idealism and economy that enables things, present interest and not only
that as American represent one of the biggest examples of exceptionalism that make us different
from everyone else. Despite not being the best, we care about those basic rights citizens should
have access to explained as well by James Wilson refer to federalism. Lastly, he mentioned that
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in our country many do not know the pain of poverty, but we can listen to those who do (White
House, 2021). This is true due to, compared to many other countries, despite the level of poverty
we have access to running waters in most places, education, and shelter.
Former President Barack Obama has always been characterized for being more
eloquences and general when addressing and speaking to the masses limiting himself to the
political correctness. I was able to identify few less evidence of American exceptionalism
examples in his speech compared to his predecessor or successor some of those examples such as
more accurate in describing. “In reaffirming the greatness of our Nation, we understand that
greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or
settling for less (Phillips, 2009). “We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth.”
(2009). When we look at the overall and other data that will not be represented here. We can all
agree in most cases that we may not be the most prosperous, or powerful Nation on earth but
there is no doubt that this is nothing we not striving or hoping for in the overall. “For we know
that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and
Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers (Phillips, 2009). Being inclusive and understand
that traditionally we have welcome everyone as a Nation of immigrant, who freely exercise the
right to follow any religion creed or believe this was an especially important remark different
from other speeches in this discussion. “The lord watches over the foreigner and sustain the
fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways on the wicked.” (Psalm 146:9 NIV). Former
President Donald Trump was characterized for being popular in between the masses. President
Trump inauguration ceremony different from President Obama first term inauguration speech he
addresses for things in a simpler way but calling more to the patriotism sentiment. “We are one
Nation, and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams, and their success will be our
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success.” Another notable example of the exceptionalism found in the speech was “When
America is united, America is totally unstoppable.” (2017).
To conclude the importance of American exceptionalism and Cristian realism to the
understanding of the national security simply help us remind the hope standard we should be set
to attain as citizens. We look back at history and how we uphold ourselves because of the
traditions, achievements, and sense of security, democracy, and liberty we strive for and
encourage not only in the Country but across the world. For the Cristian realism in my point of
view for being it is important because I include my personal values and believe in other world
view in the decision-making process of my every day while serving. We must understand we
need to love one another as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39 NIV). We must ought to do good
in the world since is one of the mandates calling for Christianity, by acting in this way our values
will be reflected in actions and will serve as testimony and example to others to follow.
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References:
Curry, D. (2018, May 18). American Exceptionalism, Christian Realism, and America’s
Engagement of the World2. Liberty University.
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/197837/pages/watch-american-exceptionalism-
christian-realism-and-americas-engagement-of-the-world-2
Guelzo, C. (2018, November 23). America Was Always an Exceptional Nation, but Is It Still? Its
Robust Civil Society and Lack of Hierarchy are Cherished by Americans and Curious to
Foreigners. ProQuest. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2137039020.
Holy Bible, New International Version, (2007). Standard Publishing.
Phillips, M. (2009, January 21). President Barack Obama Inaugural Address. The White House.
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2009/01/21/president-barack-obamas-
inaugural-Addres. Retrieve from:
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2009/01/21/president-barack-obamas-
inaugural-address
Russell, W. (2018, November 2). Walter Russel Mead Lecture: Christian Realism. Providence
Magazines Christianity and National Security Conference. Extracted from Liberty
University. https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/197837/pages/watch-walter-russell-mead-
lecture-christian-realism?module_item_id=25057317
The White House. (2001, January 20). President George W. Bush’s Inaugural Address. Extracted
From: https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/inaugural-address.html
2017 Donald Trump Inauguration Speech Transcript. (2017, January 20). Politico. Retrieve
from: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/full-text-donald-trump-inauguration-
speech-transcript-233907
Wilson, J. (2006, August 23). American Exceptionalism. AEI.
https://www.aei.org/articles/american-exceptionalism-3/
