David French on America's Secession Threat

American politics and culture seem to be polarizing at an alarming rate. Could we ever actually break apart? Is secession a real threat? And what do we do about it? Here David French shares his insights and discusses his new book, Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation.

Truth Unites is a mixture of apologetics and theology, with an irenic focus.

Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Ojai.

My books:

[thomasc]

While David French shared valuable insights, as a PCA Christian living in the Bay Area who moved here 7 years ago, I think the gap has become too wide between conservatives and progressives to bridge. This gap has spilled over to the rest of the states and nearing a snapping point. Whether you are a conservative or progressive, Californians have become very accustomed to living contradictory ideologues even within themselves. Wealthy progressives will criticize evils of capitalism, but spend great deal of time staring at their investment portfolios while demeaning rural Americans. Conservatives will push for free markets while adjudicating for deep regulations of High-Techs. Conservative evangelicals will pride themselves of being affiliated with conservative denominations, but have never read their confessions/statements of faith. Progressive Christians will lovingly care for LGBTQ, but vigorous condemn and promote prosecutions of any who will not accept these behaviors.

I was against the secession till few months ago, but I am beginning to rethink that perhaps early dialogues of peaceful secession is more prudent option to lessen the impact. When the election compromise is done openly in public with no shame and fear of God that is a challenging gauntlet thrown to the other side. Can already angry side "turn the other cheek"?

I ramble as I look to move out to another state, but my beloved country needs not just Christ's mercy, but his divine wisdom and authority as well.

[bobblobby]

...So why is secession a bad thing?

I believe that the attitudes of David French are why conservatives have lost every important battle for the last 80 years or so. That may sound like an exaggeration, but above all the important issues are social and cultural.

The consequence is nothing less than the disintegration of our civilisation.

[krisi.]

The issues are a few major cities voices dictate for the entire country !

[ColinMichaelis]

Having just finished reading David French’s book, Divided we Fall, it was great to hear the content of today’s episode. Good questions and great ideas discussed in this episode. Two of the favorite things I get to do each week are watch another installment of Truth Unites and read David French’s Sunday morning article in The Dispatch, and so I really appreciated hearing this conversation with you both together.

[gregschnee]

Great interview. Thanks Gavin. Keep em coming.

[RubenBinyet]

Great conversation!! Thank you! Super insightful even for someone who's not American. Would you see a link between this attitude in politics and the approach you defend in theology to find the "right hill to die on"? What does that mean for intellectual engagement with secular and theologically liberal thought ?

[ALYoungFuture]

ef Texas leaves or California Leaves the union, then the treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo 1848 between Mexico & United States would be compromised. It gave the United States the Rio Grande as a boundary for Texas, and gave the U.S. ownership of California and a large area comprising roughly half of New Mexico, most of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, and parts of Wyoming and Colorado.

[jakegayman]

I have greatly appreciated your ministry! Keep up the great content!