Relations between the United States and Russia haven’t been this strained since the Cold War. The two superpowers have enough firepower to destroy the entire planet many times over. The U.S. has upwards of 4,000 nuclear warheads and Russia outpaces that figure at about 4,300. That’s why it’s imperative that presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin find a way to forge a lasting peace.
But politically-motivated election meddling and spying scandals have driven a wedge between the two leaders. In the run-up to the 2016 election, now-Pres. Trump was open arms to building a working relationship with Pres. Putin. As the Russian strongman recently said, it’s a “shame” that American politics are pulling the nations further apart when the pair could do so much good.
“The media and enemies of President Trump have tried to drive a wedge between Russia and the United States,” pastor Franklin Graham wrote. “Our country needs Russia as an ally in the fight against Islamic terrorism. Join me in praying for President Trump and President Vladimir Putin as they have this very strategic meeting.”
It’s no secret that the United States and Russia have been staunch rivals. America competes with Russia over foreign influence, natural resources and trade to some degree. The secular Obama Administration and Hillary Clinton tried and failed to normalize relations. But Pres. Trump brings renewed hope.
Even though he faces a harsh backlash in the media for meeting in Helsinki, the president is armed with something missing from the previous administration — Christian faith. Pres. Trump’s counterpart has that same devotion to God, as do many of the Russian people.
U.S. and Russia are Predominately Christian Nations
To say Americans and Russians are mostly Christian would be something of an understatement. America has an estimated 240 million people who identify as Christian and that figure equals 75 percent of the population. Protestants comprise the largest segment at 51.3 percent with Catholics totaling just under 24 percent.
Studies about the 2016 elections showed that Pres. Trump garnered overwhelming Christian support and people of faith were a deciding factor in his winning the White House.
Like the United States, Russia promotes religious freedom and a number of faiths practice there. Just like the U.S., Christians represent the vast majority of the population.
More than half of all Russians consider themselves Christian. Approximately 41 percent are Russian Orthodox and unaffiliated Christians make up about 4 percent of the population. All told, Christians are a majority and their elected leader, Pres. Putin, was baptized in the Orthodox Church and consistently wears the orthodox pendant.
“Mama gave me my baptismal cross to get it blessed at the Lord’s Tomb,” Putin reportedly said. “I did as she said and then put the cross around my neck. I have never taken it off since.”
The devoted son has openly demonstrated his love of God by invoking His name in public statements and making a 2016 pilgrimage to an Orthodox monastery in Mount Athos, Greece.
Can Faith Brings these Strongmen Together?
Although the mainstream media has shown fierce opposition to presidents Trump and Putin coming together for their respective countries well-being, the chemistry between them seems unquestionably positive.
Gone are the scowling photos between ex-Pres. Obama and Putin. When Trump and Putin meet, onlookers see smiling faces, handshakes and a sense of good will. That may be rooted in the fact that each leader comes from a Christian perspective and that has been reflected in their policies.
Consider the fundamental celebration of Christmas. Obama attempted to secularize the holidays and insisted Americans no longer say, “Merry Christmas.” Pres. Trump insisted in bringing back the Christian greeting.
In Russia, Pres. Putin makes a point to openly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and his Orthodox leanings are widely reported. Christian leadership requires setting the standard.
The Russian leader has been quoted as saying that Christmas customs go to the “spiritual origins and fatherly traditions, and (they unite Russians) around eternal Christian values.”
Since taking office, Pres. Trump has repeatedly issued Executive Orders calling for religious tolerance that resist secularization and appointed Christian judges at the federal level. He elevated Neil Gorsuch, a devoted Christian, to the U.S. Supreme Court and has nominated another God-loving judge to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. These appointments will have a positive impact on people of faith for decades to come.
In Russia, Putin has been a strong supporter of his Orthodox Church and has been similarly critical of secularism.
“Many Euro-Atlantic countries have moved away from their roots, including Christian values,” Putin reportedly said. “Policies are being pursued that place on the same level a multi-child family and a same-sex partnership, a faith in God and a belief in Satan. This is the path to degradation.”
If the two world leaders are to build a working relationship that fosters peace and cooperation, the best hope appears to be their unwavering Christian faith.
~ Christian Patriot Daily
