Brock Simmons
Feb 13, 2024
We shall be as a city upon a hill; the eyes of all people are upon us.
When these words were spoken in 1630, it seemed unlikely that anyone (much less all people) would have their eyes upon America. Certainly, the great powers of Europe looked upon the newly discovered lands to the west as an opportunity for exploitation: lands, riches, and self-aggrandizing imperial expansion; but to claim that 17th century Europe would draw some inspiration or find hope in the Americas was a ludicrous claim at best. Most colonists had struggled to create even the most rudimentary of settlements, so how could they possibly form some “shining city on a hill?”
Yet Governor John Winthrop of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was not dissuaded. With an unshakable faith, Winthrop promised that his new colony would serve as “a beacon of Christian charity” to the rest of Europe. More than three centuries later, President Ronald Reagan would embrace this expression. Tracing America’s tale from Winthrop to the present day, Reagan made a robust case for American exceptionalism. In his farewell address, he made perhaps his most compelling argument, saying:
In my mind, [America] was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors, and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it and see it still.
Reagan would champion the cause of American exceptionalism to his dying breath, saying our story is of a “divine plan” and that our people contain an “abiding love of freedom and a special kind of courage.” One may doubt Reagan’s policies, but questioning his oratory abilities or patriotism is a fool’s errand.
At its root, he was describing America's unique cultural and political standing in the world in 1989. We had emerged on vastly improved footing from the early half of the 20th century. America had emerged from the two Great Wars as the “arsenal of democracy.” America had openly backed the free world and defied the forces of authoritarianism and oppression. We exalted our Founders’ ideas, declaring that all men indeed were equal, regardless of race or creed. NASA had literally reached for the stars, placing Neil Armstrong on the Moon in 1969. America made ungodly progress in a short period, was governed by exceptional, exalted men, and aspired to intelligence— never belittling it.
The world looked to America for leadership. Our standing was one of extreme influence and power. Greater even— we were a hegemon of economic power, military might, and democratic reform. American culture was viewed and emulated on every continent. America’s flag was not a mere piece of cloth; rather, it was a global symbol of human freedom, recognized by old and young the world over. I'd like to think that if Winthrop had been able to see what his budding colony would become, he would have seen his shining city on a hill.
Much has changed since Reagan’s passing. It has become increasingly clear that America’s standing in the world is rapidly degrading. Much of the free world no longer looks to America for guidance, and those who do are beginning to seek more ready alternatives— often finding them in our ideological rivals. Faith in our democracy is waning, and our constitutional order is facing its most significant challenges since 1865. When thousands flooded into the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021, in what appeared to be a forceful denial of election results, a chill was felt throughout the free world. Rome and Carthage stand as eternal proof that even the greatest cities are not guaranteed to reign in perpetuity— Winthrop’s city is no different.
Where the world once found a stalwart defense of democracy, it now often finds our backs turned. Where once our gates stood open to the fellow freedom-seeking people of the world, we now find the dehumanization of those striving towards our way of life. Where once we demanded men of exception to lead our country, we now find children playing at governance. Where once the peaceful transition of power was all but guaranteed, we now find persistent claims of subversion and threats of unrest. I ask Americans to carefully consider if we are still a shining city upon a hill.
When you hear your leaders speak, do you feel they deserve reverence? Do their actions and the vision they expound reflect that of Winthrop, of a beacon of Christian charity? Do you trust your courts and your elections? Do you feel the punitive measures they take are motivated by the rule of law? Do you genuinely believe that America remains an example for the rest of the world to espouse? I do not believe we can confidently answer yes to these most fundamental of questions.
America remains a nation of unlimited potential, and I remain convinced of our nation’s purpose. However, it is vital that we begin to acknowledge our problems and actively address them. The current state of our union is neither normal nor healthy. The leaders we are electing are not the equals of their predecessors. Lady Liberty’s beacon still burns, but without an immediate demand for a change in course, she and Winthrop’s city on a hill will shine no more.