Op-Ed by Daniel Bobinski
In case you haven’t heard, Brad Little and two generals from the Idaho Army National Guard are being sued for implementing what amounts to a “no Christians in command” policy. Why? Because an officer in Idaho’s National Guard was removed from his command simply for expressing his religious views. This is a blatant attack on Christianity—a cornerstone of the very moral fabric upon which our nation was built. It’s also an affront to the founding principles of the United States and a direct betrayal of Idaho’s own values.
Governor Little’s silence in this matter is deafening. As the commander-in-chief of Idaho’s National Guard, his refusal to address this assault on religious liberty is not just a dereliction of duty, it’s also a tacit endorsement of the Guard’s discriminatory practices. What’s worse, his inaction raises a larger question: Is this the kind of leadership Idahoans deserve—one that bows to anti-Christian sentiment rather than standing for freedom?
Yes, our nation was founded on Christian principles
To fully grasp the absurdity of this “no Christians in command” policy, one need only look at the historical foundation of America. It’s been extensively documented that nine of the original 13 state constitutions required officeholders to be Christians. As just one example, the Delaware Constitution of 1776 explicitly stated that anyone holding public office must “profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost.” While specific oaths varied by state, the overarching principle that guided our Founders was clear: moral and ethical governance was inextricably linked to Christianity and Christian values. Those who doubt this should read Article III of the 1787 Northwest Ordinance.
Why was this the case? The answer lies in our Founders’ belief that Christian teachings provide the moral compass necessary for just leadership. The founders understood that a government led by men and women with no grounding in higher moral accountability would inevitably descend into tyranny.
The issue at hand with the Idaho National Guard is not just a slight against Christians; it’s a repudiation of our country’s foundational wisdom.
John Adams on morality and governance
Consider the words of John Adams in his 1798 letter to the Massachusetts militia:
“Our Constitution was made only
for a moral and religious people.
It is wholly inadequate
to the government of any other.”
What most people do not know is that at the time of our country’s founding, the word “religion” was a synonym for “Christian denomination.” In other words, if I asked what religion you were, it was akin to asking to what Christian denomination you belonged, and a “religious” person was one who held a Christian faith.
The writers of the Constitution understood that a society devoid of moral, Christian principles would be incapable of sustaining the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. The structure of our government, with its emphasis on checks and balances, assumes a populace governed by an internal moral code. Remove that code, and the system collapses under the weight of human selfishness and corruption.
Yet here we are in 21st century Idaho, with the National Guard—an institution charged with defending the Constitution—disqualifying Christians from leadership positions. This policy doesn’t just undermine the Guard’s mission; it actively erodes the moral foundation necessary for any legitimate exercise of power.
The dangerous path of discrimination
Let’s call this policy what it is: religious discrimination. Under the guise of “equity” or “inclusion,” the Idaho National Guard has singled out Christians for exclusion.
Isn’t it ironic that the very people most likely to lead with integrity and moral courage are being pushed out? Christians, by their faith, are called to serve others and uphold justice—qualities any military organization should prize.
To those who argue that this policy ensures neutrality, I ask them to consider whether a “no Muslims in command” or “no atheists in command” policy would be tolerated. Of course not. Yet today, Christians are uniquely targeted, and the hypocrisy is glaring. This is not about neutrality; it’s about suppressing a worldview that holds people accountable to a higher standard.
A call to action
Idahoans, it’s time to demand accountability. Governor Little must take a stand against this egregious policy and affirm Idaho’s commitment to religious freedom. As citizens, we cannot allow our state to slide into the mire of moral relativism, where the values that built this nation are cast aside in favor of a hollow and hypocritical “inclusivity.”
The Idaho National Guard must remember its duty to uphold the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. Singling out Christians as “extremists” not only violates this guarantee, such a declaration flies in the face of the principles that have sustained this nation for more than two centuries.
Bottom line, if we fail to address this now, the consequences will be dire. As John Adams pointed out, any society that marginalizes those who lead with moral conviction will eventually find itself led by those with none.
The discriminatory policy set by the Guard creates a far, far greater danger than any so-called “extremism” the Guard claims to be combating.
If you agree, it may be time to let your feelings be known.
Daniel Bobinski, Th.D, is the founder and editor emeritus of True Idaho News.
The views and opinions expressed by contributors to True Idaho News do not necessarily reflect those of Shadowtrail Media, LLC, its founders, or owners.
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