Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley addressed students during a convocation at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. In his speech, Hawley focused on spiritual concerns, urging students to combat what he termed as "spiritual oppression" in American society. He challenged the influence of secularism, stating, “For decades now, the forces of secularism–the false gods, if you will, of secularism–have said that Christians should be silent in the public square."

Hawley emphasized the nation's religious roots and expressed his belief in the significance of biblical convictions. “Every civilization is founded on a set of religious convictions, and the United States of America I firmly believe is the greatest nation in the world because our religious convictions are the convictions of the Bible," he declared.

He continued to critique the culture of materialism, characterizing it as a "false god" that leads to self-centeredness. According to the senator, "This is maybe the most prevalent idol of our popular culture. The idol that says, live for yourself. Put yourself first. Self-care, self-gratification."

Hawley also addressed young men, rejecting the prevalent cultural model of manhood: “It’s the version of this idol that says true manhood consists of doing whatever you want, whenever you want, to whomever you want, no matter the cost." Instead, he called for a sacrificial model based on the example of Jesus Christ, saying, “True manhood has cost. It is the denial of self. It is a war on sin. It is sacrifice for other people."

Concluding, Senator Hawley encouraged students to embrace God's vision for their lives, independent of their past achievements, asserting, “When God comes to us He does not come to us and say, ‘Let me see your resume.’ When God comes to us He does not come and say, ‘What can you do for me?’ When God comes to us to call us, He says, ‘I declare this is who you are in Jesus Christ.’"