As President of Colorado Christian University, it is imperative that I address the urgent and profound threat posed by Iran's relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and the indispensable necessity for the United States to stand resolutely with our vital ally, Israel. This position transcends mere political allegiance; it is deeply anchored in the core values and strategic priorities that define our institution—namely, the promotion of liberty, democracy and the enduring principles of Western civilization.
Israel epitomizes these principles, manifesting self-determination, resilience and an unwavering commitment to religious freedom. In a region frequently afflicted by tyranny, oppression and instability, Israel's existence highlights the critical need to defend democratic values and human rights. The existential danger posed by a nuclear-capable Iran extends far beyond the Middle East — it imperils the broader ideals of freedom and moral responsibility that bind the free world together.
President Ronald Reagan’s warning rings with renewed urgency, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
Our response to Iran’s aggressive pursuits must be swift and resolute, for silence or complacency risks undermining the liberties that our nations have fought to uphold. Ignoring such threats could lead to catastrophic consequences, reversing decades of progress and threatening global stability.
Compounding this global crisis is a domestic one: the steady erosion of rigorous, truth-seeking education in our institutions of higher learning. Too many young people today are graduating with little understanding of Israel’s history, the origins of antisemitism, or the enduring moral and strategic relevance of the U.S.-Israel relationship. This educational failure has created space for misinformation to thrive and for anti-Israel ideologies to gain ground unchallenged.
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As President John F. Kennedy astutely remarked, “The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.”
It is our profound moral duty to ensure that our students are endowed with a comprehensive understanding of history, morality, and the philosophical underpinnings of Western civilization. At Colorado Christian University, we are unwavering in our commitment to cultivating an enlightened citizenry—individuals who grasp the profound significance of our Judeo-Christian heritage and its enduring relevance to contemporary global affairs.
The targeting of Jewish people today is not merely an expression of antisemitism; it is a manifestation of a pernicious ideology that threatens not only Israel but also the fundamental principles of freedom, religious liberty and justice. The Iranian regime and other terrorist entities openly espouse a desire to annihilate the Jewish people—an echo of some of history’s darkest chapters that demands our vigilance and decisive action. This desire for destruction is more than political rhetoric; it is a direct attack on a distinct people group with the intent to irradicate the Jewish people from their land and their existence. It is an attack on morality, freedom and human dignity—values that define Western civilization itself.
At Colorado Christian University, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the pursuit of truth, the enduring value of the liberal arts, and the development of well-rounded, morally grounded citizens. As a premier Christian university, we recognize the indispensable alliance between Judeo-Christian principles and Western civilization, and we believe it is our responsibility to advocate for comprehensive educational reform. This includes the development and integration of rigorous curricula that explore the historical and philosophical foundations of culture.
Our distinct, Christ-centered mission is on fostering an academic environment where students engage deeply with the timeless principles of Western civilization, the Liberal Arts, Humanities, biblical truths, and the moral foundations that underpin a free and just society. By upholding these standards, we prepare our students not only to excel academically but also to become thoughtful cultural leaders and defenders of liberty—individuals who understand that true knowledge and character are essential for confronting the challenges of our time with wisdom, courage, and conviction.
Ultimately, we bear a collective responsibility—to remember, to speak truthfully and to stand firm—so that the lessons of history are not forgotten and never repeated. It is our duty to protect the principles that have guided us and to oppose all forces that threaten to undermine them, ensuring a future rooted in justice, peace, and human dignity.
Together, we can ensure that the values we cherish not only endure but thrive, standing resolutely against repeating the Holocaust and against all forms of hatred, evil and terrorism in our increasingly complex world.
Eric Hogue is president of Colorado Christian University, which was included in the Wall Street Journal’s College Pulse Ranking for a second consecutive year and named one of the fastest-growing universities in the country for the ninth year in a row.
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