FOREWORD by Dr. David Jeremiah

Recently, while sitting at the breakfast table, I told my wife that I felt like I was living through the dismantling of America. We talked about the horror of watching the news each night and seeing this country that we love being destroyed before our very eyes. How could this be happening? What does it mean? Where is it leading? What can we do?

These are the cultural questions that are being asked in almost any setting you visit today. Unfortunately, almost no one is providing any answers

But Erwin Lutzer, in We Will Not Be Silenced, is responding. And what he has written about what is happening in our nation is the most complete, the most honest, and the most understandable explanation I have encountered.

I agreed to write this foreword because I believe you need to read this book—not just the first few pages but every page, every paragraph, every word. You will even be helped by the notes at the end of the book.

If I could, I would put We Will Not Be Silenced into the hands of every Christian in America. But it is already in your hands, and I want to tell you why you should read it.

This book examines every cultural issue we are facing. Nothing is left out. It addresses diversity issues, racial issues, gender issues, immigration issues, social justice issues, media issues, issues of free speech, and issues rooted in Socialism, Darwinism and Marxism. Saddest of all, it covers issues related to the church and how it is responding to all of this.

We Will Not Be Silenced examines all of the above and much more. But it doesn’t just examine them, it explains them. Why are these things happening? How did we get to where we are without noticing where we were headed? Over the past year, we have watched as criminal mobs have ravaged our cities, burned down our buildings, and declared war on our police. What has been most troubling has been the attempt of these organized rioters to tear down our monuments and deface our historic buildings. Why are they doing this? It is not just random civil disobedience. Nor is it lawful protests gone awry.

Erwin Lutzer explains that behind all of this destructive behavior is the determination of the Marxists to destroy America’s history so that it can be replaced by a new Marxist “history” that is being inculcated into our children’s minds from kindergarten through graduate school. They’re not just tearing down monuments, they’re trying to destroy the very foundation upon which our nation was founded. They understand that “he who controls the past, controls the future.”

Erwin Lutzer traces every secular cultural expression back to its roots. These things are not just “happening,” they have been orchestrated. They are not random individual occurrences; they are all part of a carefully scripted and produced overture to the destruction of America.

Finally, this book does not just examine what is happening, and explain why it is happening, it exhorts us to respond to what is happening. Lutzer asks, “How do we live courageously in a culture where people who shout the loudest win the argument? How do we live during a time when Christianity is openly being remade to blend more comfortably into a secularized culture?”

Here is Erwin Lutzer’s hopeful answer for you, for me, and for all who call upon the name of the Lord:

“I want to inspire us to have the courage to walk toward the fire and not run away from the flames. God has brought us to this cultural moment, and our future cannot be taken for granted. As has been said, ‘In a time of universal deception, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.’”

I want to encourage you to prayerfully—and carefully—read this book. Take good notes, highlight the key passages, write in the margins. And when you have finally wrapped your mind and heart around these truths, don’t be silent!

—David Jeremiah

“Once again Erwin Lutzer has given us a challenging, inspirational, and provocative work that will call all serious Christians to clearly represent our God and His Word in the public square. He has strategically balanced biblical authority, cultural relevance, and spiritual sensitivity in this must-read book. You will be both righteously provoked and personally convicted not to be a silent secret agent Christian after being confronted by the truth in this excellent resource.”
—Dr. Tony Evans, president, The Urban Alternative, senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship

“What’s behind the current ‘unraveling of America’? And how should we respond? In his magnificent book We Will Not Be Silenced, my friend Erwin Lutzer has the vital answers, exhorting us to boldly and courageously witness about our faith, come what may!”
—Eric Metaxas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther, host of the nationally syndicated Eric Metaxas Radio Show

“My dear friend Erwin Lutzer has given us an insightful framework in which to think through and approach the challenges we face during this moment in history. You will find We Will Not Be Silenced thought-provoking and helpful. At times you may even wrestle with a few of his insights and conclusions. That’s a good thing. Thank you, Erwin, for addressing these matters, including racism, Marxism, and capitalism against the backdrop of the cross and the transforming truth of the Word of God.”
—Dr. Crawford W. Loritts Jr., author, speaker, radio host, senior pastor, Fellowship Bible Church, Roswell, Georgia

“We Will Not Be Silenced explains a number of trends growing at frightening speed that endanger the liberties of people everywhere. This book is a worthy investment of your time. As always, Lutzer provides keen analysis and presents numerous insightful conclusions. He is one of the few authors of whom I make a point to read everything they release. Why? Because regardless of the topic he’s addressing, his analysis will be factual, artfully presented, and beneficial.”
—Alex McFarland, Christian apologist, Truth For A New Generation

“Erwin Lutzer has written a timely and important book that calls the church to face the challenges of our society from a Christ-honoring, Scripture-driven, and gospel-saturated perspective. In We Will Not Be Silenced, he offers the simple yet radical solution to the manifold problems that plague the culture we live in: Let the church be the church! Read this book carefully. Share it as widely as possible. Refuse to be silent in your witness for Christ!”
—H.B. Charles Jr., senior pastor, Shiloh Church, Jacksonville, Florida

“Sooner or later, we all have to take a stand. Erwin Lutzer says the time has come for Christians to stand up for the truth. With pastoral wisdom and deep insight, he exposes the lies that have brought Western culture to the brink of destruction. But he doesn’t stop there. This book shows how we can reclaim the church (which is the key to the culture) if we will once again speak God’s truth without fear or favor. I can only hope millions of believers will read this book and be moved to take action.”
—Dr. Ray Pritchard, president, Keep Believing Ministries

“We Will Not Be Silenced is, in my view, the most important book my friend Erwin Lutzer has written. This is a book for generations. A manifesto for Christians and churches. I love the courageous stand for truth and the bold declaration of faith that is clearly delivered within its pages. No doubt about it—this book is light shining brightly in the darkness.”
—Dr. Jack Graham, pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church & PowerPoint Ministries

“I have longed to see pulpits blaze with passion as they did during the American Revolution. I’ve longed for powerful teaching that applies God’s Word to the chaos we are experiencing. Erwin Lutzer’s deep understanding of history, culture, and God’s Word blend powerfully in We Will Not Be Silenced to do just that as he refreshingly challenges us to hold fast, be bold, and finish well!”
—Sandy Rios, Director of Governmental Affairs for AFA (American Family Association), host of Sandy Rios in the Morning on AFR Talk, former president of CWA (Concerned Women for America)

“We are living in desperate days that pose unique challenges to the proclamation of Jesus Christ. In such days, we need faithful voices to guide the way. Erwin Lutzer is a faithful man who addresses a challenging and crucial topic with biblical clarity and conviction. I am thankful for this book and believe it deserves your attention.”
—Dr. Heath Lambert, senior pastor, First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida

“Based on decades of successfully defending religious leaders, churches, and seminaries in the body of Christ in litigation all across America, if the body of Christ hopes to survive in the public forum and have the impact on this culture Jesus has commanded in the Great Commission, the message of this book must be heeded."
—J. Shelby Sharpe, Constitutional lawyer

“After working as an actress in Hollywood and seeing how Marxism is taking over the entertainment industry and the public school system from within, this book is A MUST READ to know what battle we are up against. Knowledge is power. I can say this book not only exposes the enemy but gives us the wisdom and tools to get God back in our country, community, and home. The time is NOW!”
—Tina Marie Griffin, www.CounterCultureMom.com

“Thinking about the climate dominating our culture today, Erwin Lutzer gives insight into a number of key issues facing the church. I highly recommend this volume be read by those interested in being a part of the solution to today’s volatile issues.”
—Milton E. Kornegay, Central Baptist Church, Syracuse, New York

“Biblical prophecy and history instruct us on how great nations collapse from within before ever being conquered from without. In this book, Erwin Lutzer reminds us of our enemy’s ‘Game Plan’ and how we should respond to it.”
—Cal Thomas, syndicated columnist, author, America’s Expiration Date

David Cochran Heath is a professional actor with more than 30 years of experience on the stage in over 130 productions. He is also a lifelong fan of radio theater and has done a variety of narration and character work. He lives in San Diego with his wife, Beth.

Erwin W. Lutzer is senior pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Loyola University, he is the author of numerous books, including the Gold Medallion Award-winner Hitler's Cross and the bestseller One Minute After You Die. He is also a teacher on radio programs heard on more than seven hundred stations throughout the United States and the world. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area and have three children and seven grandchildren.