Great quotes. I believe in Orthodoxy’s special place in Russia and other Eastern countries, but even as a Catholic agree that Protestantism lay the groundwork for the American republic. And i think Russians, including the ones who aspire for a non-authoritarian future for their country do not understand that link.
They equate “freedom” and “democracy” with the decadence which characterized the French Revolution. And it was the French Revolution which did far more to pave the way for the Bolsheviks than the American.
The American Revolution was a whole different enchilada. De Toqueville understood this. Even Thomas Paine who was shunned for being an out of the closet atheist toward the end of his life thought the French had taken things too far with their secular insanity. (He visited.)
To understand America’s founding, one must understand the theological, religious, and spiritual movements and values from which our country sprung. One must be Biblically literate and see how the Bible applies notbjust to matters of personal conduct, worship, and faith — but to a cohesive worldview about the order of things: social, political, economic, etc...
And that even religious freedom and freedom of conscience is a Christian concept! One’s decision to accept or reject God is between man and God — not man and State!
Well, you I.D. as a RC (as i was) but speak as an evangelical! May God give you grace to go all the way.