Some dates are etched in our memory — moments when the world seems to stop, forcing us to confront our shared humanity. September 11, 2001, is one of those days. January 6, 2021, is another. Four years ago, I watched in disbelief as a sitting president, entrusted with a legacy of generations, incited a mob to attack the Capitol. Lies and anger overwhelmed truth and order, leaving not just physical damage but a deep wound in our nation’s soul.

What makes January 6 unforgettable is not just the events of that day, but the trajectory that led to it. A president with unprecedented moral failures was elected and allowed to remain in office despite repeated controversies. He then refused to accept his loss in the 2020 election. Instead of conceding with dignity, he inflamed mistrust, culminating in an assault on our democracy. Four years later, he is poised to retake office — this time without chaos, because… well… he won.

Reflecting on that day and the days since, the gravity of leadership strikes me as a citizen and a follower of Christ. January 6 is a cautionary tale, reminding us how quickly division and deception can take root when moral clarity is absent.

This anniversary compels us to evaluate our nation’s foundations, hearts, allegiances, and actions. Democracy, though imperfect, is a precious gift dependent on shared responsibility and a commitment to truth. As believers, we must wrestle with reconciling our faith with the turmoil of that day. How do we respond with truth and grace to ensure such a breach of peace never happens again?

2021 in Context

To understand January 6, we must consider America’s challenges at the time. While 2021 barely began, we were a nation grappling with deep uncertainty. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in its second year, it continued to claim lives and livelihoods. Our homes were isolating, and our communities were becoming fraying social ties. Economic uncertainty loomed as businesses shuttered and families struggled. Racial tension and social unrest further strained national unity.

Amid this backdrop, a presidential transition unfolded unlike any in modern history. Former President Donald Trump refused to concede to President-elect Joe Biden, fueling unfounded claims of election fraud. His rhetoric, amplified on social media, stoked anger and mistrust, pushing the nation toward a breaking point. For some, the line between political disagreement and moral warfare blurred entirely.

Globally, America’s fractured unity sent shockwaves, weakening its standing among allies and emboldening adversaries. Domestically, the pressure of a divided nation reached a boiling point. The Capitol attack of January 6 emerged from a season defined by fear, distrust, and deception.

As Christians, we must consider the more profound spiritual forces at work. Fear replaces faith, anger overtakes love, and deception obscures truth. Without trust in shared values, a nation crumbles. This is not just a political crisis; it is a spiritual one. The church must rise as a beacon of hope, calling America back to God’s Word as the foundation of justice and truth.

The Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, the growing cracks in America’s unity finally gave way. What should have been a routine certification of the presidential election turned into a chaotic and violent assault on our democracy. For weeks, former President Trump amplified baseless claims of election fraud. That morning, his rally became a call to action, urging supporters to march to the Capitol and “fight like hell.”

A Timeline of Key Events

• 11:08 a.m. Trump entered the Oval Office and called Vice President Mike Pence, pressuring him to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s victory. Pence refused.

• 11:57 a.m. — 1:15 p.m. Trump addressed his supporters at the Ellipse, declaring: “We fight. We fight like hell, and if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore — my fellow Americans, for our movement, our children, and our beloved country. So we’re going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. And we’re going to the Capitol.”

• 1:15 p.m. Trump concluded his speech and his supporters began moving toward the Capitol. Meanwhile, Trump returned to the White House instead of joining the march, as some believed he might.

• 1:21 p.m. Trump met with his valet at the White House as violence escalated. Rioters breached police barricades, and Capitol Police began calling for backup.

• 2:00 — 2:15 p.m. The Capitol was locked down. Vice President Pence and congressional leaders were evacuated, while rioter Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot at 2:43 p.m. as she tried to enter the House chamber.

• 2:28 p.m. Trump tweeted, criticizing Pence for accepting the election results, further inciting anger among his supporters.

Throughout the afternoon, Trump watched the violence unfold on television in the dining room near the Oval Office, rewinding footage while receiving urgent pleas from aides, allies, and family members to denounce the violence.

• 3:14 p.m. Trump tweeted a vague call for peace, urging supporters to “respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue,” but stopped short of condemning the rioters’ actions.

• 4:08 p.m. Trump recorded a video message in the Rose Garden, telling rioters to go home but repeating claims of election fraud.

• 6:01 p.m. Trump tweeted:  “These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long,” he wrote. “Remember this day forever!”

• 6:27 p.m. Trump went back to the residence, and started calling his lawyers.

By the time Congress resumed counting electoral votes at 8:00 p.m., the Capitol had sustained $3 million in damages, over 140 law enforcement officers had been injured, and the nation’s trust in its democratic process was profoundly shaken.

The cost of the attack was staggering. Lives were lost, but the more profound cost was to the nation’s soul — an injury laid bare on a global stage. Words that fueled chaos did more than incite frustration; they legitimized a rebellion, the echoes of which we still struggle to silence.

Scripture warns us of the power of words:

The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness… setting on fire the entire course of life (James 3:6)

Leaders bear the responsibility of choosing their words wisely. Reckless rhetoric ignited chaos and left destruction in its wake. The Capitol attack was not just a breach of security but a breach of trust in leadership and democratic processes.

This day reminds Christians of the destructive power of pride and anger. It challenges us to uphold truth and justice, not as tools of division but as instruments of healing and reconciliation.

Our Military’s Role

The events of January 6 shattered America’s unity and revealed troubling fractures within the armed forces. Of the 1,500 arrested for their involvement, over 200 had military ties.

How did those sworn to defend the Constitution become participants in its desecration? Radical groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys have long targeted veterans for recruitment. Yet this issue extends beyond fringe groups, revealing a more profound cultural struggle within the armed forces.

Efforts to address extremism have faced resistance and confusion as leaders struggle to define and root out these issues. As Trump’s administration returns, his appointments and rhetoric further complicate the military’s efforts to uphold its integrity and mission.

For Christians, this is a call to prayer and accountability. The military must embody the highest moral standards, defending the values of justice and truth.

Presidential Pardons

As President Trump prepares to take office once more, his plan to pardon individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6 attack sends a troubling signal. Pardoning those who stormed the Capitol does more than absolve past crimes; it threatens to erode the principles of justice and accountability that underpin our democracy. For Christians, this raises profound moral and ethical questions about leadership and its impact on the integrity of a nation.

The events of January 6 were not ordinary protests but acts of rebellion that sought to undermine the peaceful transfer of power. Pardoning the perpetrators risks legitimizing violence as a means of political expression. Such an action sends a dangerous message: lawlessness can be excused for loyalty. This not only emboldens those willing to resort to violence but also weakens the moral authority of leadership and undermines trust in our legal system.

Scripture offers a clear perspective on the role of leaders in upholding justice:

Rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad… for he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:3–4)

Justice is not merely a legal obligation — it is a divine principle. Pardons that absolve rebellion and violence contradict the Biblical call to accountability and righteousness. They diminish the gravity of repentance, which is essential for genuine reconciliation.

This moment compels Christians to reject decisions prioritizing political expediency over truth and integrity. The profit Micah exhorts us to:

Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Excusing the events of January 6 is not an act of mercy; it is a denial of justice. The implications extend beyond politics — they strike at the heart of living in a society grounded in equality and accountability.

Reflections on Violence

January 6, 2021, was more than a political failure; it was a spiritual crisis that revealed deep fractures in our nation’s moral fabric. Violence, anger, and division replaced reason, truth, and love. Yet, as Christians, we know this failure does not have to define our future. In Christ, there is always hope for redemption.

The path forward begins with rejecting the forces that fueled that day: pride, deceit, and hatred. Romans 12:18 calls us to live peaceably with all, as far as it depends on us. This is not a passive call but an active charge to seek reconciliation, speak truth in love, and work tirelessly for justice. Redemption requires repentance. There can be no true healing without acknowledging the wrongs of January 6 — both by participants and enablers.

This reflection extends beyond those directly involved. It challenges each of us to examine our hearts. Have we allowed bitterness or tribalism to cloud our witness? Have we failed to confront falsehoods or model Christ’s love in a divided world? These uncomfortable questions are necessary to live as ambassadors of truth and reconciliation.

Ultimately, our hope lies in the cross, the ultimate symbol of redemption. Jesus bore the weight of humanity’s sin and showed us the cost — and the power — of true reconciliation. Christians are called to follow His example, heal wounds, and build bridges even when complex.

January 6, 2021, was a day of significant failure, but it also serves as a reminder of what is at stake — the integrity of our nation, the strength of our faith, and our commitment to justice. Let us not squander this opportunity to reflect, repent, and act.

Our Responsibility

An extraordinary responsibility comes with being an American — a responsibility rooted in the freedoms and principles this nation was built upon. This is not a privilege to be taken lightly but a call to rise above division and self-interest. For those in public service, this responsibility is even greater. Leadership is a sacred trust that demands humility, wisdom, and a relentless commitment to serving others with integrity.

As Christians, we must encourage and hold our leaders to this high standard while striving to embody it ourselves. Through our words, actions, and prayers, we are called to use the influence entrusted to us for the good of our fellow citizens and the betterment of the world.

Let this anniversary remind us of what is at stake — not just for America but also for our witness as followers of Christ. May we live out our responsibilities with faith and courage, seeking to do better for those around us and always pointing to the eternal hope found in Christ.

Let this day remind us of our ultimate responsibility as Americans and citizens of a heavenly kingdom. We are called to stand for truth, seek justice, and be peacemakers in a world desperate for hope. While our democracy is not guaranteed, our faith is! We know that God’s kingdom is unshakable!

Join the Conversation

January 6 reminds us of our immense responsibility as citizens, leaders, and Christians. It is not merely a day to remember but a call to action — a reminder of the cost of division and the urgent need for unity. As Christians, we are uniquely positioned to model what it means to stand for truth, promote justice, and live as peacemakers in a world desperate for healing.

This moment invites reflection, but more importantly, it demands engagement. How can we hold our leaders to a higher standard of integrity and humility while examining our roles in shaping the culture around us? How can we use God’s influence to bridge divides, reject falsehood, and embody the reconciliation Christ calls us to pursue?

The opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the views or positions of my employer.

I’m just a dad who blogs about the intersections of life, faith, family, and technology. These are the threads that weave through my personal and spiritual walk.

POSTSCRIPT: BCW writers have the freedom to express their opinions on all our platforms as long as they comply within the boundaries of our Core Statement of Faith. However, as the Editor, there are times when I feel compelled to offer my own view. Below is my comment to Dave, posted on Medium.com.

Dave, in responding to your post I totally agree that as Christians we need to seek peace and prayer as we move forward into 2025 while not forgetting the sordid past of events like 1/6/21. On that point, you make your strongest case which is the crux of your post.

However, I would respectfully say that there is much blame to go around on the subject of the capital "riots" not limited to the timeline of Trump failures. I will resist a desire to list the failures and law-fare that plagued Trump and conservatives up to 1/6 from both government and media sources. I will say two things however.... 

First, had America not seen the abuse and the out of balance attack the Biden administration and the news media complicity placed on MAGA, and Trump's tenacious fight-back response, he likely would not be the next president and the huge conservative movement in America likely would have been stilted. 

Second, to be very clear, I am NOT A TRUMP FAN. I did not vote for him in the last election, however I admit, as many Americans do, that he was unfairly treated. I say all that from a Biblical Christian worldview perspective on the sinfulness, selfishness of man's desire to hold power, regardless of what is best for the country. Today we see a worldwide shift as DEI, Immigration, Criminal Prosecution, and general progressivism shifts back toward normalcy across all spectrums of government and industry.

Having got all that out of my system, as you so clearly stated, 1/6/21 was a horrible event in the history of this country and Trump is clearly to blame for delays in responding, something he has never (to my knowledge) acknowledged much less apologized for. Certainly, one can also make a case that he had a hand in its incitement as well.

However, again I am NOT a Trump fan and would prefer to move forward, watchful of what he is going to do in the future, while using the past as a foundation for who he is as a man (an arrogant prideful sinner... who I believe truly loves this country). I will make one observation that you understandably missed in your analysis. That being that Trump, knowing that thousands of his supporters were entering the capital prior to 1/6, requested of Pelosi and others to strengthen the Capital Police and bring in the National Guard and was denied multiple times. This is all over the news including liberal NPR who wrote an article on 1/11/21 making the case by quoting the chief of the US Capital Police on the matter just following the heat of the incident, much less after all the dust settled. Had that warning been heeded (again the President of the US was told "NO" multiple times) the outcome of 1/6 would likely never have reached the crisis that it did.

Point being, not all the vitriol should be directed at Trump nor, in my view, were the heated convictions fair on perhaps many who blindly followed the violent protesters into the building out of curiosity rather than malice. I could go on but again, I think as a country we need to move on, watchful of what good and bad comes out of the international upheaval from liberal to conservative policies we have seen in the last year will bring.

https://www.npr.org/2021/01/11/955548910/ex-capitol-police-chief-rebuffs-claims-national-guard-was-never-called-during-

rihttps://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2024/jun/13/social-media/fact-checking-claim-pelosi-takes-responsibility-fo/

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-alleges-pelosi-turned-down-10000-soldiers-capitol-riot-responsible-jan-6

The following is a further comment that came in to us by email… more are likely on the Medium.

“The editor, Jeff, wrote comments that were balanced and took into account wrong doings on the part of the Biden administration as well as the media.  Unless Dave was actually in attendance on Jan. 6th he can not accurately report what was or was not said by President Trump.  I have friends that were actually there and Dave’s report is not accurate. If someone would like to discuss Presidential pardons of recent to actual criminals including a son of the president then I would appreciate reading that report.  The doomsday comments concerning President Trump’s upcoming presidency were also not appreciated by me nor do I feel that they are helpful to our country.  This article does not belong in a Biblical Worldview publication.”

Sincerely expressing my appreciation for the comment above, and receiving permission to post it, I responded that our authors have the right to express themselves as long as they remain within the boundaries of our Core Statement of Faith. This is the freedom we need to have/restore as a nation.