Santorum urges Unity students to keep the faith
The United States was founded on two pillars, faith and reason, Rick Santorum told students at Unity Christian School Monday.
The conservative CNN political commentator and former U.S. senator was brought to Rome by the school’s Young America’s Foundation chapter. His topic: the role of traditional values in the future of America.
“God put down moral laws that are consistent with the truth,” he assured the crowd of students. “If you’re going to engage (in civic life), and I hope you do, know your faith … but also know your reason.”
Junior Sally Whitley and freshmen Meera Patel and Gloria Murray came early to get center-front seats. The students said they were eager to hear Santorum, although they do not necessarily agree with everything he says politically.
“But we all support him in some way,” Whitley said.
In his introduction, Santorum said YAF normally sends him to speak at universities — he was at Princeton this month and Harvard is next.
Unity Christian and Grosse Pointe South in Michigan are the only high schools where he’s appeared.
“It’s because of the outstanding leadership of this club,” he said in a nod to senior Hannah Payne, founder of Unity’s chapter. “YAF is very picky about where they want to plant their flag for the future.”
Santorum, who ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012 and 2016, told the students their Judeo-Christian faith will likely put them in the minority in college. He said he’s not optimistic about the secular values he sees at Ivy League schools turning out the
next generation of leaders.
“In America today, we’re on the defensive. We’re not storming the gates of hell. Hell is storming us,” he warned.
But Santorum also provided encouragement, noting that he’s weathered numerous “lampoons and harpoons” as
being out of step with the times.
“Remember what our Lord said: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” he said.
He called on them to maintain their faith and use it as the founders did to embed their values in a society that made the United States strong.
“My challenge to you is to turn off your iPhones and look at the great mission you have in front of you — to reclaim this great country,” he finished, to a standing ovation.
Freshmen Brayden Dean and Eric Conner said they enjoy the speakers YAF brings into their school.
“I’m always excited to hear someone in government talk,” Dean said.
Unity Christian opens its forums to the community, and Berry College professor John Hickman was there with two of his political science students, Jack Boyette and Matt Blakely.
“They brought me,” Hickman said with a laugh. “And that’s good. It’s important to encounter politicians in real life.”