Today, as we observe Columbus Day, we find an excellent moment to ponder on God’s divine providence. Often overlooked in the midst of barbecues and discounted sales, the monumental voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492 was no accident. From a biblical perspective, this journey should rightly be viewed as part of God’s sovereign plan for spreading Christianity and Western civilization to a region of the world that was, at the time, engulfed in darkness and idolatry.

Christopher Columbus was not just an intrepid explorer, he was a man guided by his faith. His ambitions were not purely materialistic, but had a spiritual dimension—he sought to spread Christianity, whether or not his version was corrupt, to lands hitherto unknown to Europeans. The narrative propagated by leftists that Columbus was not a Christian but merely an exploiter of the native American people misses the nuances of historical context and divine sovereignty. This is in no way meant to be and endorsement of the Roman Catholic Church, to which Columbus was a part of. However, keep in mind, that this was prior to the Reformation, and as corrupt and oppressive as the Roman Catholic Church is and was, during that time, it was the institution available.

Columbus, like all of us, was undoubtedly a flawed and sinful man, but this does not mean he was bereft of his evangelistic calling. God used Columbus, despite his imperfections and religious views, as a vessel for a greater purpose. Just as God used imperfect men throughout the Bible to fulfill His plans, so too did He use Columbus to bring about a new chapter in human history, one that would see the spread of Western civilization and, more importantly, Christianity to new territories.

The Americas, before the arrival of Columbus and other Europeans, were far from a utopian paradise. Many of the indigenous peoples engaged in practices not only deeply at odds with Christianity, but opposed to nature. Horrifically, some tribes carried out human sacrifices to appease their gods, practiced cannibalism, and were mired in forms of idolatry that kept them in spiritual darkness. In particular, the Aztec Empire was notorious for its gruesome rituals, which included the removal of human hearts and ritualistic cannibalism.

These horrific rituals were not just isolated incidents but were systemic, and deeply ingrained in the religious and cultural fabric of these indigenous peoples. While some might argue that Columbus’ arrival led to the subjugation of these indigenous populations, we really ought to look at the bigger picture of God’s plan and purpose. God, in His ultimate wisdom and sovereignty, saw fit to use Columbus and subsequent settlers as instruments to abolish many of these dark practices. The arrival of Christianity led to the dismantling of these cruel customs and crimes against humanity and offered the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The introduction of Christian values and beliefs to the Americas illuminated a world that was engulfed in spiritual obscurity. It allowed countless souls to break free from the shackles of idolatry and false gods. To ignore or belittle this transformation is to neglect the overarching story of God’s providence, a providence that works even through flawed individuals and complex historical events. As we reflect on the legacy of Columbus, as Christians, we can’t help but see it in the context of God’s sovereign plan—a plan that is always aimed at the fulfillment of His will and the ultimate good of those who love Him.

Columbus Day, for many Americans, is all about the discovery of a new land. But more than that, it’s about what that discovery set into motion. The impact of Western civilization—its legal systems, language, and, most importantly, its religious principles—cannot be overstated. Through this, countless people have come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ, liberated from the tyranny of false gods and spiritually destructive practices.

Western civilization, rooted in biblical principles, was God’s chosen instrument for bringing His mercy and grace to the Americas. Fundamental tenets such as human dignity, individual rights, and the rule of law—all of which have their origins in the Bible—found fertile ground in the New World. This laid the foundation for what would become the United States of America, a nation that, notwithstanding its imperfections, has historically been an unparalleled force for good. Through its influence, the U.S. has extended aid to other nations and thanks to the freedoms we have, has also been pivotal in spreading the Christian message globally.

But let us not forget that the favor of God is not unconditional for nations. The same God who allowed the rise of empires also orchestrated their fall when they turned away from Him. Why God chose Europe—specifically during the Reformation era—as His primary channel for Christian revival and dissemination is beyond our human understanding. Yet, we should remember that the same God is a just and holy God. His patience should not be confused for tolerance of sin.

In today’s America, we see a disconcerting drift away from Christian values—a relentless pursuit of unholiness and immorality in the forms of atheism, abortion, the LGBTQ movement, and other ideologies and idolatry that are antithetical to biblical teaching. Essentially, we have the same dark and idolatrous practices that the natives did—maybe worse. We would be wise to remember that any nation that turns its back on God’s laws is setting itself on a path to judgment, just as the native peoples faced severe consequences for their own idolatrous practices.

Therefore, Columbus Day isn’t merely an occasion for leisure or idle remembrance of history. It should serve as a sobering reminder that God is the sovereign ruler over the affairs of men and nations. He weaves each event, each discovery, each rise and fall of nations into the fullness of His divine will. As we commemorate the voyage of Christopher Columbus, we must also pause to examine our own nation’s course. Are we aligning ourselves with God’s will or are we headed down a perilous path that warrants divine judgment? Let this day prompt us to reflect deeply on the implications of turning away from God, for He works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).