Christianity & the Fourth of July
By Pastor Shawn Mathis - Posted at Caffeinated Thoughts:
“The practice of true and undefiled religion . . . is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.” — John Witherspoon, Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, 1782
America’s collective ignorance about her religious past is cause for lament. It means that even as we knowingly celebrate our Fourth of July as a day of political freedom we ignorantly omit the religious roots of that freedom.
It is true that many conservatives and Christians wish to bring our nation back to the old paths, for “righteousness exalts a nation”. Yet too many think that path of righteousness as a path of political effort and good-will divorced from serious religious effort. In contrast, the founders contended that America’s freedoms were rooted in virtue. And for the colonial Christian that virtue was defined by the Word of God and promulgated in the churches. But today too many wish to recreate the fruits of our American heritage without its roots.
Such confusion can be remedied by recalling the true culture of American freedoms.
Angela, I enjoyed this thoroughly. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Maria! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Pastor Mathis is a sound preacher and author! :)
ReplyDeleteI suggest reading President Calvin Coolidge's speech on the Declaration of Independence (1926). In his speech, Coolidge reveals to the American people were Thomas Jefferson found the truth to forge such a document. The public of the Roaring Twenties were starting the pursuit of material things and Coolidge pointed out "the things of the spirit come first".
ReplyDeleteThank you, David! I found his speech here:
Deletehttp://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=408