We are often told through our media and educational systems that God should not be a part of the landscape of our society – at least not in the public sense, and it certainly should not impact our society in any government or political way. The ACLU, (American Civil Liberties Union), and other like minded institutions say that people have the right to protected “from” religion, specifically Christianity, so that if someone is “offended” or doesn't want to hear about God, Jesus or the Bible, everybody else must be silent about these things.
These historical “revisionists” try to change history to tell us that God wasn't a part of the founding of America and that introducing Him into the public square is “unconstitutional”. It would seem that in light of all the problems in our society that need moral help and guidance, it seems like an odd time for our nation to try and rid ourselves of God, yet some in America are trying to.
You may remember that on June 26, 2002, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, (which is our nation's most overturned appellate court), ruled that the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional in public schools because it includes the words “under God”. In a 2-1 decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the phrase ''one nation under God'' amounts to a government endorsement of religion in violation of the “separation of church and state”, a phrase not even included in our constitution. (It was written in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to a religious group in 1802, assuring them that if a federal government was created, it would not be able to dictate how they could worship God – a key concern in early America.) You probably heard that in June of 2004, the Supreme Court decided not to hear this case based on what amounted to a technicality, so the “under God” pledge is safe – for now. We will see this battle again.
So allow us to set the record straight. For instance, did you realize that if this issue ever passes into law, there would have to be a lot of changes in Washington D.C. ''The Supreme Court itself begins each of its sessions with the phrase 'God save the United States and this honorable court,''' ''The Declaration of Independence refers to God or to the Creator four different times, and Congress begins each session of the Congress with a prayer.” Songs like “God Bless America ”, “ America the Beautiful” and the “Star-Spangled Banner” would have to be banned, along with American money, since it read “In God We Trust”. Even new presidents would be unable to take their oath of office because it concludes with “so help me God”. As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door. As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see on the wall right above where the Supreme Court judges sit a display of the Ten Commandments. There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington , D.C. Every session of Congress begins with a prayer by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the taxpayer since 1777. How, then, have we gotten to the point that everything we have done for the past 228 years in this country is now suddenly wrong and unconstitutional?
Part of the problem that we're facing is that America has FORGOTTEN Her heritage. America has amazed the world, yet what made us so great, the very FOUNDATION that made this nation, was all about God, and specifically Christianity. You don't have to take our word for it; it's a matter of well known history – as long as you keep the historical revisionists from making up their own history by their “re-writing” of American history.
Consider these FACTS of history :
17 th Century America
Dating back as early as 1606 we read from The First Charter of Virginia “ We, greatly commending, and graciously accepting of, their Desires for the Furtherance of so noble a Work, which may, by the Providence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the Glory of his Divine Majesty, in propagating of Christian Religion to such People, as yet live in Darkness and miserable Ignorance of the true Knowledge and Worship of God…” (The First Charter of Virginia, granted by King James I, on April 10, 1606)
If we go back to 1620 and the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth , we find the very birth certificate of America . In this charter they recorded their purpose—clearly stating that it was for “the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.” (The Mayflower Compact)
This first American experiment in federation, written in 1643, stated that the one single aim of the American colonies was “to advance the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the liberties of the Gospel thereof in purities and peace.…” ( New England Confederation of 1643)
The famous William Bradford wrote that they [the Pilgrims] were seeking:
• 1) "a better, and easier place of living”; and that “the children of the group were being drawn away by evil examples into extravagance and dangerous courses [in Holland]“
• 2) “The great hope, and for the propagating and advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world" The Mayflower Compact (authored by William Bradford 1620)
John Adams
Second President of the United States , delegate to the firstand second Continental Congress “ The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity… I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”
“[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. ”( John Adams in a letter written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress)
Samuel Adams
Political leader of the American Revolution and signerof the declaration of independence
“ He who made all men hath made the truths necessary to human happiness obvious to all… Our forefathers opened the Bible to all.” ("American Independence ," August 1, 1776. Speech delivered at the State House in Philadelphia)
“ Let divines and philosophers, statesmen and patriots, unite their endeavors to renovate the age by impressing the minds of men with the importance of educating their little boys and girls, inculcating in the minds of youth the fear and love of the Deity… and leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system.” (October 4, 1790)
John Quincy Adams
Sixth president of the United States : “Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world , your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day [the Fourth of July]?" “Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity "? (July 4th, 1837 when he delivered a Fourth of July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts)
Charles Carroll
Signer of the Declaration of Independence
" Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure...are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments." (Source: To James McHenry on November 4, 1800)
Benjamin Franklin
American statesman, printer, scientist, writer and delegate to the Constitutional Convention
“ God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel ” –Constitutional Convention of 1787
Alexander Hamilton
“The Ratifier of the Constitution”, author of 51 of the 85 Federalist Papers
I have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a sinner. I look to Him for mercy; pray for me.” (July 12, 1804 at his death)
Hamilton worked with the Reverend James Bayard to form the Christian Constitutional Society to help spread over the world the two things which Hamilton said made America great:
(1) Christianity
(2) a Constitution formed under Christianity
"I now offer you the outline of the plan they have suggested. Let an association be formed to be denominated 'The Christian Constitutional Society,' its object to be first: The support of the Christian religion. Second: The support of the United States ." (Alexander Hamilton explained in an 1802 letter to James Bayard)
"For my own part, I sincerely esteem it a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests." (1787 after the Constitutional Convention)
John Hancock
President of the second Continental Congress, first person to sign the Declaration of Independence
“In circumstances as dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments, …at the same time all confidence must be withheld from the means we use; and reposed only on that God rules in the armies of Heaven, and without His whole blessing, the best human counsels are but foolishness… Resolved; …Thursday the 11th of May…to humble themselves before God under the heavy judgments felt and feared, to confess the sins that have deserved them, to implore the Forgiveness of all our transgressions, and a spirit of repentance and reformation …and a Blessing on the … Union of the American Colonies in Defense of their Rights [for which hitherto we desire to thank Almighty God]…That the people of Great Britain and their rulers may have their eyes opened to discern the things that shall make for the peace of the nation…for the redress of America's many grievances, the restoration of all her invaded liberties, and their security to the latest generations. ” (“A Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, with a total abstinence from labor and recreation.” Proclamation on April 15, 1775)
Patrick Henry
Firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words:
" Give me liberty or give me death"; but in current textbooks, the context of these words is omitted. Here is what he actually said : "An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death."
The following year, 1776, Patrick Henry wrote: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." .” (May 1765 Speech to the House of Burgesses)
John Jay
Famous American Statesman and our First Chief Justice
“ Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers .” [Source: October 12, 1816. The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, Henry P. Johnston, ed., (New York: Burt Franklin, 1970), Vol. IV, p. 393.]
“Whether our religion permits Christians to vote for infidel rulers is a question which merits more consideration than it seems yet to have generally received either from the clergy or the laity. It appears to me that what the prophet said to Jehoshaphat about his attachment to Ahab ["Shouldest thou help the ungodly and love them that hate the Lord?" 2 Chronicles 19:2] affords a salutary lesson.” [ The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, 1794-1826 , Henry P. Johnston, editor (New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1893), Vol. IV, p.365]
Thomas Jefferson
Author of the Declaration of Independence , Third President of The United States
"I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus." (Letter to Benjamin Rush April 21, 1803)
“God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift from God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever.” (excerpts are inscribed on the walls of the Jefferson Memorial in the nations capital) [Source: Merrill . D. Peterson, ed., Jefferson Writings, (New York: Literary Classics of the United States, Inc., 1984), Vol. IV, p. 289. From Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia , Query XVIII, 1781.]
Library of Congress "The country's first two presidents, George Washington and John Adams,
were firm believers in the importance of religion for republican government." –official Library of Congress Statement
"...both the legislators and the public considered it appropriate for the national government to promote a nondenominational, nonpolemical Christianity”- official Library of Congress Statement
James Madison
“Father of the Constitution”, helped frame the Bill Of Rights, author of 29 of the 85 Federalist Papers, Fourth President of The United
“We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We've staked the future of all our political institutions upon our capacity…to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.” (1778 to the General Assembly of the State of Virginia )
I have sometimes thought there could not be a stronger testimony in favor of religion or against temporal enjoyments, even the most rational and manly, than for men who occupy the most honorable and gainful departments and [who] are rising in reputation and wealth, publicly to declare the unsatisfactoriness [of temportal enjoyments] by becoming fervent advocates in the cause of Christ; and I wish you may give in your evidence in this way. (Letter by Madison to William Bradford, September 25, 1739)
In 1812, President Madison signed a federal bill which economically aided the Bible Society of Philadelphia in its goal of the mass distribution of the Bible .
(“ An Act for the relief of the Bible Society of Philadelphia” Approved February 2, 1813 by Congress)
The President of the United States and the “ Father of our Constitution” used federal dollars to fund the distribution of the Bible. And yet it is claimed that we are not a nation founded on Christianity…absurd!
Benjamin Rush
Signer Declaration of Independence , Member Continental Congress, Member of Pennsylvania Convention which ratified the Constitution, early American Physician and prolific educator
“I lament that we waste so much time and money in punishing crimes and take so little pains to prevent them…we neglect the only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government; that is, the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity by means of the Bible; for this Divine Book, above all others, constitutes the soul of republicanism.” “By withholding the knowledge of [the Scriptures] from children, we deprive ourselves of the best means of awakening moral sensibility in their minds.” [Letter written (1790's) in Defense of the Bible in all schools in America ]
"Let the children who are sent to those schools be taught to read and write and above all, let both sexes be carefully instructed in the principles and obligations of the Christian religion. This is the most essential part of education” (Letters of Benjamin Rush, "To the citizens of Philadelphia : A Plan for Free Schools", March 28, 1787)
Justice Joseph Story
Supreme Court Justice 1812-1845
“ I verily believe Christianity necessary to the support of civil society. One of the beautiful boasts of our municipal jurisprudence is that Christianity is a part of the Common Law. . . There never has been a period in which the Common Law did not recognize Christianity as lying its foundations.” (Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States p. 593)
“ At the time of the adoption of the constitution, and of the amendment to it, now under consideration [i.e., the First Amendment], the general, if not the universal sentiment in America was, that Christianity ought to receive encouragement from the state, so far as was not incompatible with the private rights of conscience, and the freedom of religious worship.” /*- [Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States p. 593]
United States Supreme Court
In 1892, the Court completed a 10-year examination of all of the documentation, which amounted to thousands of pages, concerning our founding. They came to a unanimous conclusion that: “ Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian ... this is a religious people. This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour, there is a single voice making this affirmation ... we find everywhere a clear definition of the same truth ... this is a Christian nation." (Church of the Holy Trinity vs. United States , 143 US 457, 36 L ed 226, Justice Brewer)
"We are a religious people and our institutions presuppose a Supreme Being ... No Constitutional requirement makes it necessary for government to be hostile to religion and to throw its weight against the efforts to widen the scope of religious influence. The government must remain neutral when it comes to competition between sects ... The First Amendment, however, does not say that in every respect there shall be a separation of Church and State." (1952 - US Supreme Court defines the "Separation of Church and State.")
George Washington
Commander in Chief of the Continental army during the American Revolution and first president of the United States (1789-97)
The name of American, which belongs to you , in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion " ...and later: "...reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle ..." (George Washington's Farewell Address, September 17, 1796)
“What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ. ” (speech to the Delaware Indian Chiefs May 12, 1779 )
"To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian" (May 2, 1778, at Valley Forge )
“He was a sincere believer in the Christian faith and a truly devout man.”
(John Marshall [Revolutionary General, Secretary of State, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice])
"To the character of hero and patriot, this good man added that of Christian. Although the greatest man upon earth, he disdained not to humble himself before his God and to trust in the mercies of Christ .” (Gunning Bedford, signer of the Constitution, regarding George Washington)
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When anti-God forces try to tell us that the framers of our constitution never intended for God to be a part of our nation, in one way they are right – they clearly intended for God to be the very FOUNDATION and BEDROCK of our nation, not just a “part”. Obviously they are ignoring history to make such ludicrous statements .
So the next time you hear someone say that we shouldn't have prayer or allow children to study the Bible in school, or allow prayer at a graduation, or have a display of the 10 commandments or the nativity scene on public land, or use the Name of God in any public way, or any of the many attacks that are made on God, Jesus and the Bible – you might want to show them that THEY are the “unconstitutional” ones – THEY are the ones not following in the footsteps of the founders of America. Then stand for what made America great in the first place – it's foundation on God.
For actual photos of many of the above mentioned documents please see www.eadshome.com. |
