Our Presidents and Government officials have turned to GOD many, many times in previous generations and ONLY NOW has the American people chosen to turn from GOD and to demand that our government pass laws demanding that we refrain from using His name in the schools, attempting to make it against the law to display the Nativity scene at Christmas and, in general, to push GOD out of our lives. Below you will see that from the beginning of this nation until the past few years GOD was very much a part of our American Heritage.
Things in our American heritage that prove our forefathers meant for this country to be built upon the things of GOD Almighty.
LIBERTY BELL
OUR NATION'S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE:
Our nation was founded on Christian principles and mostly by Christian men and women. Consider the witness of the Liberty Bell. In 1751, the Pennsylvania State Assembly called for the forging of a bell to commemorate William Penn's original charter of the state. They included instructions requiring that a scripture verse be included on the bell. The verse is Leviticus 25:10, "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." Our founding fathers considered it important for all generations to know that GOD is the source of true freedom. The Liberty Bell is yet another example of our nation's GODly heritage.
OUR MONEY
Our currency reads "In GOD We Trust"
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the
pursuit of Happiness."
--Thomas Jefferson, in The Declaration of Independence
FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH
Was our nation founded on faith in GOD? Consider the witness of the Supreme Court Building, completed in 1932. Today, as the Justices enter the eastern portal of the building, they pass beneath a huge relief sculpture. The focal point of that sculpture is the image of Moses, holding the Ten Commandments. Hermon MacNeil, the architect chosen for designing this portal, ensured that our highest court in the land was yet another visible example of our nation's GODly heritage. Just 40 years earlier, the Supreme Court determined, "Religion, morality, and knowledge are necessary to good government, the preservation of liberty, and the happiness of mankind."
In support of the Declaration of Independence from the King of Britain, it states:
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
The dictionary defines providence as follows:
Main Entry: prov·i·dence
Pronunciation: 'prä-v&-d&n(t)s, -"den(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin providentia, from provident-, providens
Date: 14th century
1 a : often capitalized : divine guidance or care
Part of the Declaration of Independence.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men
are created equal, *that they are endowed by their Creator with
certain unalienable Rights,* that among these are Life, Liberty
and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments
are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the
consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government
becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People
to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying
its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in
such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety
and Happiness."
If believing in GOD, praying in public, displaying the 10 commandments
and manger scenes makes some of us happy, even if it is a government
agency, and we, nor the government attempts to FORCE others to
believe the way we do and makes it available to people to accept
or reject then NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT to cause us to stop praying,
remove the 10 commandments or manger scenes from public places
or to prevent us from doing anything else that would interfere
with our happiness. And, as for my statement that the government
not attempt to force anyone to believe or not to believe, that
means they have no right to force the churches to employ homosexuals
as pastors or to accept them in any teaching capacity in the churches
whatsoever.
WORDS FROM A FOUNDING FATHER
"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 this
very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum,
prosperity, and freedom of worship here."
--Patrick Henry, original member of the Continental Congress
WORDS FROM ANOTHER U.S. PRESIDENT
"Our strength lies in spiritual concepts. It lies in public sensitiveness to evil. Our greatest danger is not from invasion by foreign armies. Our dangers are that we may commit suicide from within by complaisance with evil, or by public tolerance of scandalous behavior."
--Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States
OUR NATION'S GODLY HERITAGE
The Washington Monument stands as a lofty and inspiring tribute
to our first president, George Washington. It is the anchor on
the west end of the National Mall. Few people know that engraved
on the metal cap to the monument, towering 555 feet above the
ground are the words, "Praise be to GOD." In addition,
several tribute blocks line the staircase, and they are inscribed
with Bible verses: "Suffer the little children to come unto
me and forbid them not; for such is the Kingdom of GOD (Luke 18:16),"
"Search the Scriptures (John 5:39; Acts 17:11)," and
"Holiness unto the Lord (Exodus 28:36); 39:30; Zechariah
14:20)."
WORDS FROM ANOTHER U.S. PRESIDENT
"It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble acknowledged dependence upon GOD and His overruling providence."
--John Adams, Second President of the United States
OUR NATION'S GODLY HERITAGE
On March 3, 1931, The Star Spangled Banner was adopted by Congress as our National Anthem. Francis Scott Key wrote it more than one hundred years earlier, after watching the fierce Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Many know and appreciate the stirring words to the first verse of the Anthem, but few are familiar with its inspirational second verse:
O! thus be it ever when free men shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just;
And this be our motto, "In GOD is our trust!"
And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
It is because of this verse that courts allowed to stand the
motto, "In GOD We Trust" on our nation's currency.
Had it not been in the national anthem, the courts undoubtedly
would have been forced to declare it an unlawful act of the government
to promote religion.
PRESIDENTIAL QUOTE
"It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of GOD and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose GOD is the Lord."
--Abraham Lincoln
In 1775, the Continental Congress asked the citizens of the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a Nation. General George Washington, encamped at Valley Forge, also sought GOD's guidance as Americans fought for their independence. The faith of our Founding Fathers established the precedent that prayers and national days of prayer are an honored part of our American way of life."
The Congress, by Public Law 100-307, as amended, has called
on our citizens to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society
and to honor the religious diversity our freedom permits by recognizing
annually a "National Day of Prayer."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2, 2002, as a National Day of Prayer. I ask Americans to pray for GOD's protection, to express gratitude for our blessings and to seek moral and spiritual renewal. I urge all our citizens to join in observing this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth."
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE FAITH OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS
On this, the 226th anniversary of our nation, it is appropriate to consider the forces that led to the cataclysmic break of the colonies from Britain. Our Founding Fathers were among the finest leaders on the continent. They were merchants, farmers, attorneys and ministers. They were men of great energy and passion seeking to develop a classic system for governing the colonies. But above all, they were dedicated to building the nation on a foundation of biblical faith with honesty and humility.
Consider Benjamin Franklin. An ardent advocate of public education for all, he urged that the schools teach "the necessity of a public religion . . . and the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern." He was also one of the chief advocates for a paid, permanent chaplain of Congress, and when he helped found the college named for him, he insisted that it be built "on Christ, the Corner-Stone." For further evidence of Franklin's faith, see the quote below.
George Washington openly promoted and relied upon his Christian faith. He, too, affirmed the importance of children learning "above all…the religion of Jesus Christ." His reliance on prayer is well documented, as illustrated in the quote below. Consider also these words of his: "Almighty GOD: We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large."
Thomas Jefferson invoked the blessing of GOD and cited Scripture in many instances. Remember it was he who wrote the immortal words pledging to the citizens of the young nation that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights…" By acknowledging GOD as the Giver of Rights and the Author of Life, he expresses the reliance he and his compatriots had in GOD.
"RESISTANCE TO TYRANTS IS OBEDIENCE TO GOD"
This revolutionary war battle flag dates from 1776 and succinctly sums up the sentiments of the colonists. The belief that King George III of England had become tyrannical in his rule over the colonies was widespread, and the words are attributed to patriot and President Thomas Jefferson. Because of their steadfast faith in GOD and willful obedience to the Scriptures it was vitally important that the signers of the Declaration believed that their cause was not only just, but, in John Adams words, that "It is the will of GOD that the two countries should be sundered (separated) forever."
PRAYER QUOTE FROM A FOUNDING FATHER
"I therefore beg leave to move -- that henceforth prayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service."
--Benjamin Franklin
A DAILY PRAYER OF OUR FIRST PRESIDENT
"Almighty GOD…I yield thee humble and hearty thanks that thou has preserved me from the danger of the night past, and brought me to the light of the day, and the comforts thereof, a day which is consecrated to thine own service and for thine own honor. Let my heart, therefore, Gracious GOD, be so affected with the glory and majesty of it, that I may not do mine own works, but wait on thee, and discharge those weighty duties thou requirest of me. Give me grace to hear thee calling on me in thy word, that it may be wisdom, righteousness, reconciliation and peace to the saving of the soul in the day of the Lord Jesus. Grant that I may hear it with reverence, receive it with meekness, mingle it with faith, and that it may accomplish in me, Gracious GOD, the good work for which thou has sent it. Bless my family, kindred, friends and country, be our GOD and guide this day and for ever for His sake, who lay down in the Grave and arose again for us, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."
--From the Prayer Journal of George Washington
WORDS FROM AN AMERICAN PATRIOT
The Fourth of July is now the moment when by common consent we pause to become conscious of our national life and to rejoice in it, to recall what our country has done for each of us, and to ask ourselves what we can do for the country in return.
--Oliver Wendell Holmes, Former Supreme Court Justice
May 30, 1884, at Keene, NH
WORDS FROM PRESIDENT BUSH ON INDEPENDENCE DAY
"Each year on Independence Day, Americans honor and celebrate the courageous action that our Nation's Founders took on July 4, 1776 -- the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With that brave and profound decision, the Founders demonstrated their love for liberty and proved that they were willing to fight and die for freedom. As we honor our Founders' bold vision on this first observance of Independence Day since September 11, Americans possess a greater national unity and a deeper appreciation of the things that matter most in our lives -- our faith, our love for family and friends, and our freedom.
In this new era, Americans share a renewed appreciation for the ideals that make our country strong. Our fine service men and women are fighting and winning the war on terror. They deserve the gratitude of all people who cherish freedom.
Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have been steadfast in their efforts to build a country of liberty, peace, and opportunity for all. As we act to lift the dark cloud of terror from our Nation and the world, we reaffirm our determination to preserve our Forefathers' legacy of freedom. In doing so, we honor their legacy as we move forward into the 21st century.
On this Independence Day we pay special tribute to all those currently serving in the Armed Forces and to our veterans. Their contributions have been critical to the defense of our country, and our Nation is grateful.
Laura joins me in extending best wishes for a safe and memorable Independence Day. May GOD bless you, and may GOD continue to bless America."
--George W. Bush on July 3, 2002
INDEPENDENCE DAY PERSPECTIVE FROM OUR SECOND PRESIDENT TO THE FIRST LADY
"[This day] will be the most memorable epic in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to GOD Almighty…with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more."
--John Adams to Abigail Adams on July 4, 1776
WORDS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
"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]?"
John Quincy Adams
WORDS FROM A PRESIDENT ON THE FAITH OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS
"The men who have guided the destiny of the United States have found the strength for their tasks by going to their knees. This private unity of public men and their GOD is an enduring source of reassurance for the people of America."
-- Lyndon B. Johnson
ON THE MEANING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
It was a bold move that the framers of the Declaration chose to make. But they were convinced that it was the sole choice that remained for them. Thomas Jefferson was appointed to draft the document, and it was his task to express the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people after many years of frustration and oppression.
Because they believed that the British Crown had no right to tax them so brutally, the "self-evident truths" of which Jefferson spoke were born out of the religious views of the Founding Fathers -- that GOD is the giver of our human rights, not a king, and that it is His intent that His people enjoy those rights, including the right to self-government and taxation as well as religious freedom. In signing the Declaration of Independence, they were genuinely putting their lives at stake, for any of them could have been captured and tried for treason. But this did not hold them back from declaring their allegiance to this just cause. John Hancock is said to have signed his name in such large letters that the King could read it without his spectacles. Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island is said to have guided his right hand with his left, due to a nerve disorder. His words as he signed: "My hand trembles, but my heart does not."
OUR NATION'S GODLY HERITAGE
Many Americans aren't aware of the amazing fact that two of our most prominent Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826, fifty years after the original Declaration of Independence. The contributions each man made to the quest for independence and the shaping of the new nation have been well documented. But many still question the Christian faith of the Founding Fathers and the impact of their faith on the world in which they lived. Consider this excerpt from the obituary of President John Adams in which the writer credits GOD for the vision, talents and passion of John Adams: "Had he been permitted by the Being to whom he owed his existence, who endowed him with great talents, and kept him in that course of irreproachable virtue and honor which has rendered his memory immortal, to select the time when his disembodied spirit should take its flight, he would probably have chosen the very moment when a whole nation were
employed in celebrating the glorious result of patriotism, when his name, and those of his compatriots, was upon the lips of ten millions of people, and the voice of gratitude and joy was resounding throughout the whole of the American Republic.
Adams' final words were reported to be, "It is a great
and glorious day."
"The fundamental basis of this nation's law was given to Moses on the Mount. The fundamental basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teaching we get from Exodus and St. Matthew, from Isaiah and St. Paul."
--Harry Truman
QUOTE FROM A FOUNDING FATHER
"Let a general reformation of manners take place--let universal charity, public spirit, and private virtue be inculcated, encouraged, and practiced. Unite in preparing for a vigorous defense of your country, as if all depended on your own exertions. And when you have done all things, then rely upon the good Providence of Almighty GOD for success, in full confidence that without his blessings, all our efforts will inevitably fail." --John Jay, First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
THE FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY MARVELS AT GOD'S HAND IN THE FOUNDING OF OUR NATION
"The disadvantageous circumstances on our part, under which the war was undertaken, can never be forgotten. The singular interpositions of Providence in our feeble condition were such as could scarcely escape the attention of the most unobserving; while the unparalleled perseverance of the armies of the United States, through almost every possible suffering and discouragement for the space of eight long years, was little short of a standing miracle."
--George Washington
OUR NATION'S GODLY HERITAGE
Long before the Founding Fathers signed their lives to the bold and daring declaration that created our new nation, a hardy band of immigrants pledged their lives to GOD and to one another even before they set foot on land. In this agreement, known as the Mayflower Compact, the Pilgrim Fathers reveal the reason they endured the perilous journey across the Atlantic in hope of founding a new colony--they believed they were on a mission for GOD, and they earnestly desired to "advance the Christian faith." Their agreement, in part, reads as follows: "Having undertaken for the Glory of GOD and the advancement of the Christian faith , a voyage to plant a colony, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of GOD, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic."
November 11, 1620
WORDS FROM A FOUNDING FATHER
"In short, the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way to market. It depends chiefly on two words, INDUSTRY and FRUGALITY; i.e., Waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both. He that gets all he can honestly and saves all he gets (necessary expenses excepted) will certainly become rich, if that Being who governs the world, to Whom all should look for a blessing on their honest endeavors, doth not in His wise Providence otherwise determine."
--Benjamin Franklin
PRESIDENTIAL QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
"Beyond that I only look to the gracious protection of the Divine Being whose strengthening support I humbly solicit, and whom I fervently pray to look down upon us all. May it be among the dispensations of His providence to bless our beloved country with honors and with length of days. May her ways be ways of pleasantness and all her paths be peace!"
--Martin Van Buren, 8th President of the United States
OUR NATION'S GODLY HERITAGE-- FOUNDING FATHER SAMUEL ADAMS FOUGHT FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
When our Founding Fathers planned for a building that would house the seat of the new American government, they wanted it to reflect the GODLY character of those who had fought for liberty throughout the Revolution. The Capitol Building is a virtual Hall of Fame honoring many men of faith who founded our nation.
Consider Samuel Adams. As a signer of the Declaration of Independence, his likeness appears in the large painting depicting the signing of the Declaration that holds a prominent spot in the Rotunda. But a full size statue of him is also found in the East Central Hall of the Capitol.
Adams has been called "The Father of the American Revolution." His political involvement is widely acknowledged and valued. But it was Adam's Christian faith that guided his political views. His essay, The Rights of the Colonists was widely circulated in 1772. In it he wrote, "The right to freedom being the gift of the Almighty…The rights of the colonists as Christians…may be best understood by reading and carefully studying the institution of The Great Law Giver and Head of the Christian Church, which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament."
"Under this covenant of justice, liberty, and union we have become a nation--prosperous, great, and mighty. And we have kept our freedom. But we have no promise from GOD that our greatness will endure. We have been allowed by Him to seek greatness with the sweat of our hands and the strength of our spirit. In each generation, with toil and tears, we have had to earn our heritage again. If we fail now then we will have forgotten in abundance what we learned in hardship: that democracy rests on faith, that freedom asks more than it gives, and the judgment of GOD is harshest on those who are most favored."
--Lyndon B. Johnson, Inaugural address, January 20, 1965