There's an old saying that with God there is peace. With that in mind, I wonder why America has shut Him out? It is clear that God is not welcome amidst our "anything goes nation" anymore or, at best, many are clearly uncomfortable with His presence.
But a long, long time ago, God did have a place in our beloved nation.
Many secular humanists try to refute that America is a Christian Nation by contending that certain key Founders believed merely in a deistic God that didn't intervene in human affairs. In studying history, however, it is clear that there was a solid belief in a God who actively manages and intervenes in human affairs. As a matter of fact, thirty-four percent of the Founding Fathers quotes directly, or indirectly, came from the Bible. And, get this: most states required of their elected officials a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and the Bible before taking office .
Benjamin Franklin, considered one of the least religious Founders, stated the following during the constitutional convention:
"In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor... Have we now forgotten this powerful friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance? I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs his affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, it is probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"
[Note: as Franklin approached the end of his life he found convincing proof that God was actively involved in human interventions.] Patrick Henry, famous for his "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech, asserted a view in his time not much different from what those on the Religious Right claim to be historical:
"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ! For this very reason peoples of faiths have been afforded asylum, and freedom of worship here."
John Adams wrote this:
"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
Abraham Lincoln wrote these words about the Bible:
"In regard to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to men. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong."
He (Lincoln) also spoke these words at the Gettysburg Address:
"...that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
And then we have this:
"Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence on Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country." --Prayer ruled illegal 1966 "If the posted copies of the Ten Commandments are to have any effect at all, it will be to induce the school children to read, meditate upon, perhaps to venerate and obey the commandments. This is not a permissible state objective under the Establishment Clause." -- Supreme Court 1980 "God has officially been removed from public education. Christian parents have acquiesced (given consent quietly without protest). The Founding Fathers knew what would result if the Christian faith faltered.
"In 1940, teachers listed the top problems in public schools as: talking out of turn, chewing gum, making noise and running in halls. In 1990, teachers listed the top problems as: drug abuse, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide and rape." --Heritage Foundation So, whats up? Is America a Christian Nation or what? At the risk of sounding like a politician, I will leave that to be answered by America.
In closing, the following scripture speaks to my heart:
14 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
'you think this has nothing to do with our economy? Wake up! i t has everything to do with our economy . Like I said, America, we are in deep trouble!
2008 Judi Lynn Lake. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Judi Lynn Lake has kept up with leading edge business trends throughout her varied and successful career. She had already had her ‘15 minutes of fame’ over and over again before starting her family. Judi and her family now reside in South Carolina but, having been born and raised on Long Island, NY, it is clearly evident that she will always be a "New Yorker." Today, she successfully runs her own advertising agency which handles everything from logos, branding and package design while she continues to work closely with self-published authors from design to promotion.
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» left by Judi Lake(2,669) Judi Lake (54 days 10 hours ago.)
Now, Robert, aren't I a little more diplomatic than our "to the moon" pal... smile... as he said, "[Robert], you're the best!"
Judi, I agree with 98% of what you had to say in this article, but you lost me in your very last paragraph. You're right, this nation has turned its back on God and is in desperate need of a spiritual revival. We have rejected the wise counsel of our Founding Fathers in favor of political correctness, New Age philosophy, and whatever makes us feel good. Shame on America!
However, I can't buy the idea that this current economic downturn has anything to do with that. It was caused by poor financial decision-making by the government, Wall Street, and everyday citizens alike. If your premise is true, then what, pray tell, did America do to anger God in 1929 and therefore bring about the Great Depression?
» left by Judi Lake(2,669) Judi Lake (54 days 10 hours ago.)
Hi Terry, I understand you not buying into my last paragraph but I guess I see this different than '29 -- We have spiraled into a completely Godless society who are ruled by greed and selfishness whereas in '29 there still were people with values and God was still invited to parties. That's the difference I see. We've shut Him out and I see Him allowing us to live like reckless children who are failing to listen... Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
Michelle, America can't have it both ways and it's time to humble herself and get back to what is important. Thanks for commenting and, if you find yourself getting writer's block again, I find "people watching" erupts tons of ideas and can be awfully fun! Keep writing and thanks again. Respond to this comment
I find "people watching entertaining and sometimes discouraging" Thanks for the idea. I want to write something lighthearted, but as I watch, it is for the most part sadly because of the people who seem to be ungrateful. Heck, we can't have it all and I am glad for another day! I am powerless over people, places and things, the best I can do it my part.
Yes, Walter, God is a God of Mercy and Forgiveness but we have to be repentant and, unfortunately, I don't think America is there yet... Thanks for your comments. Respond to this comment
» left by walterrhett from Charleston, SC (53 days 14 hours ago.)
True, that's our requirement--when we have fallen short. ButGod is still merciful through the hard times, even when the wounds are self-inflicted!! We "see" God in our mistakes! There he is, to help us through. Please see my article here or at the Clarion-Ledger internet edition of the Jackson, MS daily, on "Draw Lebel": Slave Belief and Sarah Palin. (I'm on the home page of the clarionledger, right border, look for blogs or click the blog icon). I think you will find it of high interest! Thanks!
Now, Walter, do I notice you reside in Charleston? We've just moved to Summerville this summer so "howdy" neighbor! (smile) I will certainly look up your work as soon as I complete this deadline I am on - I like learning and reading new things! Respond to this comment
A wonderful job Judi. And it is heart rendingly true. I am thankful that I was born early enough to have seen a time of deep religious faith in this natiion.It is now almost gone.
unfortunately, some of us have to hit rock bottom before what's really important is exposed in our faces, but if we have learned by our falls, and strengthened our beliefs, then maybe there is a chance,
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