Traveling Down the Theological Trail

Happy Independence Day! We should never forget the founding principles that started the United States 250 years ago. These principles raised America above all the other nations of the world, and they are based on Christianity found in Scripture!

The Founding Fathers read the Bible. Even those, who point to Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin as two examples of those who were not Orthodox Christians, cannot deny that these men read the Bible. For example, Jefferson read the Greek New Testament everyday, and as scholars such as Dr. Thomas Kidd point out, “Jefferson probably knew what the Bible said more than evangelical Christians know today.” Likewise, Benjamin Franklin was brought up by very devout Puritan parents, and would have been raised in the tenets of solid Protestant faith. Franklin believed in a solid Christian morality for civil government to operate in the colonies and in our American form of government. For America to succeed the people must be self governing, and Christianity makes this possible.

So what were some of the founding principles that were taken from Scripture? I will now list just a few:

Genesis 1:26-27- All human beings are created in God’s image. This allows American government to be, “for the people, by the people, for the people.”

Although not perfect, the foundation was set for Americans, and specifically Christians supported the abolition of slavery, the Women’s Sufferage Movement, the pro-life movement; as well as the promotion of Biblical family values. A Constitutional Republic( I would argue any government system for that matter) can only be as strong as it’s families are.

As a side note, this is a damning indictment of Socialism and Communism as they seek to raise children the way they see fit. Wokeism and DEI are recent examples of the failure of government seeking to take power from parents to raise their own children.

Another Biblical precept that influenced America is known as the Rule of Law. This simply means that no one is above the Law. Leviticus 19:15 says, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”

As politicians become enamored with power and enthralled by the sin of greed, we rightly become thoroughly disgusted with the widespread corruption and gross theft of taxpayer’s money seen today. However, as we take a stand to cry out against this, we must teach the younger generations about the even greater sinfulness of socialism and communism! Promises are made to give the people everything that their hearts can imagine, but the promises are really lies. The socialists and communists need people to rise up against government to fulfill their need for absolute power and greed even greater than the corruption seen in America today. Socialism and Communism are counterfeit Christianity, a parasite that the devil loves!

Why do I make this claim? The answer is history. Time and time again history shows us the answer. The devilish plan is to agitate the masses and cause a new government to rise up and then, once in power, they live off the riches of higher taxes and absolute power to oppress those they made up these lies to! By then it is too late for the people oppressed by socialism or communism! Those diabolical leaders refer to the people they once incited to work for their cause as “useful idiots.”

However, if this country would again return to and demand for the Rule of Law, the corruption we see today can be stopped! We have to hold our leaders accountable; even if it means that the corrupt leaders are brought to justice and include jail time. Should that happen, many corrupt leaders would be stopped in their tracks. For that to happen, there must be a moral certainty and clarity and a return to the Biblical principle of the rule of law.

The last Biblical principle I want to share with you(there are many) that influenced American government is- The Consent of the Governed. This comes from Deuteronomy 1:13, “Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.”

Americans have a sacred duty and right to vote. To read Scripture, to vote righteousness, to be informed, to be aware of history, and to enjoy our God given freedoms. To once again love our neighbors as ourselves!

As you enjoy cook-outs with neighbors, friends, and family, remember how the Lord blessed our country, because imperfect but godly men and women were willing to sacrifice everything so that generations of Americans could be free! Here is to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness! The key that makes America the freest and happiest is found in 2 Corinthians 3:17,

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!”

Until next time, walk in His grace and love!