When Americans Thought They Were a Christian Nation Dear Editor: Contrary to popular belief, there was a time when Christianity was welcomed in the halls of Americas schools and public institutions. Today a Christian view is the scorned stepchild of Americas politicians, courts and academicians. When the continental Congress met in 1787 to draft a constitution, negotiations were stymied as the delegates could not find ground for agreement. Aged Ben Franklin spoke to his colleagues saying, In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the Divine Protection. Our prayers . . . were heard, and they were graciously answered . . . And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance? ...we have been assured in the sacred writings, that ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it . . . I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayer imploring assistance of Heaven and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning . . . and that the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service. When the Declaration of Independence was ratified, it declared that All men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights . . . Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness . . . With a firm Reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence they pledged their Lives, Fortunes and Honor to that undertaking. In 1775 the Continental Congress proclaimed the first National Day of Prayer. For 200 years our Supreme Court has opened each day with the expression, God save the United States and this Honorable Court. Both our House and Senate begin each days work with a prayer to God. Our Pledge of Allegiance, recited daily by millions, reminds us that we are one nation under God. In 1892 Justice Brewer of the Supreme Court wrote, These and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation (143 vs. 457). On the Washington Monument is carved the phrase, Praise be to God. Above the seat of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court are posted the Ten Commandments. Contrary to the popular mantra of our media and the anti-Christian coalition that dominates most of our national institutions, the First Amendment to our Constitution mentions neither church, separation or state! It reads, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof... The evident intent of this amendment was to keep government from interfering with citizens practice of their religion and to block the establishment of an official state church such as was common in Europe. In recent years, a liberal Supreme Court took a new direction, declaring an impenetrable wall of separation between church and state. Consequently, anti-Christian activists have been able to force virtually all Christian expression and influence out of public schools, governmental facilities and institutions receiving federal funding. This is only the first wave of their assault. The obvious goal is to drive Christian Churches from the public forum, leaving it totally in the control of those who hold a secular faith. The propaganda mills daily proclaim that Christianity is not a welcomed guest at the nations table. In 1830, the French political observer, Alex de Tocqueville, visited America. He wrote of his impressions, I sought for the greatness and genius of America...Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power... For 200 years America was a nation under God that welcomed the influence and support of churches in its public life. No state church was established, no religious crimes were committed that threatened the welfare and stability of the nation. Scripture says, Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah... (Psalms 33:12); but all nations that forget God shall be turned into hell (Psalms 9:17).
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:09:03 +0000
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