Two hundred thirty six years ago today, our founding fathers ratified the constitution of the United States. Despite what the historical revisionists of our day may say, our country was founded on biblical beliefs. Consider the first three articles of our constitution which define our pillars of government. Where do you suppose the framers of our constitution got the idea for the judicial, legislative, and executive branches? Isaiah 33:22 says “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.”
Separation of Church and State
Contrary to popular belief, the phrase “separation of church and state” does not exist in our constitution. Thomas Jefferson penned the phrase in a response letter to the Danbury Baptist association. The association wrote to President Jefferson in favor of Religious Freedom, and asked the government to not make laws which govern the kingdom of Christ as that is the job of Jehovah God, not the newly formed government. Jefferson responded to ensure them that the government would not infringe on their God given right to express their religion.
Over the years, many have surprisingly taken the phrase “separation of church and state” out of its original context. They use the phrase as a means to restrict religious expression of citizens. This is quite the opposite of the intention of Fisher Ames, the first amendments writer. Surely, our founders recognized that God is the source of our freedoms, and not government. Historical revisionists claim the term is proof that our nation was founded on a secular worldview. Perhaps they have never visited our capitol and read the inscriptions on the great monuments. Scriptures and praise to God are undeniably a central theme of many monuments in our National Mall. Atop the Washington monument are the latin words “Laus Deo,” which translate to, “Praise be to God.” The letters and speeches of our founding fathers are full of biblical references.
If you consider yourself to be a patriot, certainly take time getting to know our founding fathers and their beleifs. Don’t assume our schools and historians are teaching our true history. Start by actually reading the documents that are the foundation of this great nation. Read the Declaration of Independance. Read the U.S. Constitution. Read the federalist papers. Read the many letters and speeches that our founders wrote. Above all, study to find yourself approved.
Quotes from the founders of our constitution
“Religion is the only solid basis of good morals; therefore, education should teach the precepts of religion and the duties of man towards God.”
Gouverneur Morris, the most active member of the Constitutional Convention
“Far from being rivals or enemies, religion and law are twin sisters, friends, and mutual assistants. Indeed, these two sciences run into each other. The divine law, as discovered by reason and the moral sense, forms an essential part of both.”
James Wilson, a signer of the Constitution
“Public utility pleads most forcibly for the general distribution of the Holy Scriptures. The doctrine they preach, the obligations they impose, the punishment they threaten, the rewards they promise, the stamp and image of divinity they bear, which produces a conviction of their truths, can alone secure to society, order and peace, and to our courts of justice and constitutions of government, purity, stability and usefulness. In vain, without the Bible, we increase penal laws and draw entrenchments around our institutions. Bibles are strong entrenchments. Where they abound, men cannot pursue wicked courses, and at the same time enjoy quiet conscience.”
James McHenry, a signer of the Constitution
“Our liberty depends on our education, our laws, and habits . . . it is founded on morals and religion, whose authority reigns in the heart, and on the influence all these produce on public opinion before that opinion governs rulers.”
Fisher Ames, the framer of the first Amendment
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
Benjamin Franklin
“Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics.“
George Washington
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