I seem a theme arising this week. It is partly a patriotic theme, yet there are lessons that can be extended far beyond a single nation. Indeed, perhaps some of them can be extended to all groups who organize themselves to take on issues that touch upon morality in any respect (and, is there a human enterprise that does not?).
I was listening to an old podcast “A Grateful Nation” from Focus on the Family, where guest David Barton discusses many facts about the beliefs of the forefathers of the United States that are being erased from history books all over this nation.
While I cannot find the podcast anywhere but iTunes, it is interesting to view the website of his organization, WallBuilders, and view the article “A Few Declarations of Founding Fathers and Early Statesmen on Jesus, Christianity, and the Bible”. It should give you an idea of what he’s about.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say we were once a Christian nation, but to totally ignore the fact that it was built upon Christian principles is to be dishonest about our history.
I’ll let you digest this before I continue on with what is really on my mind.
Many countries have "Christian" principles in their history- Italy, France, Germany, etc. Of course, its false Christianity, a fraud. You can argue US had "Christian" influence, but please separate this idea from believing US ever was a righteous nation. The very concept of "freedom of religon" should get you started to think about the differences. The US was blessed for one reason: the promises to Abraham. It had nothing to do with the forefathers. The evangelicals would have you believe US was a God-fearing nation years ago, but it simply is a lie. Better morality years ago in some key areas? Ok, I will accept that . But- righteous? God-fearing? No. The problem is many COGs (UCG and LCG included) embrace a lot of the evangelical platform and are influenced by their skewed writings. I say- lets get our opinions/conclusions out of scripture or else we commit a very grave error.
@Porky: Well, I address some of this in more detail later on, but I certainly did not state the US was "righteous" (or, if I did, point it out so I can appropriately amend it).
In the strictest sense, no nation or individual was ever righteous except Jesus Christ. However, God often views us as righteous because of Jesus' sacrifice. Therefore, individuals such as Abraham and Moses were referred to as righteous.
In reality, the groups are not "righteous" and "wicked" but "forgiven" and "not (yet) forgiven".
You are correct that our forefathers were blessed because of Abraham. However, I don't believe that's the end of the story, either. Stay tuned for the rest of the week. 🙂