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Another reference source to validate the contributions of Christianity to freedom and economic sustainability is the book by Rodney Stark entitled The Victory of Reason, How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism and Western Success. A quote from the book: “The modern world arose only in Christian societies. Not in Islam. Not in Asia. Not in a “secular” society—there having been none.”
Our founding fathers were aware of the same fact over 200 years ago that has just now become aware to the Chinese. President John Adams said, “Statesmen my dear sir may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand...The only foundation of a free Constitution is pure virtue.”
In the same time period a Frenchman, Alexis de Tocqueville was also aware. He said, “It was religion that gave birth to the English colonies in America. One must never forget that...I think I can see the whole destiny of America contained in the first Puritan who landed on those shores, as that of the whole human race in the first man...Despotism may be able to do without faith, but freedom cannot...When a people’s religion is destroyed...then not only will they let their freedom be taken from them, but often they actually hand it over themselves.”
And Russell Kirk said, “Among the props of order in democratic societies, the chief is religion; and Tocqueville found in his American observations some reassurance on this score. Democratic peoples simplify religion, certainly; but it may remain with them as an abiding force, helping to counteract that materialism which leads to democratic despotism.”
I believe that our Constitution is a divinely inspired document written mostly by religious men seeking guidance form God. I do not believe that mortal man left to his on devices alone could have drafted such a profound work. How much longer this document stands will depend on how America accepts or rejects Christianity.
Much as the liberals don't want to admit it, the ideas of equality and freedom did NOT come from Ancient Greece and Rome, but from Judaism and Christianity.
As de Tocqueville correctly observed, America is great because it is good. When it ceases to be good, it ceases to be great.
Some object that America is not Christian. That is both true and false.
In evidence that we are not: Many do not even claim to be Christians. We are legally protected in our decision to be whatever religion we choose, and so have definite communities of many other religions, including Satanists and the Westboro atrocity and Santeria and so on. The state does not support the church, except in the narrow sense of tax exemption. Many of our “churches” are anti-Christian in their theology. Our popular culture often glorifies and honors sin.
In evidence that we are: Our founders, founding documents, and law are all largely Christian in nature. We have a very high percentage of Christians living here, many very faithful churches, and a culture that still maintains many Christian values. We have the largest missionary force sent out from here, and I believe the world record for individual charitable giving. Most American believe that God created the world. Some of the greatest preachers and theologians have been Americans, and their work continues to have great influence today.
I see us as a Christian nation going through a period of decline in a few key areas. But I have been privileged already to meet some great believers here and I continue to have hope for this nation. We only look terrible if you don’t compare us to other nations.
Look to the North: In Canada, I can be arrested for politely asserting the Bible’s position on homosexuality. Look to the South: In Mexico, the government is apparently running the drug cartels. Look at Europe, where hardly anyone even goes to church, and if they do, the “church” is usually a joke. Look at Africa and Asia; there are tremendous believers and churches there, but, the persecution is severe unto death. So you can hardly call any of them Christian nations.
We’re it.
Which is why Obama has declared we are not a Christian nation ...if he can populate the US with enough Muslims we too can be 3rd world in a hurry
The Protestant Christian ethos of hard work dedicated to the Triune God, free markets and an emerging middle class all worked to create this country and, God willing, will again harvest good fruit in China.
What a great post! Thank you.
Christianity, in affect, addresses the sinful and fallen nature in all of us. We are all capable of being dishonest, self serving, etc. When you have a nation of people who do not address those issues, in themselves, their families, communities, and yes, in their nations, things don't go so well.
When individuals and families and communities address their sinful nature, it translates into greater freedoms, productivity, etc. And this transition is life long. Not only life long, but even over generations. Where one generation becomes more honest and noble than the previous. Forgiving the sins of their fathers yet being thankful for the positives their fathers did give them and passing the positves while correcting the sins of the father to future generations. Take that Christian element away, and slowly, the generations begin to deteriorate. Resenting the sins of the father but taking for granted the positve and passing on the resenting but not even passing on thankfulness for the positives of the father.
It is this core issue of addressing the personal sinful nature that translate outwardly towards family and community and ultimately makes or breaks a nation.
When the sinful nature is slowly reigned in, bridges are built between family members, communities, and ultimately across the country, then the country can slowly work in ever increasing unison becoming more and more like a well oiled machine. People not looking at their own self seeking interest but the interest of the whole. This isn't done overnight, of course. But over generations. And this transition occurs when a nation has a healthy understanding of Christianity and what it means.
I remember when I was young listening to Billy Graham preach how sin is the cause of all human suffering. I remember how I thought his sermon was getting repetitive and at times tiresome. As I grew older, I finally realized, he was right all along. It is this sinful nature in all of us that causes grief and setbacks.
Bump
Yes it is.. Which is why if the left is to replace the system with their own, they need to eradicate it’s foundation..