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EDITOR:
With the recent burning and stomping of the American flag by many Mid-Easterners, it is an appropriate time for us to review what this symbol means to us. Even many Americans do not fully understand what this piece of cloth really represents.
This country was established and developed by many dedicated Christian men and women. As stated by the history professor Rufus Fears, “The founding of the United States is the decisive event in the modern
world.” Revolutions elsewhere, such as in France and Russia, have been destructive to human rights. Not so here because it was led by men of great moral and spiritual strength.
This nation can be compared to the Israelites as a people chosen by God. Its beginning and founding involves people such as the Pilgrims, George Washington, and John Adams who lived their Christian beliefs. Benjamin Franklin successfully proposed that deliberations at one of the Constitutional Convention meetings begin with prayer. This removed an impasse which had existed. Even Thomas Jefferson, who was stopped on his way to a worship service being held in the Congressional hall, said that religious worship by the people was essential to a strong nation.
Subsequent to the founding of the United States of America, others continued in strengthening this as a Christian nation. The outstanding example is Abraham Lincoln but many others of little recognition were
involved. In our day Gerald Ford is one of unsung importance. He spoke little of his middle-aged conversion experience but was a stable, moral president at a time when we needed his hand after the resignation of President Nixon.
So I see the U.S. flag as a symbol recognizing that God chose this nation as the first to bring democracy to the world. He used Christian people to further the idea of human freedom being a God-given right. We must work and pray that this country continues to follow and spread Christian beliefs.
Unfortunately, the knowledge of the history of this unique nation has weakened. Historical references to God and people’s dedication to Him have been dampened or omitted in many cases, especially in our educational systems.
As we look to our flag, may we thank Him for His love and care and ask that this nation continue to be the “shining city on a hill.”
HARRY HOPKINS
Camino
Ultimately, America is defined by the principles which govern us in the United States Constitution.
If one takes the time to read that document, you will find that the word “god” does not appear in any article, amendment or section carrying the force of law.
I do not think that omission was an accident and that tells me all I need to know about the extent to which god and politics are intended to mix in this country.
We are one nation under all goddesses, gods, and beliefs. Our constitution reflects that and I am quite thankful that as far as the constitution is concerned, no religion can lay claim as being more “American” than any other. That is as it should be. As far as I am concerned, this is the belief that patriotic Americans should be spreading……
Article 6 – Debts, Supremacy, Oaths
….but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.
Religion has no place in politics. Hopefully the results of the last election will help get that point across.
Hey a.k.a. Christ. Why don’t you quit hiding behind somebody else’s name and start using your own? Or are you little woosie?
Before I make my choice, what is a woosie?
Wossie is a person so embarrassed by his actions that he hides behind aliases eg. Jesus H Christ
Wussie!!!! Can’t you guys even spell? And, as a gentleman, I have no idea what it means.
Appears Mr. Schumann also has no idea what it means. There is no nexus between alias and wussie.
J.H.C. is no relation to J.H.
Whoops J.C.
How I wish people would distinguish between religion and principles. Religion seeks to control people thru fear and has nothing to do with Truth. For example: The Ten Commandments have absolutely nothing to do with religion and are totally mischaracterized. They were guidelines given to 2 million people who had never known anything but bondage. They had never owned private propety. They had never established a nation. They had never governed themselves. There lives were making mud and bricks and suddenly they were free. The Ten Commandments under which any nation can establish freedom, liberty, the rule of law and preserve itself for future generations. How do you protect freedom without those simple principles? Thou shalt not steal is nothing more than a recogition of private property rights. Religion takes the Truth and makes it unpalatable. Thou shalt have no other God before me incapsulates them all. It is the princple that when you put that which is temperal before that which eternal the results will be undesirable. For example, when you covet your neighbors wife bad things will happen. When you bare false witness you lie to harm someone. Honor your father and your mother. It is my belief that our prisons are full of people who have no respect for their mothers. Out of respect for your mother you have made more good decisions than bad ones. Keep religion out of the Truth.
benjamin franklin was a deist according the his autobiography – not a Christian. thomas jefferson was a unitarian – not a Christian. a number of the founders were not Christians. we were not chosen by God to be a Christian nation. we were not founded on Christian principles. we are not a Christian nation. we are made up of citizens of many faiths and many with no faith.
we have the right to practice our religious beliefs and the right to reject religious beliefs – that’s what freedom of religion is all about.