GOD BLESS AMERICA

 

GOD BLESS AMERICA

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  Thus proclaims the Declaration of Independence, promulgated on July 4, 1776 by the unanimous vote of the representatives from the thirteen colonies gathered in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia (now known as Independence Hall).

The founders, using religious language, appeal to the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God to justify their decision to cut ties with Great Britain.  After listing the many transgressions of the British monarch against state rights they appeal to the Supreme Judge of the world to witness to the rectitude of our intentions, insisting on the moral right, and even necessity, to end British rule.  It concludes by expressing a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence.

In the years that followed, the principles of the Declaration of Independence, based on what the founders considered to be God’s will for the human race, were often cited in making an argument against slavery.  For example, Abraham Lincoln made an appear to the Declaration in a speech by during his race for the Senate: “This was their majestic interpretation of the economy of the Universe. This was their lofty, wise, and noble understanding of the justice of the Creator to His creatures. Yes, gentlemen, to all His creatures, to the whole great family of man. In their enlightened belief, nothing stamped with the Divine image and likeness was sent into the world to be trodden on, and degraded, and imbruted by its fellows…Wise statesmen as they were, they knew the tendency of prosperity to breed tyrants, and so they established these great self-evident truths, that when in the distant future some man, some faction, some interest, should set up the doctrine that none but rich men, or none but white men, were entitled to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, their posterity might look up again to the Declaration of Independence and take courage to renew the battle which their fathers began – so that truth, justice, mercy, and all the humane and Christian virtues might not be extinguished from the land; so that no man would hereafter dare to limit and circumscribe the great principles on which the temple of liberty was being built.”

American liberty was built upon a recognition that human rights were given to us by God.  This is why they are irreplaceable.  If we lose God we will lose those rights.  George Washington wrote in his farewell address to the nation when he stepped down from the presidency: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them.”

It took generations to implement the august principles of the Declaration of Independence.  Slavery was eliminated, Jim Crow was dismantled, women were granted the full rights of citizenship.  More must still be done.  The life and rights of all must be promoted, especially of the unborn, the homeless, the victims of crime, the poor, the elderly, the mentally disturbed, and the terminally ill.  America can only be a place where people are free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness if all human life in our nation is wanted and protected.  Therefore, on this Independence Day, let us renew our patriotic commitment to live, as our forefathers advised, in accord with the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God, and to share this burning need with our fellow citizens.