Our Bible shaped the USA

It is true that many of the founders of this great nation of ours were influenced by the Bible.  In the scholarly work of Thomas S. Kidd, who wrote the book GOD OF LIBERTY: A RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Kidd gives five biblical ideas that connected the varied but determined founders.  Here they are with a quick comment.  I put this information out to remind us all how wise, powerful and far-reaching the Bible really is.

Idea # 1 NO STATE CHURCH

State sponsored churches dominated the pre-USA world.  People came to America for religious freedom.  And that is what they got.  This idea infused our country with an abundance of denominations, all free to pursue their own religious conviction.

Idea # 2 THE IDEA OF A CREATOR GOD AS THE GAURANTOR OF FUNDAMENTLE HUMAN RIGHTS

It was because God created men equal, we all have unalienable rights. Unalienable means ‘not transferable [rights] to another or not capable of [rights] being taken away or denied.’

Idea # 3 HUMAN SINFULNESS POSED A THREAT TO OUR CIVIL GOVERNMENT

Consequently, we have three powers of government.  This was considered vital to our founders, for they understood that while we are created equal ‘we were not created angels.’

Idea # 4 A REPUBLIC NEEDED TO BE SUSTAINED BY VIRTUE

Thus, the three powers have a great many ‘checks and balances.’  They knew that once virtue eroded, the system would fail.  So, behaviors of high moral standards was sought by those who would lead us.

Idea # 5 THE BELIEF THAT GOD MOVED IN AND THROUGH NATIONS

If you think this is a stretch listen again to these very words in the great Declaration of Independence. “And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.’

            A few years ago, when Iraq was framing a new constitution, someone said give them ours, we’re not using it more.