American Freedom: Are We Losing It? Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2010

American Freedom: Are We Losing It?American Freedom: Are We Losing It?

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2010Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2010

American Freedom:

I. How Did We Get It?

American Freedom:

I. How Did We Get It? •

American Freedom:

I. How Did We Get It?II. How We Are Losing It?

American Freedom:


•

American Freedom:


III. How Can It Be Restored?

American Freedom:


III. How Can It Be Restored?

•

American Freedom:Part one

I. How Did We Get It?

American Freedom:Part one

I. How Did We Get It? •

1. The Mission of our Forefathers

1620: 1620: The Mayflower CompactThe Mayflower Compact

1. The Mission of our Forefathers

1620: 1620: The Mayflower CompactThe Mayflower Compact

““For the advancement For the advancement of the Christian Faith”of the Christian Faith”

In the name of King In the name of King James the “James the “Defender Defender of the Faith”of the Faith”

““For the advancement For the advancement of the Christian Faith”of the Christian Faith”

In the name of King In the name of King James the “James the “Defender Defender of the Faith”of the Faith”

Our Freedom Has Religious RootsOur Freedom Has Religious Roots Our Freedom Has Religious RootsOur Freedom Has Religious Roots

Thanksgiving to GodThanksgiving to GodThanksgiving to GodThanksgiving to God

The first schools were started to teach children to read the Bible!The first schools were started to teach children to read the Bible!

1647: “Old Deluder Satan Law”

1647: “Old Deluder Satan Law”

2. The Purpose of the First Schools2. The Purpose of the First Schools

“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.”






1776: Declaration of Independence

3. The Founding Document3. The Founding Document












3. The Founding Document3. The Founding Document

Agreement with The Declaration:A Condition of Statehood

Agreement with The Declaration:A Condition of Statehood

All the original states endorsed The Declaration, and every state since has been required to form a government that is in conformity with the U. S. Constitution “and the principles of the Declaration of Independence.”

As late as August 21, 1959, Hawaii was admitted to the United States based on the fact that it concurred with “the principles of the Declaration of Independence” (see Gonzales v. Planned Parenthood, 2007).

All the original states endorsed The Declaration, and every state since has been required to form a government that is in conformity with the U. S. Constitution “and the principles of the Declaration of Independence.”

As late as August 21, 1959, Hawaii was admitted to the United States based on the fact that it concurred with “the principles of the Declaration of Independence” (see Gonzales v. Planned Parenthood, 2007).

The Foundations of Freedom Creator---Creation---God Given Morals


The Articles of Confederation (1781)The Articles of Confederation (1781)

In Articles of Confederation document drafted in 1777 and ratified in 1781 all agreed in “cooperation between the States” and sent “delegates of the United States of America” to participate. This acknowledges that the country already existed before this time and had delegates to send. Indeed, following the spirit of The Declaration of Independence, these Articles spoke of the “Great Governor of the world” who “authorize[d] us to ratify the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual union.”

In Articles of Confederation document drafted in 1777 and ratified in 1781 all agreed in “cooperation between the States” and sent “delegates of the United States of America” to participate. This acknowledges that the country already existed before this time and had delegates to send. Indeed, following the spirit of The Declaration of Independence, these Articles spoke of the “Great Governor of the world” who “authorize[d] us to ratify the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual union.”

4. The First Amendment’s “Free Exercise” of Religion4. The First Amendment’s “Free Exercise” of Religion

“Congress shall make no law respecting an the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (1791).

Note: This Amendment encourages religion in general while it forbids a national religion in particular.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (1791).

Note: This Amendment encourages religion in general while it forbids a national religion in particular.

[email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

The Myth of “Separation of Church and State”

The Myth of “Separation of Church and State”

1. This phrase in not in the Constitution.2. It comes from a private letter of Jefferson.3. Jefferson did not mean it the way secularist do. a) He had a religion department in Uni of Virginia. b) He proposed laws requiring church attendance. c) He gave government money to missionaries. d) He meant it to keep the Federal Gov’t from interfering with

States and their religions. 4. He was not even present at the Constitutional Convention. 5. Five of the 13 Colonies had their own State religions when they

enacted the First Amendment.

1. This phrase in not in the Constitution.2. It comes from a private letter of Jefferson.3. Jefferson did not mean it the way secularist do. a) He had a religion department in Uni of Virginia. b) He proposed laws requiring church attendance. c) He gave government money to missionaries. d) He meant it to keep the Federal Gov’t from interfering with

States and their religions. 4. He was not even present at the Constitutional Convention. 5. Five of the 13 Colonies had their own State religions when they

enacted the First Amendment.

5. Promoting Religion in Schools5. Promoting Religion in Schools

• For example, the Northwest Ordinance (1787 and 1789) declared: "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Thus, religion was deemed by our Founding Fathers to be “necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind."

• For example, the Northwest Ordinance (1787 and 1789) declared: "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Thus, religion was deemed by our Founding Fathers to be “necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind."

1830’s-1930’s McGuffy’s Reader

McGuffy Taught:McGuffy Taught:• Creator

• Creation

• God-given Moral Absolutes

• Creator

• Creation

• God-given Moral Absolutes

1830’s-1930’s McGuffy’s Reader1830’s-1930’s McGuffy’s Reader

“God is the Creator, and His creation enables us to understand Him. In proportion as we investigate the secrets of the natural world, we are able to understand the nature of God.”

“God is the Creator, and His creation enables us to understand Him. In proportion as we investigate the secrets of the natural world, we are able to understand the nature of God.”

McGuffy Wrote: McGuffy Wrote:

1830’s-1930’s McGuffy’s Reader1830’s-1930’s McGuffy’s Reader

McGuffy Wrote "John, you must always bear in

mind, that it is God who made you, and who gave you all that you have and all that you hope for.

He sent his Son to show you his will and to die for your sake.

He gave you his word, to let you know what he had done for you and what he bids you to do” (77, 78, 80).

McGuffy Wrote "John, you must always bear in

mind, that it is God who made you, and who gave you all that you have and all that you hope for.

He sent his Son to show you his will and to die for your sake.

He gave you his word, to let you know what he had done for you and what he bids you to do” (77, 78, 80).

6. Presidential Prayer Proclamations6. Presidential Prayer Proclamations

• President Washington (Oct. 3, 1789) declared: "Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor…. [I recommend] to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer...."

• President Washington (Oct. 3, 1789) declared: "Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor…. [I recommend] to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer...."

President John Adams proclaimed: “Whereas the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgement of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him, but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety without which social happiness can not exist…” (3/23/1798).

President John Adams proclaimed: “Whereas the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgement of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him, but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety without which social happiness can not exist…” (3/23/1798).

7. Congressional Prayers 7. Congressional Prayers • At the very first Continental Congress Benjamin

Franklin urged that "In the beginning ... we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection.--Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered.... And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?... I therefore beg… that henceforth prayers…be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service."

• Congress has begun with prayer ever since.

• At the very first Continental Congress Benjamin Franklin urged that "In the beginning ... we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection.--Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered.... And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?... I therefore beg… that henceforth prayers…be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service."

• Congress has begun with prayer ever since.

8. School Sponsored Prayers8. School Sponsored Prayers Class prayer was practiced in

Schools for over 300 years from the 1647 to 1962 when it was outlawed by the Supreme Court (in Engel, 1962).

Class prayer was practiced in Schools for over 300 years from the 1647 to 1962 when it was outlawed by the Supreme Court (in Engel, 1962).

9. Government Supported

Missionaries


Missionaries


Missionaries


Missionaries

• In 1796, under president Washington, Congress gave land to the United Brethren for the purpose of “propagating the gospel among the heathen.”



Missionaries


Missionaries

• In 1803 Congress granted money, signed by President Jefferson, for a Catholic Church to do missionary work among the Kaskaskian Indian.

• In 1803 Congress granted money, signed by President Jefferson, for a Catholic Church to do missionary work among the Kaskaskian Indian.



10. Religious Based Colleges Established

Harvard’s Rules for Students: “...To consider well the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3…” (1636).

Harvard’s Rules for Students: “...To consider well the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3…” (1636).

The vast majority of colleges in America were founded on the Christian Faith

Princeton University

11. Government Based on Belief in God11. Government Based on Belief in God

“[The First Amendment] embraces all who believe in the existence of God. This provision does not extend

to atheists because they do not believe in God or religion.” (Massachusets Supreme Court, Kneeland, 1838)

“[The First Amendment] embraces all who believe in the existence of God. This provision does not extend

to atheists because they do not believe in God or religion.” (Massachusets Supreme Court, Kneeland, 1838)

North Carolina State ConstitutionNorth Carolina State Constitution

Preamble “We the people of the State of North Carolina,

grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign ruler of Nations, for the preservation of the American Union and the existence of our civil, political and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those blessings…ordain and establish this Constitution.”

Preamble “We the people of the State of North Carolina,

grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign ruler of Nations, for the preservation of the American Union and the existence of our civil, political and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those blessings…ordain and establish this Constitution.”

North Carolina State ConstitutionNorth Carolina State Constitution

Article IV, Section 8

“Disqualifications for office.

The following persons shall be disqualified for office:

First, any person who shall deny the being of Almighty God.”

Article IV, Section 8

“Disqualifications for office.

The following persons shall be disqualified for office:

First, any person who shall deny the being of Almighty God.”

12. School Sponsored Bible Reading 12. School Sponsored Bible Reading

“Why may not the Bible, and especially the New Testament be read and taught as divine

revelation [in schools]?”(Vidal, 1844).

“Why may not the Bible, and especially the New Testament be read and taught as divine

revelation [in schools]?”(Vidal, 1844).

1--You shall have no other god’s before Me2--You shall not make any graven image3--You shall not take the name of God in vain4--Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy5--Honor your father and your mother6--You shall not murder7--You shall not commit adultery8--You shall not steal9--You shall not bear false witness10--You shall not covet

1--You shall have no other god’s before Me2--You shall not make any graven image3--You shall not take the name of God in vain4--Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy5--Honor your father and your mother6--You shall not murder7--You shall not commit adultery8--You shall not steal9--You shall not bear false witness10--You shall not covet

I am the Lord your God...I am the Lord your God...

13. Recognition of the Ten Commandments 13. Recognition of the Ten Commandments

New Haven Colonial Law 1644

New Haven Colonial Law 1644

“The Judicial laws of God as they were delivered by

Moses… [are to] be a rule to all the courts in this

jurisdiction.”

“The Judicial laws of God as they were delivered by

Moses… [are to] be a rule to all the courts in this

jurisdiction.”

James Madison: “Father of the U.S. Constitution”

James Madison: “Father of the U.S. Constitution”

• “Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe.” (Memorial & Remonstrance, 1785).

• “Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe.” (Memorial & Remonstrance, 1785).

Sixth President of United StatesSixth President of United States

“If ‘Thou shalt not covet’ and “Thou shalt not steal’ were not commandments of Heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society before it can be civilized or made free” (The Right Constitution… Letter VI).

“If ‘Thou shalt not covet’ and “Thou shalt not steal’ were not commandments of Heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society before it can be civilized or made free” (The Right Constitution… Letter VI).

John Quincy AdamsJohn Quincy Adams

Sixth President (1767-1848)Sixth President (1767-1848)

New England Primer (c. 1700-1850)New England Primer (c. 1700-1850)

The Third Section was a “Shorter Catechism” which taught the Ten Commandments, Bible history, doctrine, and prayer.

Note: Some estimated 3 million copies were sold.

It was the most widely read school book in America for over a hundred years.

The Third Section was a “Shorter Catechism” which taught the Ten Commandments, Bible history, doctrine, and prayer.

Note: Some estimated 3 million copies were sold.

It was the most widely read school book in America for over a hundred years.

[A Sample Lesson][A Sample Lesson]• Q. 53. What is the third commandment?

• A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

• Q. 54. What is required in the third commandment?

• A . The third commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.

• Q. 55. What is forbidden in the third commandment?

• A The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known.

• Q. 56. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?

• A. The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that, however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgement.

• Q. 53. What is the third commandment?

• A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

• Q. 54. What is required in the third commandment?

• A . The third commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.

• Q. 55. What is forbidden in the third commandment?

• A The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of any thing whereby God maketh himself known.

• Q. 56. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?

• A. The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that, however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgement.

New England Primer: Ten Commandments in Poetic Form

New England Primer: Ten Commandments in Poetic Form

1. THOU shalt have no more gods but me.2. Before no idol bend thy knee.3. Take not the name of God in vain.4. Dare not the Sabbath day profane.5. Give both thy parents honor due.6. Take heed that thou no murder do.7. Abstain from words and deeds unclean.8. Steal not, though thou be poor and mean.9. Make not a willful lie, nor love it.10. What is thy neighbor's dare not covet.

1. THOU shalt have no more gods but me.2. Before no idol bend thy knee.3. Take not the name of God in vain.4. Dare not the Sabbath day profane.5. Give both thy parents honor due.6. Take heed that thou no murder do.7. Abstain from words and deeds unclean.8. Steal not, though thou be poor and mean.9. Make not a willful lie, nor love it.10. What is thy neighbor's dare not covet.

14. Supreme Court Upheld Moral Laws

Including laws against:

Murder, Rape, Theft, Polygamy, Incest, Adultery, Sodomy, etc.

Including laws against:

Murder, Rape, Theft, Polygamy, Incest, Adultery, Sodomy, etc.

Our Freedom is Rooted In--Our Freedom is Rooted In--1. The Mission of our Forefathers2. The Purpose of the First Schools3. The Founding Document: The Declaration4. The First Amendment’s “Free Exercise” 5. Promoting Religion in Our Schools6. Presidential Prayer Proclamations 7. Congressional Prayers8. School Sponsored Prayers 9. Government Supported Missionaries 10. Religious Based Colleges11. Government Based on Belief in God 12. School Sponsored Bible Reading 13. The Recognition of the Ten Commandments14. Supreme Court Upheld Moral Laws

1. The Mission of our Forefathers2. The Purpose of the First Schools3. The Founding Document: The Declaration4. The First Amendment’s “Free Exercise” 5. Promoting Religion in Our Schools6. Presidential Prayer Proclamations 7. Congressional Prayers8. School Sponsored Prayers 9. Government Supported Missionaries 10. Religious Based Colleges11. Government Based on Belief in God 12. School Sponsored Bible Reading 13. The Recognition of the Ten Commandments14. Supreme Court Upheld Moral Laws












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Not All Founders Were ChristiansAs a Deist, Jefferson Denied the Virgin Birth

Not All Founders Were ChristiansAs a Deist, Jefferson Denied the Virgin Birth

“The day will come when the account of the birth of Christ as accepted in the Trinitarian churches will be classed with the fable of Minerva springing from the brain of Jupiter” (Letter to John Adams in 1823).

“The day will come when the account of the birth of Christ as accepted in the Trinitarian churches will be classed with the fable of Minerva springing from the brain of Jupiter” (Letter to John Adams in 1823).

But All Believed in Creator, Creation, & God-given MoralsBut All Believed in Creator, Creation, & God-given Morals

The Supreme Court Called America “Christian.”

The Supreme Court Called America “Christian.”

“Bigamy and polygamy are crimes by the laws of all civilized Christian countries. They are crimes by the laws of the United States…” (Beason, 1890).

“Bigamy and polygamy are crimes by the laws of all civilized Christian countries. They are crimes by the laws of the United States…” (Beason, 1890).

Is America A Christian Nation?Is America A Christian Nation?Response:1. It opposed having a national religion in particular. “Congress [federal gov’t] shall make no law respecting an establishing of

religion…”2. It encouraged having religion in general. “…or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”3. It was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.4. Many founders were strong Christian (The Pilgrims, Puritans,

Washington, Adams, et. al.).5. The sense in which it was “Christian”:

a. Descriptively but not prescriptively. b. Christianity was informative but not normative. c. Freedom was allowed for non-Christian religions as

well (Jews, Muslims, and Deists).

Response:1. It opposed having a national religion in particular. “Congress [federal gov’t] shall make no law respecting an establishing of

religion…”2. It encouraged having religion in general. “…or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”3. It was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.4. Many founders were strong Christian (The Pilgrims, Puritans,

Washington, Adams, et. al.).5. The sense in which it was “Christian”:

a. Descriptively but not prescriptively. b. Christianity was informative but not normative. c. Freedom was allowed for non-Christian religions as

well (Jews, Muslims, and Deists).

America is a Religious Nation(It is not a Secular Nation)

America is a Religious Nation(It is not a Secular Nation)

a. Our government was based in God.

“We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being” (Zorach, 1952).

Later Court decisions affirmed this ruling (see Abington, 1963; Marsh, 1983; Lynch, 1984).

b. Our schools acknowledged God. "Religion, morality, and knowledge…[are] necessary

to good government and the happiness of mankind...” (The Northwest Territory Ordinance of 1787).

a. Our government was based in God.

“We are a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being” (Zorach, 1952).

Later Court decisions affirmed this ruling (see Abington, 1963; Marsh, 1983; Lynch, 1984).

b. Our schools acknowledged God. "Religion, morality, and knowledge…[are] necessary

to good government and the happiness of mankind...” (The Northwest Territory Ordinance of 1787).

Remnants of Religion in American Gov’tRemnants of Religion in American Gov’t1. States must accept The Declaration of Independence for

Statehood which speaks of Creator, creation, and God-given morals.

2. We pledge allegiance “under God.”3. “In God we trust” is— a) On our coins, b) In the National Anthem, c) On the wall of the House of Representatives.4. Congress prays at the beginning of each session.5. The Senate and the military have chaplains.6. Federal Courts begin with a prayer: “God save the United

States and this honorable court.” 7. Tax deductions provided for religious purposes.8 Ten Commandments symbolized in the Supreme Court.

1. States must accept The Declaration of Independence for Statehood which speaks of Creator, creation, and God-given morals.

2. We pledge allegiance “under God.”3. “In God we trust” is— a) On our coins, b) In the National Anthem, c) On the wall of the House of Representatives.4. Congress prays at the beginning of each session.5. The Senate and the military have chaplains.6. Federal Courts begin with a prayer: “God save the United

States and this honorable court.” 7. Tax deductions provided for religious purposes.8 Ten Commandments symbolized in the Supreme Court.

Top and Center: Outside the CourtTop and Center: Outside the Court

On The Door InsideOn The Door Inside

Over the Chief Justice’s HeadOver the Chief Justice’s Head

Power of Gov’t Resting on the Ten CommandmentsPower of Gov’t Resting on the Ten Commandments

By God’s Care Washington Crossed the DelawareBy God’s Care Washington Crossed the Delaware

George WashingtonFirst Inaugural Address 1789

George WashingtonFirst Inaugural Address 1789

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.”

“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.”

“…there is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness…. We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.

“…there is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness…. We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.

God’s Blessing is Based on VirtueGod’s Blessing is Based on Virtue

What is the Foundation of Our Freedom?What is the Foundation of Our Freedom?

The Foundational Document: The Declaration of Independence.

The Foundational Precept: God’s Blessing Rest on a recognition of God’s Laws.

The Foundational Principles: There is a Creator

All Men are Created Equal There are God-Given Moral Laws

The Foundational Document: The Declaration of Independence.

The Foundational Precept: God’s Blessing Rest on a recognition of God’s Laws.

The Foundational Principles: There is a Creator

All Men are Created Equal There are God-Given Moral Laws

“If the foundations are destroyed, what can

the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3)

“If the foundations are destroyed, what can

the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3)

Documents

American Freedom: Are We Losing It? Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2010