What would you say are the key quotes or principles of America’s founding fathers that churches should consider featuring in their patriotic celebrations?
Patriotic celebrations should focus not on patriotism for patriotism’s sake, but rather on patriotism as avenue to inspire commitment to the preservation of the blessings that God has specifically bestowed on our nation. America is unique; we are the longest-ongoing constitutional republic in the history of the world; and we have been under our original birth certificate for 229 years – longer than any other nation. These are adequate reasons not only for gratefulness to God but also for a fidelity to our nation for the purpose of preserving those blessings. Excellent verses for patriotic church celebrations are numerous, and could include Leviticus 25:10 (the verse emblazoned around the famous Liberty Bell) and Galatians 5:1 – both of which were featured in patriotic sermons in the Founding Era. Key historical quotes for use would be those that remind us that our civil and religious liberties are blessings of God. These quotes could include:
I recommend a general and public return of praise and thanksgiving to Him from whose goodness these blessings descend. The most effectual means of securing the continuance of our civil and religious liberties, is always to remember with reverence and gratitude the source from which they flow.
JOHN JAY, LEADER IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, ORIGINAL CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE U. S. SUPREME COURT
The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were. . . . the general principles of Christianity. . . . Now I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God. JOHN ADAMS, SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION
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. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth. . . . [and] laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever. THOMAS JEFFERSON
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