The Importance of Morality in Governance
Morality, defined as the practice of doing what is right, is essential for a free and self-governing society. I contend that we must legislate morality in our country because a society without common moral principles risks being ruled by tyrants. Our Founding Fathers understood this necessity.
Rather than devolving into a debate over individual moral causes, let us examine the self-evident truths articulated by the Founders: all men are created equal; life, liberty, and property are endowed to us by our Creator. As stated in the Declaration of Independence, these inalienable rights must be secured by the government.
The Foundation of Rights and Government’s Role
We can find common ground in these three areas:
—There is a Creator.
—Our rights are endowed by our Creator, not by government. We do not receive the right to life, liberty, and property from earthly powers; we are born with these rights.
—The primary purpose of civil government is to protect these God-given rights. It is important to note that the government’s role is not to ensure happiness but to secure our rights to life, liberty, property, and equal opportunity—not equal outcomes.
These principles form the moral foundation of our country.
The Legacy of Moral Foundations
While I have relatives who identify as science-based and do not believe in a Creator, the Founding Father’s belief in a Creator remains significant in understanding our moral foundations. The Founders recognized the dangers of a government that grants rights, and as such, a government can also take them away. This principle holds true regardless of one’s belief in a Creator. We are privileged to live in a country that values liberty under law.
To secure our God-given rights, we must base our laws on morality. Whose morality, you may ask? Our Founding Fathers believed that the fundamental moral values of Christianity were beneficial for society. Our laws against cheating, stealing, and lying, as well as provisions for fair trials and marriage, are rooted in these moral principles. The fact that the Founders did not consult contemporary society for these foundational morals does not diminish the truth of America’s founding.
These moral foundations have served us well for 249 years. Have we adhered to them perfectly? No, but our moral foundations remain crucial for maintaining our prosperity and freedom in the world.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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