Here's a way to encourage what unites, not divides us as a nation. #summerholidays #summer #america #schoolsout
Religion and Free People can co-exist. In fact, they must. In my recent article, "Liberty and Lawlessness Cannot Co-Exist," I agreed with Founder John Adams that moral values are essential to remaining a free people. (see civicsandcitizenship.org/liberty-and-lawlessness-cannot-co-exist/ ) I often receive pushback on this subject. ![]()
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On Religion and a Free People in the Founders' Words![]()
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Let's look at what the Founders of our country said in their own words. Remember that they are not saying you or I or anyone must join a religion (see the First Amendment). Instead, try to understand why they said what they said and steadfastly maintained their position on this issue.![]()
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Some examples: Northwest Ordinance: "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government…"![]()
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George Washington- "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports…"![]()
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Benjamin Franklin summarizes the Founders' five basic beliefs- "I believe in God, the Creator of the universe. ![]()
That he governs it by his providence. ![]()
That he ought to be worshipped.![]()
The most acceptable service we render to him is in doing good to his other children. ![]()
That the soul of man is immortal and will be treated with justice in another life in respecting its conduct in this. These I take to be the fundamental post in all sound religion."![]()
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Keep in mind Franklin is saying that these tenets are common to sound religion. According to author W. Cleon Skousen, these points flow through almost all of the Founders' writings. They stripped away their differences and agreed on the main principles common to most religions. In addition, they wanted these principles taught in public education-wait for it- along with morality and knowledge. (Imagine that!)![]()
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John Adams believed the above basics were the basis of our founding. Thomas Jefferson said these principles "united us all." ![]()
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A European's Observation On Religion and Being a Free People![]()
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What about non-believers? When observing Americans, Alexis de Tocqueville (French diplomat, sociologist, and political theorist) said," I do not know whether all Americans have a sincere faith in their religion—for who can search the human heart?—but I am certain that they hold it to be indispensable to the maintenance of [the institutions of a republic]". ![]()
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While Europe taught that religion and liberty were incompatible, de Tocqueville observed in America that religion and freedom worked harmoniously to produce a free and enlightened nation. Sometimes we need outsiders to give us an objective assessment. De Tocqueville noted that it was not a national religion forcing morality on us. Instead, he observed each American learning and applying Christian moral foundations as they saw fit. That is self-government in action, It is unity without conformity, and Americans agreed for over 200 years.![]()
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The Compatibility of Religious Values and Freedom![]()
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So then, NOT cheating, stealing, lying, committing murder, etc., works. It builds a freer society no matter what church you attend -or even if you attend no church.![]()
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Your thoughts? Note: No additional pictures or links, please. Also,![]()
avoid naming or discussing celebrities, politicians, or political parties when commenting. It only leads to uncivil discourse. Venting doesn't change minds. Ideas and principles do. ![]()
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This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸![]()
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Image by Gerd Altmann
Liberty and lawlessness cannot co-exist. Only moral governments can remain free. There are Americans who object to the statement by Founding Father, the first Vice-President, and second President of the United States, John Adams. He said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." ![]()
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Why They Object![]()
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These Americans say that the Constitution does not support Adams' statement. They (mistakenly) think that Adams was saying we must all be religious to be American. That contradicts the First Amendment, which says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of (a national) religion." What Adams said is that you must have a moral population to remain free. ![]()
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Where do we learn morals? Primarily, this is accomplished through ancient wisdom or religious teachings, if you will. No one ever said you had to be religious. It's just that moral standards assist in maintaining freedom. We aren't born sin-free. Observe any young child. They need to discover moral teachings somewhere. It seems fair to conclude that our population will not learn ancient wisdom or morality from television, the internet, or at school.![]()
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Look To Metropolitan Areas For Proof![]()
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As an illustration, one need only look at today's news to see that Adams' statement holds merit. In the larger metropolitan areas, big-name retailers are moving out. Why is that? One retailer on the west coast fired its employees for calling the police when thieves came in to, once again, carry out armloads of merchandise without paying. This criminal activity happens on a routine basis during daylight store hours. Shocking? Yes, but being soft on crime and hard on law-abiding citizens is the way of today's cultural drift. It's called "compassion gone awry." People are no longer willing to pay an elevated price for goods to compensate for revenue lost by corporate compassion for robbers. Consumers are also unwilling to work or shop at stores where massive theft is ignored. It's a safety issue.![]()
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Similarly, on the east coast, there is a large metro area where the police no longer arrest criminals because their supervisors will lay blame on cops rather than criminals. Again, it's compassion gone awry. One misstep and a lifelong career of stellar police work can go down the drain. Law-abiding citizens are now at risk because of policies that protect the lawless.![]()
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Lawlessness is growing. The more it grows, the more laws are made. The more laws are made, the less freedom you and I have. It's time to face the facts. Liberty and lawlessness cannot co-exist.![]()
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This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸![]()
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Note: Avoid naming or discussing celebrities, politicians, or political parties when commenting. It only leads to uncivil discourse. Venting doesn’t change minds. Ideas and principles do. No additional pictures or links, please.
If you have ever lost a loved one in service to our country, please know that I am grateful for their sacrifice.
