The Declaration of Independent is the key founding document justifying the autonomy of this great nation. It outlines the twenty seven reasons the federal government (Continental Congress) used to validate this decision. This document is rightly considered to be one of the key documents in our nation’s history . While objectors seek to downplay or even dismiss this central document our nation would not exist independently without it. Its role cannot be overstated and must not be allowed to be underplayed.
If it has been a while since you last read this wonderful document, feel free to do so now (Declaration of Independence). As you read it note the four distinct appeals to God contained within its lines. Significantly, Mr. Separation of Church and State himself (Thomas Jefferson) is the originator and a signer of this document (read about its history here). The Founding Fathers appealed to God in this key document in four key ways:
- Entitlement to freedom: a nation is entitled to a "separate and equal station" (independence) because of the laws of nature "and nature's God." God is the basis for this claim, that is, the basis for the U.S. becoming an independent nation.
- Unailienable rights: God ("their Creator") is the source of unailienable rights everyone (even for those who oppose religion having a role in government). These rights include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (virtuous living).
- Righteousness of intentions: the "Supreme Judge" of the universe (God) is appealed to as the One able to properly judge the intentions of the Founding Fathers' hearts as they desolved the political bonds stiffling this nation. God is the only One in a position to so judge.
- Protection: the Founders relied upon "the protection of Divine Providence" in the act of breaking away from Great Brittain and establishing a new nation.
Due to these four clear appeals to God in this federally authored, signed and presented document religion is clearly seen to be a factor in establishing the U.S. God and government are not only compatible but religion played a vital role in establishing our nation. This being the case, regardless of one’s religious views it is quite appropriate (and American) to have an
attitude of gratitude for religion regarding the key role it played in American history. One does not need to be religious to be grateful for religion (specifically, Christianity) forming this great nation.
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