Happy Birthday America!

On the occasion of the two hundred and forty-fifth anniversary of our formal declaration of independence from the United Kingdom, it is appropriate to reflect on the history and current circumstances of our nation. It has been said by some that the United States of America was founded by Christian men on Judeo-Christian principles. Others, however, have disputed that characterization and have underscored the secular nature of the government that the Founding Fathers put in place. As with most things, I believe the truth lies somewhere in between the two extremes.

While it is true that most of the Founding Fathers were Christians (and that the ideas/philosophies which motivated them were squarely based in the Judeo-Christian tradition), it is also true that they were products of the Age of Enlightenment (and that many of them practiced what most modern Evangelical Christians would characterize as a very liberal form of Christianity). To be clear, while Thomas Jefferson had a high regard for Scripture, he was NOT a Fundamentalist or a Literalist.

Moreover, we must not forget that many of these very brilliant and religious men were also slave owners, capitalists and consummate politicians. Hence, in our evaluation of their character and work, it is important not to get lost in sentimental nostalgia and acknowledge that (like all humans) they had strengths and weaknesses. In other words, we can respect their extraordinary accomplishments without deifying them!

And, while we can certainly understand what motivated our forefathers to think of themselves as God's chosen people and to regard this land as a kind of new Promised Land, we must not forget that they took this land away from the Natives and enslaved their African brethren to build their "shining city on a hill." Hence, there is much to celebrate on this anniversary of our founding, but there is also much that has transpired which can never be a source of pride or a reason to toast.

In the Judeo-Christian Scriptures, God evaluated a nation by the character and behavior of its people and their leaders (religious and political). In other words, a nation stood justified or condemned before God based on the degree to which they adhered to his principles. Moreover, the Apostle Paul once wrote to the saints at Corinth that if we would take the time to examine ourselves we wouldn't have to fall under God's condemnation. So, that being the case, how have we (the people of the United States) done in living up to the principles that all humans are created equal and are entitled by God to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

Finally, as Christians, we should also remember that Christ and his apostles warned God's saints to never forget that their primary citizenship was in God's Kingdom. While they repeatedly reminded their followers about their financial and political obligations to the Roman Emperor and his representatives, they also stressed the fact that their responsibility to follow Christ's teachings must take precedence over all of their earthly obligations. Hence, while it was certainly appropriate to participate and take pride in their identity as citizens of Rome, they must never lose sight of their overarching allegiance to Jesus Christ.

Thus, in the humble opinion of this American, while we have much to celebrate on this important day, we also have much to contemplate and regret.  Humility and repentance are certainly Godly virtues and are things to be embraced by all TRUE Christians. Our forefathers accomplished some wonderful things (things that are worthy of celebration), but we must also never forget that there is unfinished work to do. On an individual and collective basis, we have not reached perfection. We cannot rest on the accomplishments of our ancestors, we must strive to finish the work which they began and to correct the mistakes which they (and we) have made along the way. In other words, when we enjoy our cookouts today and watch those fireworks tonight, let us also remember that we have miles to go before we sleep - MILES TO GO BEFORE WE SLEEP!