Hidden In Him
Well-Known Member
If it ever was, then there is no matter of that which would pertain to be possible back then. Rather, it would be a matter of was, as in former.
America is a secular government. Always has been.
While many Christians believe the DoI was referring to our God in those parts wherein natures God is referred to, is that our God of the Bible?
Or is it the individual persons personal god? Being religious liberty and freedom was a founding principle of America.
"The United States of America have exhibited, perhaps, the first example of governments erected on the simple principles of nature; and if men are now sufficiently enlightened to disabuse themselves of artifice, imposture, hypocrisy, and superstition, they will consider this event as an era in their history. Although the detail of the formation of the American governments is at present little known or regarded either in Europe or in America, it may hereafter become an object of curiosity. It will never be pretended that any persons employed in that service had interviews with the gods, or were in any degree under the influence of Heaven, more than those at work upon ships or houses, or laboring in merchandise or agriculture; it will forever be acknowledged that these governments were contrived merely by the use of reason and the senses."
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". . . Thirteen governments [of the original states] thus founded on the natural authority of the people alone, without a presence of miracle or mystery, and which are destined to spread over the northern part of that whole quarter of the globe, are a great point gained in favor of the rights of mankind." John Adams ~ "A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America" [1787-1788]
Oh my goodness, LoL. This is an invitation to analyze these words in light of the whole of John Adam's writings, who they were each written to, and for what purpose. Not sure I have the stamina for that. But if you want a surface answer:
- It will never be pretended that any persons employed in that service had interviews with the gods, or were in any degree under the influence of Heaven, more than those at work upon ships or houses, or laboring in merchandise or agriculture = "It wasn't written as a result of divine visitation." This is different than saying Christianity had no influence in its writings. It was John Adams who said, “The Bible is the most republican book in the world,” i.e. the one most applicable to republican self-governance.
- it will forever be acknowledged that these governments were contrived merely by the use of reason and the senses." [...] Thirteen governments [of the original states] thus founded on the natural authority of the people alone, without a presence of miracle or mystery = Again, the vehicle for its construction was human reason (based on Biblical law) as opposed to divine visitation. But this is not to say Christianity played no part. The reasoning he was referring to was based on its principles.
But I surrender. I'm a patriot, but not the most knowledgeable, so getting into serious discussion about American history is like jumping off the deep end. I'm in over my head in a hurry.