Religious Principles

“Recollect the civil and religious principles and hopes and expectations which constantly supported and carried them through all hardships with patience and resignation.

"Let us recollect it was liberty, the hope of liberty, for themselves and us and ours, which conquered all discouragements, dangers, and trials."

President John Adams 1735-1826

Many wish our founding fathers not to have had religion in their lives. Yet the above is but one example of the importance religious principles held. Their principles were included in their political writings, such as the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

“Article II. It is the right as well as the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons to worship the Supreme Being, the great Creator and Preserver of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping God in the manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or obstruct others in their religious worship.”

Appears there remained ties to the principles of the Mayflower Compact when the above was written. Appears someone was familiar with scripture when it comes to duty:

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV)

Connecticut wasn’t too far behind, including the phrase: “administer justice according to the Laws here established, and for want thereof, according to the Rule of the Word of God”

Predating both, the Iroquois Confederacy lived a constitution that included: “The rites and festivals of each nation shall remain undisturbed and shall continue as before because they were
given by the people of old times as useful and necessary for the good of men.”

Today, many wish politicians would not display their religion in their lives. Many current politicians write laws diametrically opposed to their chosen religion’s beliefs, teachings and basic doctrines.

Is it true they do so separate their religion from their daily lives, or do their daily lives reflect their true religious principles? Frankly, I prefer the openness of those who fought for the right to include religion in our nation’s written history. Written, in many places, literally in stone.

Ignore them, change them, erase them, and this is no longer the same nation. Let us remember the Biblical admonition:

Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set. (Proverbs 22:28 KJV)

This, let us teach our children.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 KJV)