A Product of Christian Principles

With recent polling data showing that religion could be making a comeback, we can continue to reinforce the notion that religion has been a sustaining force in our nation throughout its almost 250 years of existence and that the teachings of Scripture have been foundational in its founding. Proverbs 29 recognizes the role of faith and corporate morality in the strength of a nation; it says:
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.
4 The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

The summary of a recent Gallup poll on the research giant's website notes:

Thirty-four percent of U.S. adults believe religion is increasing its influence in American life, similar to the 35% measured in December but up from 20% a year ago. The majority of Americans, 59%, continue to say religion is losing its influence on U.S. society, but that is down from 75% a year ago.

These recent shifts represent a departure from the trend over the past 15 years that has generally seen larger percentages of Americans saying religious influence is decreasing rather than increasing.

The summary also notes: 

All major subgroups are significantly more likely to believe that religious influence is increasing, with most showing double-digit shifts. Subgroups showing smaller increases.

Now, about one-third of Protestants and a third of Catholics believe religious influence is growing.  That up 16% and 17%, respectively, from a study that was conducted between the years of 2022-24. 

I have reported to you in the past about a Pew study, which shows this specifically about Christianity: "After many years of steady decline, the share of Americans who identify as Christians shows signs of leveling off – at least temporarily – at slightly above six-in-ten..."

I believe America thrives when religion is celebrated. We are a nation with a rich, religious heritage - and I would dare say that Christianity has been a major influence. Rob Pacienza, Founder of the Institute for Faith and Culture, Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL and the CEO and President of Coral Ridge Ministries, wrote at the Institute for Faith and Culture website:

Which Christian principles shaped the Founders’ thinking? Four stand out:

First, the Founders believed that humans are created in the image of God. This belief caused them to view humans as reasonable beings who can discuss and debate social and political issues. It also informed the conscience of early opponents to slavery.

Second, they believed that human beings are inherently sinful (Federalist 51). This belief informed their view that humans will never arrive at a governmental utopia, and thus will always need laws, law enforcement, and a system of checks and balances.

Third, they believed that God is the source of moral standards and that legislation should be in agreement with moral law. True freedom could be exercised only within the bounds of the moral law; any other type of freedom was, ironically, enslaving. Thus, nearly every Supreme Court justice before John Marshall argued that the Court would strike down any law that conflicted with the moral law.

Fourth, they believed that religious liberty is a God-given right and must be protected. As Christians, they believed that the gospel is freely given and freely received, and thus God is opposed to governmental religious coercion. God, alone, is lord of the conscience—not the state.

The concept of and laws governing our nation have roots that can be traced to a Christian belief in the Bible having authority in matters of principle and practice.  In this period culminating in a celebration of Independence Day, we can celebrate the presence of Almighty God in our individual lives and corporately in our nation. 

We need the influence of Biblical Christianity in our nation. Because the Bible offers hope to people that are searching for answers - answers that can only be found through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our governing principles of religious liberty open the door for Christians to freely live and share our faith, and we should leverage what God has granted to us in order to demonstrate that message. 

So, we can celebrate and enjoy the festivities, and realize that there is a divine power at work who has established our nation, who has a plan for America, and desires for us, as His people, to live out our heavenly citizenship as responsible and compassionate servants here on earth.