Is there a direct correlation between religious freedom and independence? Or, is it possible to obtain the liberty of self-government without religious freedom?
On July 4, 2017, we (Americans) will be commemorating our 241 Independence from the British Empire. History reminds us that it was not an easy task for our nation’s founding fathers to achieve the Independence without God’s grace and guidance. In fact, it is the main reason “God” is being acknowledged in the “Declaration of Independence,” document. I am sure our founding fathers believed that it was God’s will for those human rights to be secured, which are, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
As we know that our founding fathers were unique, and belonged to the “Puritan families.” The Puritans were Christians, who wanted the Church of England to be purified of any liturgy, ceremony, or practices, which were not found in Scripture. Many of its members, so-called “the Pilgrims” had no hope, but to leave England, thinking perhaps in a new world they could establish a colony whose government, society and church can be based upon the “Bible.” Later this generation’s children were able to form a new nation so-called the “United States of America (USA).”
This can be verified with John Adams, who was one of the main persons fought for the Independence, and later became our first Vice President (1789) and second President of USA (1797). Mr. Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail stating that “second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
In fact, John Adam’s son, John Quincy Adams, who later became the (sixth) President of United States (1825), stated that “you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”
As we can see that it was religious freedom, which gave the foundation for a democratic system of government. Had it not for the religious freedom I don’t think we would be living today in a free world. Yes, religious freedom is the basis for the Independence, and for the democratic system of government. Yes, there is a direct correlation between the religious freedom and Independence. I don’t think we can obtain liberty of self-government without religious freedom.
On this day let us thank God for giving us the freedom and to celebrate our 241 Independence Day, and by admiring our founding fathers who gave us both religious and political freedom. Your thoughts and comments will be appreciated.