IS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM FOUNDATION FOR THE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM?
Today in United States of America (USA) is Lord’s Day, followed by Independence Day (4th of July). It is the day to worship our God, and thank Him for the freedom that He gave us through His believer longtime ago. Tomorrow, we will remember and celebrate our Independence from Great Britain. For the last three (3) decades, I have been contemplating with a question as to whether or not the religious freedom gave the foundation for the democratic system that we cherish and celebrate. I think this question can be answered with the following historical events.
History reminds us that it was not an easy task for the human being to achieve the Independence without God’s grace and guidance! It was the main reason why often “God” is mentioned 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 the principal author of this document “The Declaration of Independence.” was Thomas Jefferson (July 4, 1776).
As I stated in my previous post that the founding fathers of this Nation (“USA”) were unique people known to the world as the “Puritans.” These 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 of people was able to form a new nation so-called “USA.”
Example, according to the history John Adams, who was one of the main persons fought for the Independence later became the first Vice President (1789) and second President of USA (1797), 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.”
John Adam’s son, John Quincy Adams, who later became the (sixth) President of USA (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.”
In my analysis and evaluation on this question, I have come to the conclusion that it was religious freedom, which gave the foundation for the democratic system of government. Another example, John Wesley, the founder of “Methodism,” much older person (born in 1703) than Thomas Jefferson, knew what was happening in the “American Revolution,” since he had started a separate group called “Methodist” in Great Britain. His ministry “Methodism,” made a huge difference in local communities throughout the democratic world, including the USA. As a result, I became one of his products. How about you? On this day let us thank God for giving us freedom, and celebrate our Independence Day by admiring our founding fathers who gave us both religious and political freedom. Please share, if you have any thoughts or comments.