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Americas Forgotten Inheritance |
The last four decades have seen a marked departure from this concept. Present-day interpretation of separation of church and state is wildly different from the founders' original intent. Today non-Christian religions also flourish, and secularism has replaced God in the classroom. America's prevailing culture sees God as remote or not even existing. Americans increasingly see their wealth and success as something they have created for themselves without divine involvement.
So it was somewhat surprising,
after two decades of internal divisions that had left the United States
severely weakened both internally and internationally, to see the following
congressional resolution passed in 1982: "Whereas the Bible, the Word
of God, has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a
distinctive and blessed nation and people; Whereas deeply held religious
convictions springing from the Holy Scriptures led to the early settlement
of our Nation; Whereas Biblical teachings inspired concepts of civil government
that are contained in our Declaration of Independence and
Constitution of the United States;
"Whereas many of our great national leaders-among them Presidents Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, and Wilson-paid tribute to the surpassing influence of the Bible in our country's development, as in the words of President Jackson that the Bible is 'the Rock on which our Republic rests'; Whereas the history of our Nation clearly illustrates the value of voluntarily applying the teachings of the Scriptures in the lives of individuals, families and societies; Whereas this Nation now faces great challenges that will test this Nation as it has never been tested before; and Whereas that renewing our knowledge of and faith in God through Holy Scripture can strengthen us as a nation and a people:
"Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States
of America in Congress assembled, That the President is authorized and requested
to designate 1983 as a national 'Year of the Bible' in recognition of both
the formative influence the Bible has been for our Nation, and our national
need to study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures" (quoted
by Federer,
pp. 709-710).
Less then 20 years later America has changed so much it is doubtful that such a resolution could be passed today.
The Bible is the most important book in American history. Its importance has not diminished with time. We may not realize the for some decades the consequences of neglecting it, but its relevance for us is just as great as it was for the people of ancient Israel.GN
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Related Information:
Sidebar to A Nation Losing Its Way
Table of Contents that includes "America's Forgotten Inheritance"
Origin of article "America's Forgotten Inheritance"
Keywords: America Bible and the U.S. church and state congressional resolution
Church and state: