Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
Happy Independence Day! Much has been written, said, and speculated about the religious beliefs of our founding fathers. I thought it’d be good to read their actual words from the early formative years of our country.
George Washington, 1st U.S. President
To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”
John Adams, 2nd U.S. President and Signer of the Declaration of Independence
“Now I will avow, that I then believe, and now believe, that those general Principles of Christianity, are as eternal and immutable, as the Existence and Attributes of God . . .”
Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President, Drafter and Signer of the Declaration of Independence
“I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.”
John Hancock, 1st Signer of the Declaration of Independence
“Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us.”
Benjamin Franklin, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution
“Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped.”
Samuel Adams, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Father of the American Revolution
“And as it is our duty to extend our wishes to the happiness of the great family of man, . . . when the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and all people everywhere willingly bow to the sceptre of Him who is Prince of Peace.”
William Penn, Founder of Pennsylvania
“I do declare to the whole world that we believe the Scriptures to contain a declaration of the mind and will of God in and to those ages in which they were written; being given forth by the Holy Ghost moving in the hearts of holy men of God; that they ought also to be read, believed, and fulfilled in our day; being used for reproof and instruction, that the man of God may be perfect. They are a declaration and testimony of heavenly things themselves, and, as such, we carry a high respect for them. We accept them as the words of God Himself.”
Roger Sherman, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution
“I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance equal in power and glory. That the scriptures of the old and new testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.”
Benjamin Rush, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Ratifier of the Constitution
“The gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just conduct in every situation of life. Happy they who are enabled to obey them in all situations!”
Alexander Hamilton, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Ratifier of the Constitution
“I have carefully examined the evidences of the Christian religion, and if I was sitting as a juror upon its authenticity I would unhesitatingly give my verdict in its favor.”
Patrick Henry, Ratifier of the Constitution
“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.”
“The Bible … is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed.”
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the United States of America! Amen