The incessant news touting how divided our nation is seems non-stop. And some of the policies and actions coming out of Washington only add to the negativity, in my opinion. Consequently, it was taking a more-than-normal effort today to nudge the patriotic needle.
But then the bigger picture opened up. It struck me that some things that inform a biblical faith resonate soundly with some of our country’s founding principles.
Advancement of civil rights. Of course “all men are created equal” was an ideal touted by some founding fathers who held slaves themselves. But that kernel of equality was planted and has grown/advanced through 250 years. Segregation abolished in principle. Women enfranchised. LGBTQ rights advanced. Definitely there is continual work needed in these and other areas. It’s a work in progress, but the progress continues. “There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) And “one” means “one.”
Welcoming immigrants. I so appreciate living in a country that’s multicultural. It takes a strong nation to put forth the ideal written on the statue of liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” That could be a paraphrase of what runs throughout the Bible: “Any immigrant who lives with you must be treated as if they were one of your citizens. You must love them as yourself, because you were immigrants in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:34)
Separating religion from government. How amazing the very first amendment mandates this separation. Not only is it good that people may believe as they wish, but that they can also learn and benefit from multiple religions. “I have a right to awaken Cyrus; I will smooth all his paths. He will build my city and set my exiles free, not for a price and not for a bribe, says the Lord of heavenly forces.” (Isaiah 45:13) King Cyrus wasn’t Hebrew or Christian; he was Persian and a Zoroastrian.
Just three ways our country shines and will continue to shine, at least from my faith perspective. Maybe you can think of more.
Now looking forward to the fireworks tonight, along with pizza and ice cream.
Happy 4th to all!
Amen, Greg! ¡Viva la Independencia!