July 4th, God Bless America?

I do pledge allegiance, because this is the country God has been gracious enough to allow me to be born in and to live in. I have traveled enough to really appreciate what we have been given.

But we have misused it badly. And so I will say that when I hear the phrase "God bless America", there is a question in my heart: "Why?"

 

au contraire!

From the Treaty of Tripoli

More at:
http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/summer97/secular.html

 

Jail, go to that link I gave for starters. Quotes from the 1800s are not the founders. This is not, nor has it ever been a Christian nation.

 

And yet you will continue to stay here and reap the benefits of being an American.

Curious.

 

The Constitution is very specific. No recognition of any establishment of religion, as well as no religious requirement test to take a government office.

The country was not founded on Christian principles. It was colonized as such, not not founded on such. It was founded on the idea of no taxation without representation.

 

Somewhat disagree, John. It was founded on the concept of freedom.

Freedom from unfair laws and taxes.

Freedom of the individual to benefit from their hard work.

Freedom to speak their minds instead of living in fear that a single sentence could have them thrown in jail for the rest of their lives.

And yes, freedom to exercise religion as their soul liberty led them.

This fourth of July, I urge you to look around the world, and realize that yes, America is spiritually lacking; but it's still one of the countries in the world that allows its people to exercise their freedom of religion. I also urge you to examine your freedom as a child of God, and to study and be thankful for that liberty that Christ has given us.

 

I love this country - the United State of America - and I always will regardless of the circumstances because as a disciple of Jesus Christ I live above the circumstances and not under them. I urge my fellow Christians, especially those who are having such a hard time with the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, to do likewise.

 

Repentance must start with each individual. How about you, Jailminister? How about me? How about each person who is a member of this Board?

 

Wise words, Ken.

Now, if we can only get you over this little infatuation with Ann Coulter.

 

Be thankful that you live in a country that gives you the freedom to NOT give allegiance to it. Be thankful for those that defend your right to do so. Many have died to defend that right.

 

Wasn't there a whole thread about this type of stuff during Op Iraqi Freedom? Weren't many folks on this board saying that people who do this are unamerican, etc? I guess it's only unamerican if Christians disagree with it

As for me, I will continue to pledge allegience, place my hand over my heart, and remove my cap, during the national anthem. It's a sign of thankfulness and respect. My mamma, who nearly dies getting us to this country, taught me that. If ya don't like it, take it up with my mamma.

 

Ken, you certainly are chipper lately! Does that mean Ann's new book finally arrived & what page are you on?

 

John, that was before bro. jailminister joined the board, I believe. It was the paper plate controversy. And, John, you will make your mamma proud! I do believe there is some American red blood pumping through your veins!



But, jailminister, stop and think about all of our brave soldiers scattered across the globe in hostile lands. Put your hand over your heart & salute the flag for THEM, brother, and for all those who bled & died and gave all for the Greatest Nation on Earth, Wicked though she may be, Brother. Wicked though she may be. We are still blessed to be born here in this Land, rather than somewhere like an oppressed nation where our brothers & sisters in Jesus are being slaughtered daily. Think, Brother Jailminister - God knows our hearts. Do it for those who fought and are fighting. HOOWAH!



[ July 01, 2003, 05:46 PM: Message edited by: SheEagle9/11 ]

 

I started school in 1958, and I was in schools from coast to coast. NONE used the bible as class material. NOT ONE of the 12 schools I attended from kindergarten to High School.

I still remember my 1st Grade reader... "The Little White House" featuring three children; Tom, Betty & Susan.

 

I'm nearly 40, am an immigrant who became a citizen in college, and attended private church schools throughout college, namely Baptist, Catholic, and Methodist (not in that order). Prior to college, I never spean a single day in the public school system.

Oh, I speant a year in junior college taking business management refresher courses. I'm sure that's where I got corrupted

SheEagle is right. There are dead soldiers in american uniforms the world over. I would be proving myself disrespectful if I did not show the respect for what they so nobly fought. Sure, we may be abusing the freedoms we're given, but we also have the freedom to learn from our mistakes, without fear of liberties, religious and otherwise, beng taken from us by force.

BTW - SheEagle, my blod does run red white & blue, albeit from transfusion I feel quite honored to be American Citizen by choice

 

John, I salute you. I have often wondered why naturalized citizens have to learn about our government and history, while many (if not most) native-born US citizens remain so ignorant about these vital matters. Better education is sorely needed.