Friday, December 31, 2010 "General Principles" Part VI

Friday, December 31, 2010

"General Principles" Part VI

First From Julie's Keyboard:

As the New Year rolls in so often we begin to reflect upon the events of the past year and maybe set goals or give thought to what we would like to accomplish in the days ahead.

While we could likely do less honorable things with the time afforded to us, this activity too can reap the little benefit if not guided by more than man's own inspiration.

Yes, you have a pretty good idea where I'm going with all of this.  Have we considered asking the Master Designer of the Universe just what He would like to see us putting our hearts and hands to in the days to come?  How noteworthy and proper to seek to do good to all mankind and improve personal areas in our lives and habits.  Is this all we have to give attention toward?

Maybe it's good to be reminded that we have only a "few days" here on this earth.  What is this when compared to "forever and forever?"  If we truly sought to be led with the instruction and guidance of our Creator, just think what a difference a day on this earth could make toward eternal life for ourselves and those on whom His purpose in our lives has helped.

It's my prayer to make progress in my relationship with God and my understanding of His truth.  In doing this, it seems the details of living this life will find their proper place and needed attention.  We've Scripture to stand upon for such an approach to our living here on earth.
After all, the child of God is in this world, but not of it.  His Kingdom is far greater than this.

May we honor our God and King as we live this life.  May we bless Him better in 2011 than ever before.  He is Worthy!

Scripture References:

Matt. 12:31 "But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Col. 4:5 "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."

I John 2:15-17 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

Have a blessed week,

Julie

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"General Principles" Part VI
Principles of the Founding Fathers

It seems there are so many now that resent the fact that our Founders were religious men, men of faith, and many Christian.  They seem to resent the fact even more that their faith influenced their thinking and was the catalyst for the ideas of government that have built such an experience of freedom for us here in this nation. 

We established in the last post that the general principles of Christianity were at the foundation of our laws and institutions.  To briefly review that thought here are some excerpts for that post.

In Shover v. State (1850) the Supreme Court of Arkansas expounded:  "The Christian religion . . . . is recognized as constituting a part and parcel of the common law and as such, all of the institutions growing out of it, or, in any way connected with it

Also in Lindenmuller v. The People (1860) the Supreme court of New York: who regarded religion as the basis of their civil liberty and the foundation of their rights, . . . All agreed that the Christian religion was en grafted upon the law

The Court also said in Vidal v. Girard's Executors (1844) United States Supreme Court: There is an obligation to teach what the Bible alone can teach, viz. a pure system of morality."


In 1824 the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania: Christianity, is and always has been a part of the common law . . . this wise legislature framed this great body of laws for a Christian country and Christian people . . .. . . and thus it is irrefragably [undeniably] proved that the laws and institutions of this State are built on the foundation of reverence for Christianity . . . and the only stable support of all human laws."




I understand there are those who disagree with these ideas, there always have been.  It's OK to disagree with them, even argue that one has better ideas, but let us not deny what the Founders established and try to put their stamp of approval upon something they did not endorse.


You would think everyone would be grateful for the support that these general principles of Christianity lend to our society.  They are why our nation has had such a moral fiber to sustain us as a people for so many years.  They give credence to our laws and justice to our courts. 


Why do our laws give support to traditional marriage?  Because these principles of Christianity establish for us what is right and acceptable behavior and lend that influence upon our laws.  There are other nations whose moral code allows for multiple wives, but they do not have the benefit of the principles of Christianity lending their support, thus their moral behavior under their laws builds a different society.


If we depart from these general principles of Christianity as a foundation, our society will have no defense against the acceptance of a different moral code.  Polygamy and homosexual marriages will lend their influence upon society by law.  All areas of our society will be affected once we depart from these general principles that were laid at our foundation.


There are laws on the books today that govern what a system of communication, be it radio or television, may or may not transmit.  Who will disagree that Vulgar and foul language, even nudity, is not beneficial to us, much less to our children?  Yet today these laws are all but being ignored because these general principles of Christianity are losing their influence upon our society.


Do we really want to expose our ears and eyes to such unrestrained conduct in the name of free speech?


In 1824, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (in a decision subsequently invoked authoritatively and endorsed by the U. S. Supreme Court ) reaffirmed that the civil laws against blasphemy were derived from divine law: The true principles of natural religion are part of the common law; the essential principles of revealed religion are part of the common law; so that a person vilifying, subverting or ridiculing them may be prosecuted at common law.


You remove that true principle and our society has been changed forever.


In 1922 Iowa Supreme Court rejected the assertion that only one side of the Decalogue (The Ten Commandments) was important to American law, declaring: The observance of Sunday is one of our established customs. It has come down to us from the same Decalogue that prohibited murder, adultery, perjury, and theft. It is more ancient than our common law or our form of government. It is recognized by Constitutions and legislative enactments, both State and federal. On this day Legislatures adjourn, courts cease to function, business is suspended, and nation-wide our citizens cease from labor.


I could go on and on sighting the influence these general principles of Christianity have had upon our systems of law and jurisprudence.  They reach into every area of our daily lives, affecting us in ways we are not even aware of, lending their strength and stability to our families, neighborhoods, cities, states, and our nation. 


If we despise them, ignore them, reject and remove them, society as we have known it will change forever. 


May God bless each of you,


David