http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=2019
Are Americans Abandoning God?
With the appalling erosion of traditional American values having
reached crisis proportions, one would fully expect the foundational
principles of the Republic gradually to be jettisoned. Sadly, such
expectations are being realized nationwide. One of—if not the
central—bedrock of American civilization that has been compromised
significantly is belief in the God of the Bible. A recent survey
conducted by Harris Poll found that 42 percent of
U.S.
adults are not “absolutely certain” there is a God—a figure that
compares to 34 percent who felt that way when asked that same question
only three years ago (“Nearly Half...,” 2006). Little wonder. For some
fifty years now, the public school and university system of this country
has been steadily chipping away at belief in God and the Christian
religion, largely through its unilateral indoctrination of youth with
the godless theory of evolution. Many American universities are now
firmly in the grip and under the control of atheists, agnostics, and
skeptics who forthrightly reject belief in God, and who embrace a
materialistic view of origins.
What a tragedy! The United States was launched under such drastically
different circumstances. Indeed, the foundational premise for severing
ties with England, and the central rationale and justification for
establishing a new nation, was articulated by the Founders in their
declared intention to establish their independence. In the very first
sentence of that seminal document, they insisted that “the Laws of
Nature and of Nature’s God entitle[d] them” to achieve “the separate and
equal station” of a new nation. The “Nature’s God” to whom they
referred was the God of the Bible. In the second sentence they declared
that they had been “created” (not evolved) by their “Creator” who
invested them with “certain unalienable Rights.” In other words, the
American Republic had a right to exist on the basis of the authority of
the God of the Bible. Further, they justified their intentions by
“appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world.” And they staked the
entire enterprise on “a firm reliance on the protection of Divine
Providence.” Four times in the brief literary missive that launched the
United States of America, the Founders alluded to the God of the Bible;
yet now, 230 years later, nearly half of Americans are not “absolutely
certain” there is a God!
To grasp the depth of commitment and reliance on the God of the Bible
that the Founders and Framers of American civilization possessed,
consider several proclamations that ushered forth from the Continental
Congress during the tumultuous years of the American Revolution
(1776-1783). These expressions, though perhaps tedious to today’s
reader, are filled with spiritually uplifting, life-sustaining
principles. For example, on November 1, 1777, the Congress issued the
following proclamation to the country:
FORASMUCH as it is the indispensable Duty of
all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to
acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits
received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need
of: And it having pleased him in his abundant Mercy, not only to
continue to us the innumerable Bounties of his common Providence; but
also to smile upon us in the Prosecution of a just and necessary War,
for the Defense and Establishment of our unalienable Rights and
Liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased, in so great a
Measure, to prosper the Means used for the Support of our Troops, and to
crown our Arms with most signal success:
It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these UNITED STATES to set apart THURSDAY, the eighteenth Day of December next, for SOLEMN THANKSGIVING and PRAISE:
That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the
grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the
Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their
sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent
Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every
Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please GOD through the Merits of JESUS CHRIST,
mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance; That it may
please him graciously to afford his Blessing on the Governments of these
States respectively, and prosper the public Council of the whole: To
inspire our Commanders, both by Land and Sea, and all under them, with
that Wisdom and Fortitude which may render them fit Instruments, under
the Providence of Almighty GOD, to secure for these United States, the greatest of all human Blessings, INDEPENDENCE and PEACE:
That it may please him, to prosper the Trade and Manufactures of the
People, and the Labor of the Husbandman, that our Land may yield its
Increase: To take Schools and Seminaries of Education, so necessary for
cultivating the Principles of true Liberty, Virtue and Piety, under his
nurturing Hand; and to prosper the Means of Religion, for the promotion
and enlargement of that Kingdom, which consisteth “in Righteousness,
Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost.”
And it is further recommended, that servile Labor, and such
Recreation, as, though at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the
Purpose of this Appointment, be omitted on so solemn an Occasion (Journals of..., 1904-1937, 9:854-851).
Attest, Cha. Thompson, Secretary
God save the United-States of America
The political leaders of America made no bones about their total
reliance and dependency on the God of the Bible as well as the precepts
of Jesus Christ.
One year later, on November 17, 1778, the Continental Congress again issued a proclamation intended for the entire nation:
It having pleased Almighty God, through the course of the present
year, to bestow great and manifold mercies on the people of these United
States; and it being the indispensable duty of all men gratefully to
acknowledge their obligations to Him for benefits received: Resolved,
That it be, and hereby is recommended to the legislative or executive
authority of each of the said states, to appoint Wednesday, the 30th day
of December next, to be observed as a day of public thanksgiving and
praise, that all the people may, with united hearts, on that day,
express a just sense of his unmerited favors; particularly in that it
hath pleased him, by his overruling providence, to support us in a just
and necessary war, for the defense of our rights and liberties, by
affording us seasonable supplies for our armies, by disposing the heart
of a powerful monarch to enter into alliance with us, and aid our cause;
by defeating the councils and evil designs of our enemies, and giving
us victory over their troops; and, by the continuance of that union
among these states, which, by his blessing, will be their future
strength and glory.
And it is further recommended, that, together with devout
thanksgiving, may be joined a penitent confession of our sins, and
humble supplication for pardon, through the merits of our Savior; so
that, under the smiles of Heaven, our public councils may be directed,
our arms by land and sea prospered, our liberty and independence
secured, our schools and seminaries of learning flourish, our trade be
revived, our husbandry and manufactures increased, and the hearts of all
impressed with undissembled piety, with benevolence and zeal for the
public good. And it is also recommended, that recreations unsuitable to
the purpose of such a solemnity may be omitted on that day.
Done in Congress, this 17th day of November, 1778, and in the third year of the independence of the United States of America (Journals of..., 1904-1937, 12:1138-1139).
Four months later, the Continental Congress issued a Fast Day Proclamation:
Whereas, in just punishment of our manifold transgressions, it hath
pleased the Supreme Disposer of all events to visit these United States
with a destructive calamitous war, through which His divine Providence
hath, hitherto, in a wonderful manner, conducted us, so that we might
acknowledge that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the
strong: and whereas, there is but too much Reason to fear that
notwithstanding the chastisements received and benefits bestowed, too
few have been sufficiently awakened to a sense of their guilt, or warmed
our Bosoms with gratitude, or taught to amend their lives and turn from
their sins, that so He might turn from His wrath. And whereas, from a
consciousness of what we have merited at His hands, and an apprehension
that the malevolence of our disappointed enemies, like the incredulity
of Pharaoh, may be used as the scourge of Omnipotence to vindicate his
slighted Majesty, there is reason to fear that he may permit much of our
land to become the prey of the spoiler, and the Blood of the innocent
be poured out that our borders to be ravaged, and our habitations
destroyed:
Resolved, That it be recommended to the several states to appoint the first Thursday in May next, to be a day of fasting, Thanksgiving
humiliation and prayer to Almighty God, that he will be pleased to
avert those impending calamities which we have but too well deserved:
that he will grant us his grace to repent of our sins, and amend our
lives, according to his holy word: that he will continue that wonderful
protection which hath led us through the paths of danger and distress:
that he will be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless
children, who weep over the barbarities of a savage enemy: that he will
grant us patience in suffering, and fortitude in adversity: that he will
inspire us with humility and moderation, and gratitude in prosperous
circumstances: that he will give wisdom to our councils, firmness to our
resolutions, and victory to our arms That he will have Mercy on our
Foes, and graciously forgive them, and turn their Hearts from Enmity to
Love.
That he will bless the labours of the husbandman, and pour forth
abundance, so that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth in due season.
That he will cause union, harmony, and mutual confidence to prevail
throughout these states: that he will bestow on our great ally all those
blessings which may enable him to be gloriously instrumental in
protecting the rights of mankind, and promoting the happiness of his
subjects and advancing the Peace and Liberty of Nations. That he will
give to both Parties to this Alliance, Grace to perform with Honor and
Fidelity their National Engagements. That he will bountifully continue
his paternal care to the commander in chief, and the officers and
soldiers of the United States: that he will grant the blessings of peace
to all contending nations, freedom to those who are in bondage, and
comfort to the afflicted: that he will diffuse useful knowledge, extend
the influence of true religion, and give us that peace of mind, which
the world cannot give: that he will be our shield in the day of battle,
our comforter in the hour of death, and our kind parent and merciful
judge through time and through eternity.
Done in Congress, this 20th day of March, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, and in the
third year of our independence.
John Jay, President.
Attest, Charles Thomson, Secretary (Journals of…, 1904-1937, 13:343-344).
Seven months later, on October 20, 1779, Congress issued still another proclamation:
Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God,
with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought
in conducting our forefathers to this western world; for his protection
to them and to their posterity amid difficulties and dangers; for
raising us, their children, from deep distress to be numbered among the
nations of the earth; and for arming the hands of just and mighty
princes in our deliverance; and especially for that he hath been pleased
to grant us the enjoyment of health, and so to order the revolving
seasons, that the earth hath produced her increase in abundance,
blessing the labors of the husbandmen, and spreading plenty through the
land; that he hath prospered our arms and those of our ally; been a
shield to our troops in the hour of danger, pointed their swords to
victory and led them in triumph over the bulwarks of the foe; that he
hath gone with those who went out into the wilderness against the savage
tribes; that he hath stayed the hand of the spoiler, and turned back
his meditated destruction; that he hath prospered our commerce, and
given success to those who sought the enemy on the face of the deep; and
above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel,
whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the
heirs of his eternal glory: therefore, Resolved, That it be recommended
to the several states, to appoint Thursday, the 9th of December next, to
be a day of public and solemn thanksgiving to Almighty God for his
mercies, and of prayer for the continuance of his favor and protection
to these United States; to beseech him that he would be graciously
pleased to influence our public councils, and bless them with wisdom
from on high, with unanimity, firmness, and success; that he would go
forth with our hosts and crown our arms with victory; that he would
grant to his church the plentiful effusions of divine grace, and pour
out his holy spirit on all ministers of the gospel; that he would bless
and prosper the means of education, and spread the light of Christian
knowledge through the remotest corners of the earth; that he would smile
upon the labors of his people and cause the earth to bring forth her
fruits in abundance; that we may with gratitude and gladness enjoy them;
that he would take into his holy protection our illustrious ally, give
him victory over his enemies, and render him signally great, as the
father of his people and the protector of the rights of mankind; that he
would graciously be pleased to turn the hearts of our enemies, and to
dispense the blessings of peace to contending nations; that he would in
mercy look down upon us, pardon our sins and receive us into his favor,
and finally, that he would establish the independence of these United
States upon the basis of religion and virtue, and support and protect
them in the enjoyment of peace, liberty and safety. as long as the sun
and moon shall endure, until time shall be no more. Done in Congress,
∥ the 20th day of October, one thousand seven hundred and
seventy-nine, and in the 4th year of the independence of the United
States of America.
Samuel Huntington, President.
Attest, Charles Thomson, Secretary (Journals of..., 1904-1937, 15:1191-1193).
Again, no hesitation to acknowledge the God of the Universe and His Son
Jesus Christ as the keys to national survival and success. A year
later, now into the fourth year of war with Britain, Congress issued
another proclamation in October 1780:
Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God, the Father of all mercies,
amidst the vicissitudes and calamities of war, to bestow blessings on
the people of these states, which call for their devout and thankful
acknowledgments, more especially in the late remarkable interposition of
his watchful providence, in rescuing the person of our Commander in
Chief and the army from imminent dangers, at the moment when treason was
ripened for execution; in prospering the labors of the husbandmen, and
causing the earth to yield its increase in plentiful harvests; and,
above all, in continuing to us the enjoyment of the gospel of peace;
It is therefore recommended to the several states to set apart
Thursday, the seventh day of December next, to be observed as a day of
public thanksgiving and prayer; that all the people may assemble on that
day to celebrate the praises of our Divine Benefactor; to confess our
unworthiness of the least of his favors, and to offer our fervent
supplications to the God of all grace; that it may please him to pardon
our heinous transgressions and incline our hearts for the future to keep
all his laws that it may please him still to afford us the blessing of
health; to comfort and relieve our brethren who are any wise afflicted
or distressed; to smile upon our husbandry and trade and establish the
work of our hands; to direct our public councils, and lead our forces,
by land and sea, to victory; to take our illustrious ally under his
special protection, and favor our joint councils and exertions for the
establishment of speedy and permanent peace; to cherish all schools and
seminaries of education, build up his churches in their most holy faith
and to cause the knowledge of Christianity to spread over all the earth.
Done in Congress, the last day of October, 1780, and in the fifth year of the independence of the United States of America (Journals of..., 1904-1937, 18:950-951).
The next year, on October 26, 1781, Congress called upon God to bless the Continental army:
Whereas, it hath pleased Almighty God, the supreme Disposer of all
Events, father of mercies, remarkably to assist and support the United
States of America in their important struggle for liberty, against the
long continued efforts of a powerful nation: it is the duty of all ranks
to observe and thankfully acknowledge the interpositions of his
Providence in their behalf. Through the whole of the contest, from its
first rise to this time, the influence of divine Providence may be
clearly perceived in many signal instances, of which we mention but a
few.
In revealing the councils of our enemies, when the discoveries were
seasonable and important, and the means seemingly inadequate or
fortuitous; in preserving and even improving the union of the several
states, on the breach of which our enemies placed their greatest
dependence; in increasing the number, and adding to the zeal and
attachment of the friends of Liberty; in granting remarkable
deliverances, and blessing us with the most signal success, when affairs
seemed to have the most discouraging appearance; in raising up for us a
powerful and generous ally, in one of the first of the European powers;
in confounding the councils of our enemies, and suffering them to
pursue such measures as have most directly contributed to frustrate
their own desires and expectations; above all, in making their extreme
cruelty of their officers and soldiers to the inhabitants of these
states, when in their power, and their savage devastation of property,
the very means of cementing our union, and adding vigor to every effort
in opposition to them.
And as we cannot help leading the good people of these states to a
retrospect on the events which have taken place since the beginning of
the war, so we beg recommend in a particular manner that they may
observe and acknowledge to their observation, the goodness of God in the
year now drawing to a conclusion: in which a mutiny in the American
Army was not only happily appeased but became in its issue a pleasing
and undeniable proof of the unalterable attachment of the people in
general to the cause of liberty since great and real grievances only
made them tumultuously seek redress while they abhorred the thoughts of
going over to the enemy, in which the Confederation of the United States
has been completed by the accession of all without exception in which
there have been so many instances of prowess and success in our armies;
particularly in the southern states, where, notwithstanding the
difficulties with which they had to struggle, they have recovered the
whole country which the enemy had overrun, leaving them only a post or
two upon on or near the sea: in which we have been so powerfully and
effectually assisted by our allies, while in all the conjunct operations
the most perfect union and harmony has subsisted in the allied army: in
which there has been so plentiful a harvest, and so great abundance of
the fruits of the earth of every kind, as not only enables us easily to
supply the wants of the army, but gives comfort and happiness to the
whole people: and in which, after the success of our allies by sea, a
General of the first Rank, with his whole army, has been captured by the
allied forces under the direction of our illustrious Commander in
Chief.
It is therefore recommended to the several states to set apart the
13th day of December next, to be religiously observed as a Day of
Thanksgiving and Prayer; that all the people may assemble on that day,
with grateful hearts, to celebrate the praises of our gracious
Benefactor; to confess our manifold sins; to offer up our most fervent
supplications to the God of all grace, that it may please Him to pardon
our offenses, and incline our hearts for the future to keep all his
laws; to comfort and relieve all our brethren who are in distress or
captivity; to prosper our husbandmen, and give success to all engaged in
lawful commerce; to impart wisdom and integrity to our counselors,
judgment and fortitude to our officers and soldiers; to protect and
prosper our illustrious ally, and favor our united exertions for the
speedy establishment of a safe, honorable and lasting peace; to bless
all seminaries of learning; and cause the knowledge of God to cover the
earth, as the waters cover the seas.
DONE by the United States in Congress
assembled, this nineteenth Day of March, in the Year of our Lord One
Thousand seven Hundred and eighty two, and in the sixth Year of our
Independence.
John Hanson, President
Attest. Charles Thomson, Sec’ry (Journals of..., 1904-1937, 21:1074-1076).
The next year, 1782, the year before the conclusion of the war, Congress issued two proclamations, the first in March:
The goodness of the Supreme Being to all his rational creatures,
demands their acknowledgments of gratitude and love; his absolute
government of this world dictates, that it is the interest of every
nation and people ardently to supplicate his favor and implore his
protection.
When the lust of dominion or lawless ambition excites arbitrary power
to invade the rights, or endeavor to wrest from a people their sacred
and invaluable privileges, and compels them, in defence of the same, to
encounter all the horrors and calamities of a bloody and vindictive war;
then is that people loudly called upon to fly unto that God for
protection, who hears the cries of the distressed, and will not turn a
deaf ear to the supplication of the oppressed.
Great Britain, hitherto left to infatuated councils, and to pursue
measures repugnant to her own interest, and distressing to this country,
still persists in the design of subjugating these United States; which
will compel us into another active and perhaps bloody campaign.
The United States in Congress assembled, therefore, taking into
consideration our present situation, our multiplied transgressions of
the holy laws of our God, and his past acts of kindness and goodness
towards us, which we ought to record with the liveliest gratitude, think
it their indispensable duty to call upon the several states, to set
apart the last Thursday in April next, as a day of fasting, humiliation
and prayer, that our joint supplications may then ascend to the throne
of the Ruler of the Universe, beseeching Him to diffuse a spirit of
universal reformation among all ranks and degrees of our citizens; and
make us a holy, that so we may be an happy people; that it would please
Him to impart wisdom, integrity and unanimity to our counsellors; to
bless and prosper the reign of our illustrious ally, and give success to
his arms employed in the defence of the rights of human nature; that He
would smile upon our military arrangements by land and sea; administer
comfort and consolation to our prisoners in a cruel captivity; protect
the health and life of our Commander in Chief; grant us victory over our
enemies; establish peace in all our borders, and give happiness to all
our inhabitants; that he would prosper the labor of the husbandman,
making the earth yield its increase in abundance, and give a proper
season for the in gathering of the fruits thereof; that He would grant
success to all engaged in lawful trade and commerce, and take under his
guardianship all schools and seminaries of learning, and make them
nurseries of virtue and piety; that He would incline the hearts of all
men to peace, and fill them with universal charity and benevolence, and
that the religion of our Divine Redeemer, with all its benign
influences, may cover the earth as the waters cover the seas.
Done by the United States in Congress assembled, &c. &c. (Journals of..., 1904-1937, 22:137-138).
Later that year, with the war reaching its conclusion, another thanksgiving proclamation was issued in October:
It being the indispensable duty of all nations, not only to offer up
their supplications to Almighty God, the giver of all good, for his
gracious assistance in a time of public distress, but also in a solemn
and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and
especially for great and signal interpositions of his Providence in
their behalf; therefore, the United States in Congress assembled, taking
into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these
states, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been
so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public
affairs; and the events of the war in the course of the year now drawing
to a close, particularly the harmony of the public councils, which is
so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and
good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their
allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common
enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States and
those of their allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by
another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great
and lasting advantage to these states; do hereby recommend it to the
inhabitants of these states in general, to observe, and request the
several states to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding
the observation of Thursday, in the 28 day of November next, as a day
of solemn thanksgiving to God for all his mercies: and they do further
recommend to all ranks, to testify their gratitude to God for his
goodness, by a cheerful obedience to his laws, and by promoting, each in
his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled
religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and
national happiness. Given, &c (Journals of..., 1904-1937, 23:647).
Finally, with the Revolutionary War ended, on October 18, 1783,
Congress called for a day of public thanksgiving by issuing the
following joyous proclamation:
Whereas it hath pleased the Supreme Ruler of all human events, to
dispose the hearts of the late belligerent powers to put a period to the
effusion of human blood, by proclaiming a cessation of all hostilities
by sea and land, and these United States are not only happily rescued
from the dangers and calamities to which they have been so long exposed,
but their freedom, sovereignty and independence ultimately acknowledged
by the king of Great Britain. And whereas in the progress of a contest
on which the most essential rights of human nature depended, the
interposition of Divine Providence in our favor hath been most
abundantly and most graciously manifested, and the citizens of these
United States have every reason for praise and gratitude to the God of
their salvation. Impressed, therefore, with an exalted sense of the
magnitude of the blessings by which we are surrounded, and of our entire
dependence on that Almighty Being, from whose goodness and bounty they
are derived, the United States in Congress assembled do recommend it to
the several States, to set apart the second Thursday in December next,
as a day of public thanksgiving, that all the people may then assemble
to celebrate with grateful hearts and united voices, the praises of
their Supreme and all bountiful Benefactor, for his numberless favors
and mercies. That he hath been pleased to conduct us in safety through
all the perils and vicissitudes of the war; that he hath given us
unanimity and resolution to adhere to our just rights; that he hath
raised up a powerful ally to assist us in supporting them, and hath so
far crowned our united efforts with success, that in the course of the
present year, hostilities have ceased, and we are left in the undisputed
possession of our liberties and independence, and of the fruits of our
own land, and in the free participation of the treasures of the sea;
that he hath prospered the labor of our husbandmen with plentiful
harvests; and above all, that he hath been pleased to continue to us the
light of the blessed gospel, and secured to us in the fullest extent
the rights of conscience in faith and worship. And while our hearts
overflow with gratitude, and our lips set forth the praises of our great
Creator, that we also offer up fervent supplications, that it may
please him to pardon all our offenses, to give wisdom and unanimity to
our public councils, to cement all our citizens in the bonds of
affection, and to inspire them with an earnest regard for the national
honor and interest, to enable them to improve the days of prosperity by
every good work, and to be lovers of peace and tranquillity; that he may
be pleased to bless us in our husbandry, our commerce and navigation;
to smile upon our seminaries and means of education, to cause pure
religion and virtue to flourish, to give peace to all nations, and to
fill the world with his glory.
Done by the United States in Congress assembled, witness his
Excellency Elias Boudinot, our President, this 18th day of October, in
the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, and of
the sovereignty and independence of the United States of America the
eighth (Journals of..., 1904-1937, 25:699-701).
Such overt expressions of the Founders’ belief in and reliance on God
were commonplace. They believed that the future of the Republic was
inextricably linked to what they styled their “entire dependence on that
Almighty Being.” For a significant number of Americans now to abandon
belief in God by expressing uncertainty regarding His existence is
nothing short of astonishing, appalling, and shameful. The end result of
abandoning belief in God will be the demise of the Republic—the loss of
the freedom to worship the one true God and practice the one true
religion of Christ.
REFERENCES
Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 (1904-1937), ed. Worthington C. Ford, et al. (Washington,
D.C.: Government Printing Office) [On-line],
URL: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwjc.html.
“Nearly Half of Americans Uncertain God Exists: Poll” (2006),
Breitbart.com, October 31, [On-line],
URL: http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/10/31/061031235233.s0l4o4wy.html.
