“We Hold These Truths”
The Rev. Dr. Robert M. Zanicky
First Presbyterian Church
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Genesis 1:26-28a; Galatians 5:1, 13a
July 3, 2016
I bought Shawn and me a new hibachi to grill some delicious steaks tomorrow – the 4th of July –
Independence Day, declared 240 years ago! Can’t wait! The fireworks too! Oh, and all the
department Store sales!!!
The Fourth of July!!!
Yesterday, I watched an online video of one of those on the street, public interviews. Actually this
took place in California, at the beach. The interviewer asked about why we celebrate the 4 th of July.
A young man (probably late teens or early 20’s) was asked what country famously broke away from
England to start their own country, in the late 1700’s? His response: “I have no idea man. I don’t
know…”
A woman in her 40’s is asked what are we celebrating on the 4 th of July. She quickly replied, “Our
independence.” He pushed further, “A little more specific.” She answered, “It’s the day that we
overtook the south.” “The Civil War?” “Yes”.
Another woman in her twenties is asked, “The declaration of independence was signed by who?”
With a beautiful smile she answers, “I don’t know” He says, “Just one person”, She, giggling says,
“Abraham Lincoln?” What year was it signed? “1964?, 1968?”
He asks a 20ish girl, “Back in the late 1700’s when Jesse Ventura, and John Wilkes Booth and the
other founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, what year was that exactly? Answer:
“Sometime in the 1700’s I’m not sure” Not bad, she got the right century. No, wait he said 1700’s in
the question.
We Hold These Truths…” …but upon further introspection, maybe not…
Do we still Hold These Truths? Are they as self-evident as once held? Created equal, endowed by
our Creator with certain unalienable rights…among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
There are foundational antecedents to these almost sacred words – and many of the truths held –
derived from our Judeo/Christian tradition, our Bible! How can you hold them, if you don’t know why,
or from whence they came? Sooner, or later without knowledge – these truths will be questioned,
challenged and ignored – without the civic knowledge that gives them authority.
There are far too many today who are dismissive of the historical facts that have undergirded this
glorious “idea” that became a nation. Blithely they deconstruct the building blocks of the Judeo
Christian tradition, and then try to stand on a cultural system bereft of its foundation. Why did the
Founding Fathers declare such truths as all men are created equal, that there are specific unalienable
rights; that is they are inherent within each of us – not bestowed by government but by none other
than God! That’s why!
As our fore-bearers fought for these truths, their resolution was clear. I know the Star Spangled
Banner, is not easy to sing, but it continuously resounds for those who maintain a tight hold of the
Truths in our Declaration and Constitution! That last verse is awkward in singing – yet awakening in
content!
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“Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust’
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”
And this “idea”, this offering, is for all nations!
Give yourself, and your family a blessing this week, go to YouTube, and find Supreme Court Justice
Thomas’ commencement address to the students of Hillsdale College. His remarks refreshingly
reflect the holding onto great truths – that uplift all, and secure Liberty. He laments that… “Hallmarks
of my youth, such as patriotism and religion, seem more like outliers, if not afterthoughts. So in a
sense I feel out of place doing this or any commencement. My words will perhaps be more of a
vintage nature than current in context.” “Do not hide your faith and your beliefs under a bushel
basket, especially in this world that seems to have gone mad with political correctness,” “I am of a
different time. Today there is much more focus on our rights as citizens and what we are owed, it is
not often one hears of our obligations or duties as citizens.” “At risk of understating what is necessary
to preserve liberty in our form of government, I think more and more it depends on good citizens
discharging their daily duties and obligations,”
Justice Thomas, forever an American (an optimist) concludes with a positive, future looking
declaration, as he looks to the graduating students… “I have every faith that you will be the beacon
of light for others to follow, that city on a hill that cannot be hidden.”
There is that “city on a hill” image again. You probably know that is from our Bible, Matthew 5:14.
John Winthrop, leader of those Puritans journeying to America in the early 1600’s called them such.
Presidents from our past have heralded this biblical phrase uplifting the truths held in this political
experiment, this “idea” of a nation.
This morning I just want to remind you of the wealth and power of the vision of this nation from its
beginning. I recognize pluralism; I appreciate dialogue with those who are different. But, today we
are in dire need to remember, to sustain the ideas, the values of our founding.
Our founding documents were never a-religious, nor anti-religious! Sectarianism was out – but the
Creator, Nature’s God, the Supreme Judge was not!
Interesting: Professor Dominic Johnson, holds two doctorates, one in evolutionary biology, and the
other in political science, has written a new book, “God is Watching You: How Fear of God Makes Us
Human.” He argues that belief in divine punishment may be inherent and a useful evolutionary
adaptation, helping humans to overcome selfishness. On the right track, but what lengths they will go
(more about his thesis at a later date).
The founding fathers were not of one mind about all the intricacies and applications of Religion and
State – but it is unequivocal that they looked to a Creator, Nature’s God, the Supreme Judge. Our
founders looked to natural rights to defend religious freedom – being sure to keep such out of the
hands of government. Today natural rights are practically ignored, as being too old-fashioned, out of
date.
Again, just as a discussion starter, in better understanding our founders position on religion, and how
they did differ on application – I’ll briefly share our first President’s thinking on this matter. General
George Washington, an Episcopalian, believed that a pious citizenry was indispensible to republican
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government. He actually believed that the state could, and should nurture citizen’s religious beliefs
and encourage religious practices.
Madison wanted government to be non-cognizant of religion, whereas Washington endeavored to use
government to encourage and foster the religious character of the American people. In Washington’s
farewell address he was direct and to the point. “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to
political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensible support.” Beware, historically, culturally –
anyone who neglects this thought. He believed that religious morality establishes the very foundation
on which republican government rests. Following the dictates of good religion, one would be a good
citizen. He wrote to the Baptists of Virginia; “For you doubtless, remember that I have often
expressed my sentiment, that every man, conducting himself as a good citizen, and being
accountable to God alone for his religious opinions, ought to be protected in worshipping the Deity,
according to the dictates of his own conscience.”
The Presbyterians were the first religious group to write him after his election. They had high praise
for General Washington; “[We] esteem it a peculiar happiness to behold in our chief Magistrate, a
steady, uniform, avowed friend of the Christian religion, who has commenced his administration in
rational and exalted sentiments of piety, and who in his private conduct adorns the doctrines of the
Gospel of Christ, and on the most public and solemn occasions devoutly acknowledges the
government of divine providence.”
Washington is but one founding voice – but he should be heard, discussed and debated. “We Hold
These Truths…” we need to know them, embrace them, and reason with them!
“We Hold These Truths…”
They are self-evident!
Look to our Creator, Nature’s God, the Supreme Judge, and give thanks for your/our freedom, our
God given dignity that no other bestows, nor can take away!
God Bless America!
Amen.
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