“The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth to it whomever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men —.” I have pointed out to friends on more than one occasion that the basest of men/women will rule over us. Politics can attract the worst and corrupt the best. It is not the intention of this essay to paint all who serve in public office with the same brush, but to point out that moral and cultural decline does matter, — that the culture from which our leaders are nurtured and selected is paramount to the survival of a nation.
The quote at the beginning of this article is from Daniel, Chapter 4, verse 7. Many of my friends are often surprised to learn that this chapter of the Bible is written by Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon. He is recounting a dream, and the signs and wonders the high God (the God of Israel) had fashioned to him. What were these signs and wonders? If one reads the account, you will discover that this Great King was brought to his knees and humbled. He was struck down by a disease of the mind, — a mental disorder. In verse 36, he tells how “reason and brightness” were returned to him for the “glory of his kingdom (Babylon).” If you have not studied this account, you will be shocked to learn that in verse 37, Nebuchadnezzar gives “praise and honor” to the Kingdom of heaven and gives a warning to those who “walk in pride.” Yes, — despite all the negative connotations to his name and rule, Nebuchadnezzar is a convert, and Babylon flourished under him as a result. Ironically, it was the faith of his servant, Daniel, and his devotion to truth that is at the heart of the story. In the larger picture, Daniel changed the culture of the King’s court.
In Classical Western Christianity, pride is not a good trait. It can lead to hubris, rebellion, tyranny, and ultimately — self-destruction. Many would like to rewrite history, but like it or not, the Judeo-Christian ethos of our Founding Father’s had a tremendous influence on our Constitution and form of government. The laws of a nation do not just appear, but are organic in nature and must spring from something, — the “something” is the culture itself and the morals and values that underpin it. It is why “naturalization,” in our recent past, went hand in hand with “immigration.” The concept of “assimilation” into the American culture was deemed to be important to our on-going survival as a nation. They were not talked about separately, but integrally as one process. It is why the concept of “open boarders” and “illegal immigration” undermines our nation and way of life.
OUR FOUNDERS WERE AWARE OF OUR FAILINGS
Those that contributed to our founding were fully aware of man’s fallen nature, and his tendency towards compulsive acquisition of power. With classical history as their back drop, the Founding Fathers established a Republic, — governed by a written document, the Constitution, — protected by divided government, — giving us the Rule of Law. Our rights were not to be usurped by men, as they were God given creating equal protection under the law. Disturbingly, I constantly hear our form of government being described as a “Democracy.” It is parroted by both parties. What did our Founding Fathers think of Democracies? Here are few quotes:
“Such democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.” — James Madison
“Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.” — John Adams
When exiting the Constitutional Convention and being asked “What form of government have you given us?” Ben Franklin is quoted as saying, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
Morals and a people’s faith were considered essential to remain free. I will, again, remind people that the founding was from a Judeo-Christian perspective. John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Why would he say this? Because enduring liberty is a function of self- governance. If a people become void of conscience, the “law” is meaningless, — as we all become lawless. Lawlessness then becomes the excuse for tyranny. The Orwellian concept of “out of chaos comes order” becomes reality. In order for evil to succeed, all that’s needed is to remove all that is good and true. Such as, removing the Ten Commandments from the public square, taking Christian ethics out of our schools and isolating and persecuting Christians for practicing their faith in everyday life. It is all well underway. Whether it is Secular Humanism, Islam, or the New Age, there is an attempt to exclude Christianity from public life, and to replace it.
CULTURAL CORRUPTION IS TAKING DOWN AMERICA
If you can corrupt the culture, you can conquer a nation. We are in the midst of a culture war. As the Judeo-Christian ethic of America is undermined, there is a movement from the Rule of Law to the Rule of Men. Instead of hearing our form of government being described as a Republic, we hear it described as a Democracy. They are throwing out the concept of “liberty” and equal protection under the law.
Under a Democracy, one is left with tyranny of the majority over the minority. You are only protected if you go along with the majority. God help you if you speak out against its interests! You may be able to speak your mind, just be ready for the consequences. Instead of “e pluribus unum,” out many one, it is “out of many, — many.” Throw out the concept of assimilation into the culture, — the idea of a unique American culture is wrong headed. Forget that people come to America for a better life, but want to bring the madness they left behind with them. One group’s interests are pitted against another’s, resulting in chaos and conflict. We do not seek to honor the “Kingdom of heaven,” we celebrate the perverse.
That which distinguishes us as uniquely America is disappearing. Can we change direction? I am not sure, but we must try if for only one reason, — it is the right thing to do. Changing the culture for good begins with each one of us. Only then can we expect future leaders to be restrained, committed to the Constitution, the Rule of Law and a moral and sound mind.
“— we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, not handling the word of God deceitfully; but manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” — ll Corinthians 4:1,2
