Posted by
ValiantForTruth on Thursday, February 10, 2011 4:50:56 PM
"It is difficult to explain to a culture rapidly forgetting its foundation why that foundation matters. While churches and schools have left instruction in Western Civilization behind, the recipients of its strong underpinnings float aimlessly trying to redefine the definite and ignore the irrefutable. And here it is: Western Civilization in general and America in particular was built on Judeo-Christian values. Those values shaped every area of life from government to finance to family. They brought order to all three."-Sandy Rios
It is not specific enough to say America was built on Judeo-Christian values. Judeo-Christian values existed for 2 millennium before the advent of American republicanism. Are the evangelical churches ashamed of their Reformation heritage that flourished during the Great Awakening? The colonial church was predominately Reformed. The Calvinists are the ones who took up arms and won America's liberty. Rather than disparage them with caricature, perhaps we should look again at their world-view. In answer to their sincere prayers, a nation came forth that has been even now a beacon of freedom and opportunity throughout the world.
Re: http://townhall.com/columnists/sandyrios/2011/02/10/what_would_reagan_really_do
America saw the application of New Covenant Christianity built on a consensus of an authoritative Bible that was opened to the common man in the common tongue. This is the foundation for the rule of law over the rule of men whether they be statesmen or clergy. The New Covenant separated the authorities of church and state under the single authority of Jesus Christ. He is the head of His Church and the ruler of the nations. All authority has been given to Him who sits at the right hand of God. The Law came through Moses, but grace and truth came in Christ. Moses is without mercy towards the transgressors of the Law, but in Christ there is mercy and the forgiveness of sin.
The Reformers fought this battle in Europe and the children of the Reformation brought the fruits to America. Christ rules through His Law, which the American Founders called the Natural Law. This is the law of conscience and a reflection of the Law given to Moses at Sinai and part of what it means to be an image bearer of God. In the church He writes the Law on the renewed heart of His people. The Law defines their liberty. For the unbeliever the Law defines and restrains his sin though the civil magistrate.
The original consensus is gone, but Christ still governs all things according to the counsel of His will. When the nations reject His authority, they are compared to earthenware before a rod of iron [Psalm 2]. But even in the midst of wrath the beatitude is given...'Blessed are all who take refuge in Him' [Psalm 2:12].