Finding a Right Moral Foundation

In an ironic twist, the same United States government that was founded on biblical values and standards has increasingly removed the Bible and mention of God from classrooms, courtrooms and public discussion. Tragically, the sure moral foundation for a nation is largely forgotten and ignored.

One wonders what the nation's founding fathers would think of the direction America has taken. After all, as George Washington noted, "it is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."

John Adams, second president of the United States, observed: "Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love and reverence toward Almighty God ... What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be."

James Madison, fourth president and a primary architect of the U.S. Constitution, wrote that "Religion [is] the basis and Foundation of Government."

These men understood that a nation needs a solid moral foundation to survive and thrive. They knew that individuals must keep their passions and desires in check for the good of the whole.

They recognized one sure source of right moral values: the Bible.

Psalm 19:7-11 tells us: "The law of the Lord is good, giving new life to the soul: the witness of the Lord is certain, giving wisdom to the foolish. The orders of the Lord are right, making glad the heart: the rule of the Lord is holy, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, and has no end; the decisions of the Lord are true and full of righteousness.

"More to be desired are they than gold, even than much shining gold; sweeter than the dropping honey. By them is your servant made conscious of danger, and in keeping them there is great reward" (Bible in Basic English). GN

-- Scott Ashley