EPISODE 0061 | 1776: One Nation Under GOD
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0061
Today, we begin a two-part series contrasting foundations of two pivotal revolutions in history: the American Revolution of 1776 and the French Revolution of 1789. We discuss how the American Revolution was grounded in Judeo-Christian principles, emphasizing natural rights and divine providence, while the French Revolution was rooted in secular humanism, focused on reason and the rejection of religious authority. What are the lasting impacts of these two worldviews, and how do they influence society today? Join us as we uncover why understanding these foundations is crucial in a world where values continue to clash.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NLT) "History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new."
Matthew 24:35 (NIV) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Two Big Ideas within The American Revolution (1776):
Judeo-Christian Foundations:
1. The Preexistence of Natural Rights and Divine Providence: American founders were influenced by a Judeo-Christian understanding of humanity. They believed in natural rights endowed by a Creator, -not given as a gift from the state. This was outlined in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..."
2. The Context of a Judeo-Christian Moral and Ethical Framework The moral and ethical teachings of both Jewish law and Christianity played a significant role in shaping the values of the American revolutionaries. Concepts of justice, liberty, and the intrinsic worth of the individual were deeply rooted in a Biblical worldview.
This was noted by several Key Figures and Their Beliefs:
· George Washington a devout Christian who firmly believed in the importance of religion and morality in maintenance of a stable society. “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”
· John Adams: Advocated for a government based on moral principles derived from Christian ethics. “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
Contrast that with:
The French Revolution – 1789
Humanist and Secular Foundations:
1. Enlightenment Humanism: The French Revolution was influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot, who promoted human reason and secularism over religious authority. Rousseau’s concept of the "general will" and Voltaire’s critique of the Church’s power were pivotal.
2. Atheism and Anti-God: The revolutionaries sought to destroy religion to promote secularism. The Cult of Reason and later the Cult of the Supreme Being were established to replace Christian worship with a civic religion based on Enlightenment values.
Now today- we see
TWO WORLDVIEWS COLLIDE:
1. The Biblical Worldview is man with God.
2. The Secular Humanist Worldview is man without God.
Why does this matter to us?
Psalm 11:3 (NKJV)"If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?"
No matter what our modern revisionist historians try to tell you, the inescapable fact is that we were founded as:
ONE NATION UNDER GOD
8 Foundations of The American Revolution of 1776
The book of Deuteronomy is the most quoted book of our founders. Our nation was founded by Christians on Judeo-Christian principles, heavily influenced by the 10 Commandments, we will unpack that more next week.
1. There is one God.
2. Truth is Objective.
3. Men are inherently sinful.
4. Personal Responsibility – Personal Accountability.
5. Life, Liberty & Happiness.
6. Freedom of Speech, Right to Bear Arms & Private Property.
7. Moral Individual > Limited Government.
8. Three Branches > Separation of Powers.
All of these things are influenced by a biblical worldview and were and remain central to the success of America.
Resources
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