A Proclamation of Praise & Thanksgiving

     The Continental-Confederation Congress, a legislative body that governed the United States from 1774 to 1789, contained an extraordinary number of deeply religious men. The amount of energy that Congress invested in encouraging the practice of religion in the new nation exceeded that expended by any subsequent American national government. Although the Articles of Confederation did not officially authorize Congress to concern itself with religion, the citizenry did not object to such activities. This lack of objection suggests that both the legislators and the public considered it appropriate for the national government to promote a nondenominational, nonpolemical Christianity.
     Congress appointed chaplains for itself and the armed forces, sponsored the publication of a Bible, imposed Christian morality on the armed forces, and granted public lands to promote Christianity among the Indians. National days of thanksgiving and of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" were proclaimed by Congress at least twice a year throughout the war. Congress was guided by "covenant theology," a Reformation doctrine especially dear to New England Puritans, which held that God bound himself in an agreement with a nation and its people. This agreement stipulated that they "should be prosperous or afflicted, according as their general Obedience or Disobedience thereto appears." Wars and revolutions were, accordingly, considered afflictions, as divine punishments for sin, from which a nation could rescue itself by repentance and reformation.
     The first national government of the United States, was convinced that the "public prosperity" of a society depended on the vitality of its religion. Nothing less than a "spirit of universal reformation among all ranks and degrees of our citizens," Congress declared to the American people, would "make us a holy, that so we may be a happy people."

Happy Thanksgiving!

Click on Picture or links below for reading of Proclamation privileges.


                                                    Index

           Religion and the Founding of the American Republic 
           Religion and the Congress of the Confederation, 1774-89
                                            Broadside 
            Rare Books and Special Collections Division (109)
           http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/vc006494.jpg
       
                     Another Thanksgiving Proclamation
          Congressional Thanksgiving Day Proclamation October 11, 1792
                                         Broadside
          Rare Books and Special Collections Division (110)
           http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/vc006491.jpg
      
         
           

Pandering for Votes

     The election has come and gone. Half of the country is celebrating, while the other half is preparing for the ship to sink. I can sense the anxiety in people that know what has just happened. There is so much talk as to what needs to change, that some are willing to lose their integrity and standards in order to appease a certain group of people so that their party will win on the next election! I can't help to think that this is exactly what the other party wants. I happen to believe that the Republican Party's platform is fine. I don't think that's the problem. I think the way the party presents their message is outdated. I think the way they try to reach people is outdated and I think how they run elections is outdated. No, the Republican Party doesn't need to compromise their conservatism. The tent is big enough for all. You don't change your convictions to suit other people. They either like you or they don't. Republicans don't need to pander to Hispanics. They don't need to accept amnesty. They don't need to do anything that goes against their core values. What the Republican Party is lacking is being true to their own beliefs. You don't run a McCain or Romney, two very liberal candidates, and then expect everyone to be fine with it. Find a real Conservative candidate, stand beside them, & present your platform to the people in such a way  they can understand why your party is best for all. That's how I believe you will win an election. Until this party gets its act together, the ship  will continue to sink.

VOTE!!!

This coming Tuesday is election day.  I can't stress enough how important every vote will count.  The race is very close.  I've heard from Christians who say they are not going to vote.  I've heard some voted 3rd party.  That is your choice.  But do not forget that if you do not vote, you have no voice.  Your giving up  responsibility to make an impact in your state, city, and community.  So as much as you dislike both Presidential Candidates, lets not forget there are other candidates you can support.  Let's stand with them.  Get out and VOTE!