The faith of a nation...
Today marks the anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Towers and the loss of many lives. As Americans it was a stunning blow to our feelings of security and peace. It has left an indelible mark on the lives of each one of us - whether we were in the Towers, in the City or anywhere in the country.
This singular attack on these grand buildings, the people working within and this great nation has poured flames on the debate of faith in our nation; but not just our nation - the faith of every nation.
The extremists and radicals on every side point to the evil of those with opposing views. And yet, the wisdom of our Founding Fathers stands above the clamor and hollowness of this debate.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom." --Benjamin Franklin.
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people." --John Quincy Adams
"...every man, conducting himself as a good citizen, and being accountable to God alone for his religious opinions, ought to be protected in worshiping the Deity according to the dictates of his own conscious". -- George Washington
These three men had it right in their views that this is a land where people may worship how, where or what they may - and that good citizens are accountable to God alone for their religious beliefs. This protection applies to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. Atheists, materialists or whatever label is attached, all are protected in their beliefs and in their worship - so long as we, "conduct ourselves as good citizens."
This is the key to the aftermath of 9/11 and the peace we all wish to have...
Religious beliefs are left to the judgement of God - let Him do what He will with each one of us... but the laws of this land require deference and respect. They are intended to govern our affairs, one with another. These laws protect our individual freedoms, including the right to pursue life, liberty and happiness.
America is a great nation and we must hold on to the faith of our nation - whatever faith that is - and protect the individual freedoms the Constitution guarantees to each person. If we allow the tragedy of 9/11 to destroy this truly American identity, then we have allowed the enemies without to win. As individuals we need to remember the feelings we each had on 9/12 and stand united as Americans.
The faith our nation depends on it...
www.iangilyeat.com
This singular attack on these grand buildings, the people working within and this great nation has poured flames on the debate of faith in our nation; but not just our nation - the faith of every nation.
The extremists and radicals on every side point to the evil of those with opposing views. And yet, the wisdom of our Founding Fathers stands above the clamor and hollowness of this debate.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom." --Benjamin Franklin.
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people." --John Quincy Adams
"...every man, conducting himself as a good citizen, and being accountable to God alone for his religious opinions, ought to be protected in worshiping the Deity according to the dictates of his own conscious". -- George Washington
These three men had it right in their views that this is a land where people may worship how, where or what they may - and that good citizens are accountable to God alone for their religious beliefs. This protection applies to Christians, Jews and Muslims alike. Atheists, materialists or whatever label is attached, all are protected in their beliefs and in their worship - so long as we, "conduct ourselves as good citizens."
This is the key to the aftermath of 9/11 and the peace we all wish to have...
Religious beliefs are left to the judgement of God - let Him do what He will with each one of us... but the laws of this land require deference and respect. They are intended to govern our affairs, one with another. These laws protect our individual freedoms, including the right to pursue life, liberty and happiness.
America is a great nation and we must hold on to the faith of our nation - whatever faith that is - and protect the individual freedoms the Constitution guarantees to each person. If we allow the tragedy of 9/11 to destroy this truly American identity, then we have allowed the enemies without to win. As individuals we need to remember the feelings we each had on 9/12 and stand united as Americans.
The faith our nation depends on it...
www.iangilyeat.com
Posted by Ian Gilyeat at 9/11/2011 12:18 PM 
Categories: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion
Tags: Freedom of Religion Individual freedom Liberty
Categories: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion
Tags: Freedom of Religion Individual freedom Liberty
Hello,
I just wanted to thank you for sharing this post. I really do hope that such a tragic event will never happen again.
Antoun Sehnaoui
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