If you were to think of a scripture other than the Bible that people could easily quote without thinking about it, that one text would be the Declaration of Independence. Comparisons with the Bible are worthwhile. It is not that the Declaration of Independence is sacred in the religious sense of the word. But it has a place of reverence in the hearts of the American people and a history of the founding of this great nation. Although not the first words of the Declaration of Independence, these stirring words have the same prophetic power that anyone who hears immediately is moved by the beauty, poetry, and profound truths that are so well portrayed in that historic text. We consider these truths to be clear, that all human beings are created equal, that they are endowed with the Creator by certain inevitable privileges, among which are Life, Freedom and the Pursuit of Happiness. This one statement from that famous proclamation well illustrates some important principles that show why this text has such a profound effect on the American mind and heart. The statement that the facts in this text were true is a profound statement in itself. The Declaration of Independence states that what is proclaimed on those pages is ideology, probability, and even political opinion. These truths are set in the same value as the ethical statements commonly taught in the religious realm. The facts are eternal values and values that can be changed by circumstances, by anyone and anything in the possession of the government of the country or by the will of the legislators. These realities exist far beyond those temporary worldly concepts and occupy that eternal plain. "Self-expression" is a powerful phrase and reflects the founder's belief in what was once called the law of nature. Natural law is a system of belief that there are laws that are part of our natural state of living and that cannot be removed (inseparable). These laws are our rights as creatures of the Almighty, and any government system must respect these laws because they are above the government. It is a fundamental principle of the American system of belief that ALL people are entitled to these rights and may not be deprived of them. Mention of the creator in the proclamation of freedom is very important because there are those who will hold that the division of church and state tells us that the government in its heart is the center of the world. It is clear that the founders did not lay the foundation of our country on that foundation. They saw the legacy we as Americans have in our rights and freedom to be a part of our God-given heritage and as a result, in addition to government and something the government should withdraw and leave alone and best and protect you. The Declaration of Independence is a truly remarkable document, especially considering the “ancient” state of the nation when it was written by Thomas Jefferson and signed on July 2, 1776, to form the backbone of our American state system. It was a text that was often referred to and quoted, even becoming part of President Lincoln's famous speech when he spoke with deep conviction ... Forty-seven years ago our ancestors gave birth to this continent, a new nation, conceived of freedom, and devoted themselves to the principle that all human beings are created equal. ” Because these words are a very deep part of our American heritage, American history and American spirit, they are often an integral part of any history study in local schools. That is why schoolchildren in all districts are well aware of these words. But it would be good for all of us to take time once a year or more and pick up our copy of the Declaration of Independence and read it as a secret moment for meditation or for our families. What a wonderful fourth custom July can do. Then as you look at the explosives celebrating the birth of the world and its independence, those words will search your heart to remind you that it is our Creator who gave us freedom and independence and no one has the right to take it away from us.
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