I was listening to a discussion of the liberty we enjoy as Americans, or at least used to enjoy. One of the speakers made a point I have heard repeatedly. He pointed out that our rights are not given by the government but by God. The implication was that these are something that God has granted since time immemorial. I accept that God has blessed us with them but question the implication. Somehow I think the apostle Paul would have also been surprised at that.
Americans have lived in a bubble. Never in the history of the world have so many people had so much prosperity and so many options. American Christians tend to fall into the trap of thinking that we are God’s chosen people. We are not. We are blessed but we are not the chosen.
The concept that all men are created equal, from the Declaration of Independence, can be validated from scripture as long as you understand “created” does not mean locked in for an entire life span.
(Gal 3:28 KJV) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.The key term is “in Christ”. It does not mean class or talent.
The ideas embodied in the Bill of Rights are another story. I like to think they come from God. They do come more from God than the government. There is little Biblical basis for freedom of religion or jury trial.
Be glad we have them. We are losing them. The oneness in Christ will survive. Eternity will still be waiting.
homo unius libri
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.