The biblical concept of covenants gave rise to the Puritan-type covenants. The Pilgrims began the process in the Mayflower Compact of 1620, which was done “in the name of God” in which they declared their purpose was ‘for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith”, they formed “ a civil body politic.” After the Compact, there was about a hundred or so Bible inspired covenants, frames of government, and articles in America, leading the way to the U. S. Constitution in 1787. One of the Puritan documents was the Fundamental order of Connecticut of 1639, which says they started their colony for the “liberty and purity of the gospel of our Lord Jesus.” The Fundamental Order was the first complete constitution written on American soil. Historians believe the Fundamental Orders impacted the U. S. Constitution. Did you know that Connecticut calls itself the ”Constitution State”.
The U S Constitution itself says that it was done in the year of our Lord “meaning Jesus.” But it also was done in the 12 years of independence. The Constitution is predicated on the Declaration of Independence, our national birth certificate, it mentions God four times.
To fully understand the influence Bible scriptures had on the writing of the US Constitution, you must read the Founders own words, beginning with the Declaration of Independence. They spelled out clearly whom they owed their obedience to and whom their thrust laid. They acknowledge a Creator and that our rights come from Him and that governments are instituted to protect all those rights. The US Constitution was a remedy for all the grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence. Remember these men pledged their lives, fortunes and their honor when they signed their names to the document.
George Washington presided as president over the Constitutional Convention and sworn in as our 1st President. He took the oath of office that is written in Article One, Section Two of the Constitution and added the words “so help me God.” When he left office after two terms he said in his speech: of all dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensible supports.”
James Madison, the main author of the Constitution and one of three Contributors to the Federalist Papers, wrote of the dilemma a free republic would face without virtuous, Righteous men. John Adams said ‘our Constitution was made only for moral and religious people, it is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.
After the war was over and America was no longer under British rule, as an act of Congress, the Holy Bible was the first English language Bible printed in America to be circulated for the use in schools. This was on September 12, 1782 and would be one of many acts of congress promoting the Bible & Bible Societies. An early school text book called the New England Primer continued Bible scripture and was ordered to be reprinted by three of our founding fathers. This textbook was used until the 1930’s. Leaders in all branches of government believed we were a Christian nation and that for the country to survive our leaders needed to be Christian men with Christian values. The men that authored our constitution were not perfect men, but they knew where to find perfection. Our founding fathers who know and studied scripture. Their lives were wrapped in God’s work, it was the chief source of their education.
The United States Constitution is one of the most brilliant documents ever written. But why wouldn’t it be, the very core of it comes straight from the Bible! I think we do a disservice to our history to discount the incredibly positive role the Scriptures played in helping to shape this nation.
Tim Norris Bio
Tim was born at Eglin AFB, his dad served in the Air Force. He went to Choctawhatchee High School, Okaloosa Walton Junior College, then on to FSU. He has lived in the Florida Panhandle most of his life. He is married to wife Nancy and has 3 daughters, Calli, Hannah and Piper. He resides in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
Tim is involved in his community. He gives back by being a member of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance board, to help educate others on how to protect, monitor and the restoration of our local environment. He served on the NWFL Water Management District Board, helping him understand the importance our water resources are to our region.
Over the last 15 plus years he has been involved with the Walton County Republican party. Tim has been the Chairman of the Republican Party for Walton County and is currently the Republican Party of Florida’s State Committeeman for Walton County. Tim continues to be active in the church community at the Pt Washington United Methodist Church and Destiny Worship Center.
Author: SWal Life
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