John Adams and God

I'm fixated on this whole founding fathers thing so it seems, and have decided I want to see how many of the first presidents actually mentioned God as being in control and protecting the United States of America.  After today, I may do one more piece where I consolidate because if you're reading my blog, you may be tired of the dead presidents by now.

I find it fascinating though to look back at our history and see how there was no hesitation to mention the existence of a higher being and to admit He watched over us.  And, it is equally fascinating to me that people today can't see this in our history.  It's as if this enormous portion of our history is disregarded because it doesn't prove their point.  

So, I offer you some interesting quotes from that silly John Adams, our second president.

"Relying, however, on the purity of their intentions, the justice of their cause, and the integrity and intelligence of the people, under an overruling Providence which had so signally protected this country from the first, the representatives of this nation..."

Well ,this may offer some explanation for the sorry state of our affairs today...this country had intelligent people back in Adam's day, who had purtiy ot intentions and integrity.  Purity and integrity - how many of our role models and leaders have these two qualities?

"...with humble reverence, I feel it to be my duty to add, if a veneration for the religion of a people who profess and call themselves Christians, and a fixed resolution to consider a decent respect for Christianity among the best recommendations for the public service, can enable me in any degree to comply with your wishes, it shall be my strenuous endeavor that this sagacious injunction of the two Houses shall not be without effect."

Here, Adam's seems to be indicating he respects Christianity and considers Christianity the best recommendations for the public service.  Wow!  This is amazing.  He said the "C" word twice.

 "And may that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this nation and its Government and give it all possible success and duration consistent with the ends of His providence."

This last quote is perhaps the one that sends shivers down my spine because it's absolutely at a polar opposite to our country today.  America is definitely not consistent with the ends of God's providence.  His laws can't be displayed in government buildings.  His birth can't be displayed on capitol lawns.  His name can't be uttered in schools.  His Word can't be mentioned in public, and can't be used to prove certain human choices are wrong lest those who use it to prove their point are called hate mongers.

Finally, the saddest thing of all is neither George Washington nor John Adams would stand a chance at being president of our country today.  They'd just be too Christian.

You can view John Adam's inaugural address at: http://bartleby.com/124/pres15.html