What did Jerry Falwell say that was so awful? It must have been something terrible. After all, Pat Robertson, Cal Thomas, Rush Limbaugh, even President Bush vehemently condemned what he said. Whatever he said must have been truly nasty because he quickly apologized. I hope he is now back in the good graces of all concerned.
Of course, what he said was that the sins and wickedness of people in our nation are causing God to remove His hand of protection from our nation. He specifically mentioned homosexuals, lesbians, feminists, and others. This swiftly brought the wrath of Christian leaders, not to mention the White House, down upon him.
Well, I am glad that is all cleared up because I had been taught all my life that God did indeed govern in the affairs of men and that whatsoever men sowed, they also reaped. I was also taught that America was founded as "one nation under God." In addition, I had previously been led to believe that righteousness exalted a nation and sin brought a nation to ruin. I am glad to learn, now, how wrong I was, while there is time to correct my misgivings.
I am sure if George Washington were alive he, too, would want to apologize. After all, he once said, "Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens." Of course, we now know that religion and morality have no bearing whatsoever upon human happiness and offer no support to political prosperity.
Thomas Jefferson, too, would want to apologize today if he could. After all, he once said, "And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever." Of course, we now know that there is no reason to tremble before a just God; He judges not nations nor holds them accountable for their sins.
I am sure that Jonathan Edwards would like to retract his famous sermon that ignited the Great Awakening, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." We now know that God never angers and that spiritual awakening is not even necessary.
Yes, it is good to learn that we are on our own, that God is indifferent to our sin. It is good to know that those stories about Old Testament Israel hold no bearing for nations today. Yes, I take great comfort in realizing that all I had been taught is erroneous and irrelevant.
Therefore, I, too, must apologize. I apologize to my children and to my church congregation. I apologize to my readers and to my radio audience. I have erred; I taught you what I was taught. Now we all know better. I wonder if God knows.
© Chuck Baldwin
This column is archived as http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2001/cbarchive_20010921.html
*If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link:
Chuck Baldwin Live Donate Form
I also have many books and DVDs available for purchase online. Go here:
Chuck Baldwin Live Store
To subscribe to my weekly columns, click here:
Subscribe to Chuck's Column
Related
|