Independence?

Have you ever thought about why the famous "13 new-world colonies" fought the mightiest nation in the world? You've read about it, talked about it, and maybe even studied the event. But have you ever "seen it" from the colonist's perspective and allowed yourself to emotionally understand why the colonists fought England?

To gain their independence? Ultimately, yes. Was it about taxation without representation? That was a factor. One man said England got ticked-off because we dumped their priceless tea into the harbor. That was also involved. But let's go back a few years. Why did the Europeans (pilgrims or separatists) come over in the first place?

No: it wasn't about tea or taxes. It was all about religious freedom! People who desired to serve, obey, and worship their Creator and Savior desired the freedom to worship and live for God according to their conscience -- not as the government mandated. The Reformation gave a brief respite for freedom of worship, but quickly became as overbearing as the Roman Church.

The European governments had assumed "papal" authority (some nations were Roman Catholic and others Reformed) and took it upon themselves to mandate forms of worship and convictions. People didn't have to actually believe as the authorities mandated, but they had to give verbal confession that they believed. The governments had set the Bible aside, and decided what was right or wrong.

Many people truly believed in Jesus Christ and desired to live for Him according to Holy Scriptures, and would not bow to political pressure. Therefore, those in authority began forcing the issue. Bowing to God and Scripture was not allowed, and bowing to man was mandated. Contrary to popular and revised history, the pilgrims and many others came here to worship according to conscience.

Now we can factor in the tea and taxes. I like tea, and I always submit my taxes. But our American government has been slowly reverting to the old European form of oppression. The big question is: WHY?

Christians have allowed the humanistic mindset to contaminate them, and they believe that our convictions based on Biblical principles must be set aside in order to accommodate non-believers, other religions, pagans, and atheists. They have forgotten that when natural or political catastrophes happened, the early Americans realized that they had veered from the Lord. When they repented and re-established their trust in Almighty God, the Lord helped them.

I know that many will not agree with this, but it is possible that many of our current problems (weather, economic, political, etc.) are a result of ignoring God and His teaching as found in the Bible. After all, why would our heavenly Father help a people who say they don't need Him?

Our spiritual climate is so upside down that when we attempt to restore religious freedom, we are maligned by the true bigots and haters. Those who are against religious freedom cry "Discrimination!"

Pray tell: do you actually know what it means "to discriminate?" We do it all the time! To discriminate means: recognize a distinction; to differentiate.

Police discriminate between those who speed and those who don't. Employers discriminate between good and poor workmanship. Engineers discriminate between a good or poor design. Farmers discriminate as to when to plow, plant, and harvest. Juries discriminate as to who is guilty. And on & on it goes. Our society, indeed the world, is based on discrimination.

The problem is when our government is forced to buckle under to the non-Christian mindset, and declares that the Bible, Biblical principles, and honoring God are against the law. And THAT is when God, Himself, hears the challenge. And God is not afraid of challenges! He simply says, "Okay: apparently you do not recognize the need for My help. Do it your way and see how far you get without My blessings and protection."

Our leaders think in terms of economics and politics rather than Biblical principles. We've come a long, long way from the desire for freedom of worship as espoused by the Pilgrims.

But our only hope to retain our freedom is to return to faith in Almighty God, and pass and enforce laws that are based on Holy Scripture -- the Word of God. Yes, it will be difficult for a while because we have veered so far afield. But if we truly desire political freedom and independence as established on July 4, 1776, we must return to the God of our Fathers.

-- Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, and former pastor. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Religion on 07/01/2015