Judeo-Christian Principles

Lately it's been up for debate whether America is indeed a Christian country founded on Judeo-Christian principles. Some have argued the faith of the founding fathers and the biblical framing of the constitution. Some have argued the assumption of the Creator by the founding fathers. Some have argued that we as Americans have left our religious roots and need to return to the faith of our fathers.

What are these Judeo-Christian Principles, really?
What is the definition of a country that is Christian?

As far as the principles go, the "Judeo" ones would at least be the 10 commandments. The "Christian" ones would be principles of faith in Christ expressed in denying ourselves and following Jesus, even if it means rejection, suffering, and death (a cross.)

So, focusing on the ten commandments, "freedom of religion" cannot mean freedom to worship any God other than the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, for this very God said that His people were to have no other god and that they were not to make any images of things in creation to worship them as the Creator. All of the Old Testament clearly portrays God as having absolutely no tolerance for worshipping any other god except Him IN ANY OTHER WAY EXCEPT THE WAY HE COMMANDS! And this is rightly so, because He is God, and there is no other, and we dare not approach Him without giving Him His due respect. We could not just enter the White House, nor can we just enter God's presence without reverence.

And Christ Himself said that He came not to abolish the law (these Judeo principles) but to establish them. He also said that He was the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except by Him. So these Judeo-Christian principles are quite exclusive and dogmatic.

Not only this, but what would a Christian country founded on Christian principles look like from beginning to end, from the foundation until now? What kind of relationship would have defined the interactions with the natives who were here already? We think of Thanksgiving, turkey, the pilgrims, and well being between "the settlers" and the natives. All seemed well. But as we know, all did not remain well. And all is not well in the present for the natives.

What about the 400 years of slavery in this country? What about the times that are considered "the good ole days" by some, which were clearly not the good ole days for others? What about the dollar bill, which has "In God we trust" on one hand, symbols that are clearly not founded upon Judeo-Christian principles.

The name of God is taken lightly literally daily. This is against the "Judeo-Christian Principle" known as the third commandment. The word Christian has lost all value and meaning when celebrities who are clearly singing or acting in ways that absolutely contradict who Christ is and what He did thank God and Jesus for winning music awards or movie awards for such irreverence.

Where is the line?

What is the distinction between those who believe in Christ and those who do not?

Clearly mere church attendance doesn't make the difference in our nation. Both Senator John McCain and President Barack Obama, while running for president, claimed to be born again Christians, yet were in bitter opposition and contradiction.

What would be the assumptions of a Christian nation and its constitution? Rebellion? Independence? Unqualified freedom. Observe these scriptures:

"Submit to God, resist the devil and He will flee from you." James 4:7
"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities." Romans 13:1
"Apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
"The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Cor. 3:17
"Whom the Son sets free is free indeed." John 8:36

So, according to the scriptures above, some Judeo-Christian principles are:
1. Submission to God and to His delegated authorities (not rebellion)
2. Total dependence upon Christ (not independence)
3. The Lord Jesus Christ and His Spirit, who is Lord, as the true source of true freedom (not a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.)

"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15, the Lord Jesus Christ

What is the American dream, realized in capitalism, if not the acquiring of an abundance of possessions? Doesn't capitalism assume that happiness indeed is directly related to abundance of possessions? If not, what is capitalism? It's not just the idea of each person receiving what they earn. It is competitiveness. And it is measuring competitiveness by productivity, abundance, who has "the most toys." Was this the mindset of Christ? Then how can it be one of the fundamental assumptions of a Christian country?

"Fear God, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, and every secret thing, whether it be good or evil."
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Where is God's honor, respect, and fear in this country? Do we not applaud movies as "irreverent?" Where is honor for "the king/those in authority?" Indeed, where is honor for authority itself, which scripture says comes from God? Do we not call the lone soldier who rebels against his commanding officer a hero? Indeed, the American hero?

It seems doubtful from our beginnings until now that we have ever truly and unambiguously been a "Christian Nation founded on Judeo Christian Principles." But if this was the aspiration of the founding fathers, then we at least, as individuals, can live by the principles of Christ. But in doing so we will have to draw many a line and disassociate ourselves from many "American Causes." In order to be a true Christian nation, the American must have one true allegiance, and that allegiance must be to Christ. But do we fear theocracy too much for this? Must we focus more on a government "of the people and by the people" instead of "one nation, under God?" Jesus is Lord, not Congressman, Senator, or President. To Him we submit, and our submission is not based upon our voting Him into His position. He is a King, the King, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. A "Christian Nation" submits to Christ as Lord. Do we?