"IN GOD WE TRUST" is emblazoned on our coins, and is a part of our pledge of allegiance - recited in our schools, civic clubs, and veterans' organizations. Judging by the media, electronic and printed, our country's intelligentsia is having difficulty determining which god, if any, we have in mind.
Our culturally correct, but historically wrong, citizenry seem to think "God" has reference to whatever god you want it to be. However, most Americans still cling to the God of the Bible, as well as our "red neck" mores. We continue to believe America is the "city set on a hill." We continue to believe we are a unique and wonderful country. We continue to believe the God of Heaven has blessed us beyond that which we deserve, because we give Him the glory whenever his providence preserves us in times of difficulty and disaster.
Our value system, historically, is based in and on the Bible. For example the "Blue Laws," considered passe today, and often resented, were a reflection of serious believers' efforts to apply God's laws to our culture. This concept is seen today in Islamic efforts to apply Sharia Law to America. Of course, Sharia Law is based on Islamic doctrines and the Koran rather that the Bible. The parallel between Christianity and Islam is very much so - there is no hue and cry from the Media in the increasing application of Sharia Law in our culture. Why? May we suggest it reflects the cultural war against Christianity rather than a benign attitude toward religions in general - Christianity excepted, of course.
The founding fathers, as well as any other American of the period, did not and could not conceive of any other god but the God of the Bible as the God in which we should and do trust. The Founders did not have in their wildest dreams that "God" would include Jupiter, Venus, and Mars. Nor would they consider the gods of pagan polytheism as "IN GOD WE TRUST". To these founding Americans He was simply the Creator and Providence.
Which God? Consider the fact that the God of the Bible - the God of Christianity - is part of our sub-conscious use of language. When we attend worship services, we DO NOT go to the temple, or the synagogue, or the mosque - but rather to church. Jesus said, "I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18) and it is his and his alone. Church is identified with Christianity - period! "Church" is not identified with paganism, Judaism, or Islam.
The ninth Psalm (verses 7-10) reflects the Gospel message by Paul in Romans 1:16 ff. "The Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. 8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. 9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee".
Dale I. Royal, Elk City OK
