America was formed in the fires of war. The American Revolution – fought between 1765 and 1783 – once and for all secured our independence from Great Britain.
But America was also formed in the fires of faith. In fact, it was an extraordinary and historic movement of faith in the 1740s that laid the groundwork for the outcome of the American Revolution. “The Great Awakening,” as it was called, swept throughout the thirteen colonies and united the American people around three crucial principles:
One, a belief in inalienable rights. Our right to life and liberty come not from government, but from God.
Second, a belief in higher law. Citizens ought to submit to authority unless that authority conflicts with God’s higher law.
And third, a belief in the equality of all people before God. Whether prince or pauper, king or commoner, each human life is sacred in the eyes of God.
Religious freedom lies at the heart of American freedom. Faith inspired colonists to break away from Great Britain and establish the United States of America. It also served as the bedrock for American culture, law, and government.
America has always been a nation of strength. But it’s also been a nation of faith. Religious traditions uphold the virtues that have held our nation together for almost 250 years and made our nation exceptional to the world.
