America has functioned remarkably well for over 200 years.
Much of that success can be attributed to what historians call the “Golden Triangle of Freedom.” The three points of the triangle are:
- Liberty.
- Virtue.
- Faith.
The relationship between the three is important. Each one relies on the other for its existence and well-being. Liberty requires virtue. Virtue requires faith. Faith requires liberty.
Liberty is freedom. It’s the ability to govern oneself. That means you’re free to choose your own path so long as what you do positively benefits everyone else in the community. The impetus to treat each other with that level of respect comes from virtue. And the source of virtue is faith. People tend to focus on themselves unless they believe in something or Someone greater than them who infuses their lives with meaning and purpose.
Faith is such a powerful influence in a community that its existence can be – and is – threatened. Our Founders built religious freedom into the fabric of our nation for good reason. Religious tradition is an essential underpinning to all other freedoms we enjoy.
Our nation is not self-sustaining. We must all do our part to protect the “Golden Triangle of Freedom.” It’s up to you and me to keep the promise of our republic alive.
