The Tiger's Eye: Independence Day

03 July 2007

Independence Day


"What does patriotism have to do with the Christian Life?"

"A great deal more that we wish to admit. No altar, no community: without the common bond of worship, men do not form a city or a nation, and this is as true of America as it was of Athens. No man will lend his heart to a low tax rate or to a system of national roads.

But speak to him of liberty, and his eyes grow bright; tell him that that honor was granted him by his Maker, and he will lay down his life, if need be, to ensure that honor be respected, for himself and hischildren, for all generations.

Do itis that the state can attain its perfection only by recognizing a divinity beyond it; if its dome is not the vault of stars above, it mus collapse."


taken from Anthony Esolen's "Dante's Divine Comedy and Independence Day"


I was struck by the fact that without God in the equation of our Declaration of Independence, there is little to inspire us. It is the recognition that we are ENDOWED by our creator with this independence and freedom that enables us to be free citizens.


Happy 4th of July.


Now go and "blow sumpthin up real good"!