IN CONCERT WITH OTHERS

by   Katherine Camp                                                                                                                                         Vol. IX, No. 4, April 1996

Rarely do we have the opportunity to participate in a national call to righteousness. But we have it now via Our Hopes, Our Dreams, a book by Gary L. Bauer, president of The Family Research Council, Washington, D.C.

This book is a "gold nugget," a book that every American should read. It is compact. But packed with wisdom. In its concisely written pages, Mr. Bauer reminds us of three vital characteristics that made America a great nation. But he points out that these early marks of identity are mostly missing in our culture today. As a result, our nation is deeply fractured. How did it happen?

First, we have forgotten God and His "natural law." The sexual revolution is an example. The Judeo-Christian tradition teaches that sex is to be enjoyed in marriage only. Instead, we threw out God's plan and took to the streets. Sexual promiscuity became the order of the day. Now, the broken lives of women, children, and men testify to our life without God.

Second, there is now in our nation a breakup of the vital association of virtue and liberty. The Founders agreed unanimously that only a virtuous people could remain free. For virtue denotes restraint of passions -- but the absence of virtue gives way to chaos. So, in the design of our government, it was assumed that the people were virtuous. Therefore limited government was established, placing it on solid, godly principles.

History tells us of our heritage in those rich principles. Early on, the Pilgrims of the Mayflower set our national direction in their Compact. Dated November 11, 1620, it began, "Having undertaken for the Glory of God and Advancement of the Christian Faith ... we have hereunto subscribed our names..."

Other historic records verify that, with few exceptions, our forefathers were Christians. They were each personally grounded in God. And that was their most important strength. Additionally, they were blessed corporately. For together they enjoyed a vast knowledge of civilization's law and order.

Third, Bauer further reminds us "that we've allowed politicians, particularly in Washington, to become our masters instead of our servants."

We do not have to look very far back in history to see what happens when free people begin to rely on government for everything. First, there is the absence of virtue. Then corruption and victimization set in. And tyranny prevails.

At this point, we must remember that it is God who gives us freedom. And in America, we are blessed with documents of the land to guarantee freedom's operation as well.

Carefully written by our Founders over 200 years ago, the meaning of the Constitution and its Amendments have not changed. We would all benefit from reading these documents again to recapture the spirit of our nation's identity.

For example, the First Amendment to the Constitution is one of the most protective documents in our heritage:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

Therefore in keeping with our platform of freedom, Mr. Bauer invites us to join him in a pledge to restructure our nation, to heal its brokenness.

He entitled the pledge to each other, " Compact with Our Fellow Americans." It is printed in the book and is prepared for our signatures. The Compact calls us to: honor our Creator, be faithful to family, be involved in government, and much more.

To read the full pledge is a reminder of the spirit of those who signed the Mayflower Compact on November 11, 1620. In that short, seventeenth century document we find: resolution, dedication, commitment -- "for the general good of the Colony." May we likewise join our hearts together today to reclaim America for th glory of God which will promote good for everyone.

[To get the book, Our Hopes, Our Dreams, call 1-800-225-4008. Or write to: Family Research Council, 700 13th Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005. A mere $3.99 is the suggested donation. You may also visit your local Christian bookstore to pick up a copy. The book is published by Focus on the Family Publishing, Colorado Springs, Colorado.]