by Dennis Petersen

 What can we do to reclaim the virtue that fought for freedom?

You’ve probably heard it said that “If you Want Change, Change Begins with YOU.”

Do you remember hearing this famous quote by one of America’s most eminent founding fathers?

“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”

Benjamin Franklin’s wise insights used to be a regular part in the lives of American children, growing up in the freest nation ever to exist on Earth. Franklin’s autobiography and the biographies of other notable founders were a deliberate part of education in a culture that understood the value of ‘common sense.’

As we look at our national society today, you get the feeling that we’re living in enemy territory, don’t you? Just look at the evidences of corruption and vicious behavior; behavior that Ben Franklin observed to result in increasing “masters.”  But to make matters worse, it’s becoming increasingly obvious to all… that many of our generation’s “masters” are more corrupt and diabolically vicious than any of the everyday gang members on the streets of America’s cities. Do I really mean that? 

Just think for a moment of the extreme wickedness of humans who diabolically conspired to crush the lives of over 60 million unborn babies in the last few decades. And try to grasp the enormity of the millions of humans worldwide who will have been slain and maimed for the rest of their lives by those who willingly participated in the biggest experiment of injecting untested dangerous chemicals into the bodies of otherwise healthy people… all because of the influence of global corporations practicing sorcery in collaboration with corrupted governors of the world.

What did America’s Founding Fathers Say?

Some of the following ideas were inspired by this article by Brian Shilhavy: https://healthimpactnews.com/2021/living-in-enemy-territory-is-this-what-you-want-america-if-not-heres-what-needs-to-happen-to-take-america-back/

Consider some other quotes from our founding fathers. You may want to write these down, so be sure to get today’s transcript at ReclaimYourLegacy.com. Look for today’s title – What can we do to Reclaim the Virtue that fought for Freedom?

John Adams in a speech to America’s military in 1798 – 17 years after the war for independence – warned his fellow countrymen stating, “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion . . . Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” John Adams was not only an outspoken signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights; he was George Washington’s Vice President and our nation’s second President.  Do you think he knew what he was talking about when he said “our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people?”

Hear what John Jay, the Original Chief-Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court, said: “The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it… and to regulate your life by its precepts.”

I have just one question for us in regard to that comment. How many self-professed Christians in today’s churches make a regular habit of reading the Bible… and especially to draw guidance from it to regulate the everyday decisions of their personal lives?

Noah Webster, author of the first American Speller and the first of all Dictionaries, stated, “The moral principles and precepts contained in the scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws. . . All the miseries and evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery, and war, proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible.”

Robert Winthrop, Speaker of the U. S. House from 1838 to 1840, wrote: “Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or by a power without them; either by the Word of God or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible or by the bayonet.”

Fisher Ames, author of the final wording for the First Amendment wrote, “[Why] should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a school book? Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble. The reverence for the Sacred Book that is thus early impressed lasts long; and probably, if not impressed in infancy, never takes firm hold of the mind.”  So, isn’t it interesting that Fisher Ames pointed to the need of American society to restore honor for the Bible, even in the first generation after the founding of the country?

Benjamin Rush, Signer of the Declaration of Independence said. “[T]he only foundation for a useful education in a republic is to be laid in religion. Without this there can be no virtue, and without virtue there can be no liberty, and liberty is the object and life of all republican governments. Without religion, I believe that learning does real mischief to the morals and principles of mankind.”

By the way, Benjamin Rush is also credited as saying:

Unless we put medical freedom into the Constitution, the time will come when medicine will organize into an undercover dictatorship to restrict the art of healing to one class of Men and deny equal privileges to others; the Constitution of the Republic should make a Special privilege for medical freedoms as well as religious freedom.

It’s important for us, in the 21^st century, to distinguish the way our founding fathers used the word “religion.” In most of their quotes, their understanding is quite a bit different from the way the word religion is understood in modern-day culture. They weren’t talking about religious organizations; not even the “Christian religion.”  Rather, they used the term to describe the actions of a thoughtfully moral people.

In fact, James the half-brother of Jesus Christ wrote in his letter which is part of the Bible:

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)

“Religion,” in this sense, really defines the acts of righteous people, as opposed to the acts of evil people. It is not referring to an institution or a religious organization, like a “Church” as defined in today’s society.

To say someone is “religious” today is understood to mean that they belong to, or participate in a religious organization, such as going to a Church meeting every Sunday. Saying, “That person is religious!” suggests that he/she contributes to the support and activities of a church of some kind.

What most of our founding fathers had in common when they were drafting the Constitution at the birth of our new Republic, was that they sincerely believed that the Constitution would become a meaningless document if the people of the nation were not moral people who respected Biblical truth, and particularly by their belief that they would be personally accountable for their actions in some future judgment.

So, if we’re serious about reclaiming the legacy of America’s founding principles, we need to honestly commit ourselves to humbly allowing our Creator and His Bible to bring conviction into our lives first. Becoming a moral people is our priority in a heart of turning back to a gracious and forgiving God, who has moral expectations for our best interest and society’s peaceful order.

Most of America’s founders shared similar views on the “Bible” as a worthy book to study. They had strong opinions about how the Bible should be a prioritized part of both private and public education. They respected that the Bible teaches moral values and wisdom, useful for any moral and just society, uniquely above all other philosophical and religious works of the world’s cultures.

An image of Moses, holding the Ten Commandments, sits on top of the building of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington D.C.

We could make a good case that the Mosaic Law contained in the first five books of the Bible is the legal foundation for many judicial systems used in most nations today, and it is thousands of years old.

The reason the Founders were not referring to a religious body or organization when they used the word “religion” in these quotes, is because they largely descended from immigrants, produced by the Reformation generation of the 15^th and 16^th centuries in Europe. They knew quite well the tyranny that can come from institutionalized religion. They knew the corruption and tyranny of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope, as well as the Church of England.

A big part of Europe’s 16^th Century Reformation was the efforts of brave Christian leaders to translate the Bible into the common language of the masses. That way they didn’t have to depend on religious “authorities” to explain what the Bible said. They wanted to have direct access to God’s Word so they could be guided directly by the moral principles taught in the Bible.

Jesus summed up the entire Mosaic law this way in Matthew chapter 22:

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

These simple principles are truly the basis of any moral society, regardless of which religious institution one belongs to. But keep in mind that Jesus was speaking to Jewish people who already had a life-long knowledge and tradition of Biblical reference for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel).

The first principal deals with man’s personal relationship to God, something that should never be dictated or legislated.  It’s one of the main reasons, for the existence of the First Amendment. We can’t make someone moral. We can only control our own actions and make ourselves moral. It’s up to society to choose to follow a moral code and enforce it according to the principles held by the leaders of the society. Without that respect for common accountability, any society will break down and eventually be ruled by tyrants according to their own set of moral restraints.

The second principle, often referred to as “The Golden Rule,” is what is needed to have a moral and just society. It’s something that should be legislated in a civil society, because it doesn’t only affect you, but your neighbor and their rights as well.

The Golden Rule principle is totally necessary for a peaceful and fair society that honors justice for everybody. Otherwise, you have lawlessness, which is pretty much what we have descended into today in the U.S.

If enough people follow these two principles, you will have a just and moral society, regardless of what a person’s religious affiliation is (or is not). Love God and Love others. Of course, this also requires a clear understanding of the meaning of “love” in your society. It used to be common sense for the general public to know what that meant according to the biblical gospel of Jesus, the Messiah… but not anymore.

Without the common public acceptance of the practice of these two principles, quite frankly, our society is hopelessly doomed. Why? Because then the tyrants who have the most power get to make up their own rules. And they have no intention of letting you enjoy the same things they do.

But… Our society didn’t come to this precipice overnight. We’re markedly different from the Israelite slaves, 3,500 years ago. They were released from bondage and facing the crisis of the Red Sea just days later. Our generation is the by-product of generations of abdication from the assignment given to the followers of Christ by the Master himself. The question is simple.  Will the present remnant of Christ’s delegated body reclaim the legacy of their authority given by their LORD?  We’re not talking about the formal, institutionalized “church,” with all its complex traditions and diverse opinions. The only important group facing this crisis is the true “Ekklesia.” That’s the ‘assembly’ of called out disciples whose only “head” or authority is Jesus, working through His obedient spiritual children. And their only true identity is the living and interactive body of Christ – the fellowship of believers who are filled with and led by the Holy Spirit. Without reclaiming that awareness, we understandably sense something vitally important is missing from our lives, as followers of Jesus.

Can there be any question that we all have need to be in total submission to the Holy Spirit, and the completing vitality of living in community with one another’s gifts? Are those gifts not invested by our gracious Father who gives every one of His gifts perfectly for the building up of the whole body? This is the biblical ‘KOINONIA’ that our ‘born again’ souls long for.

The trouble with too many God-fearing, conservative, law-abiding people in America is that they struggle to believe just how wickedly that depraved people can be.  Without the fear of God, self-centered humans are naturally determined to dominate their fellow humans with the fear of man.

Remember that Scripture declares “to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are.” Romans 6:16.

That insight applies for the wicked dominator on a power trip. It also applies to the conspicuously cowardly sheep who have been corrupted by the fear of man.  “to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are.”

If we don’t have a healthy respect for the reality of the destructive influence of red-hot embers and the snares of the devil, we will be trapped to our personal doom… and the devil will be dancing with glee as we suffer the regret of self-centered, indiscretion.

Before we even think about trying to change what’s wrong in society, are we willing to apply the solution that God’s wisdom gives us for our own personal lives and the families we can influence?

If Socialism is bad for society, why aren’t so-called conservatives demonstrating the desirable alternative?

Do you remember Ben Franklin’s opening statement for this discussion?

“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”

Seeing all the negative effects around us in society today, we can be tempted to fall to pessimism, can’t we?  So, while we pray for God’s intervention on the larger scale, with regard to the big problems that we have no personal power to change, are we willing to look at root causes for the problems that we actually can do something to redirect future outcomes?

Do we sincerely want to do what we can to bring about a positive transformation for what otherwise seems to be a hopelessly lost society?

1 Peter 4:17 gives us a sober reminder.

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

How can you be sure you’re not a socialist?

An article by a dear friend who is a hard-working and devoted father of five home-educated children, sparked a thought-provoking discussion with the title: “Why Over 90% of All Conservatives are Actually Socialists.”

He started out with the reminder that socialism, at its core, is really just a form of government that controls anything that is beyond government’s essential role or purpose.

He quoted an encyclopedic entry for “socialism” that defines it as “any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy of the entire society.”

It’s easily understood that “Socialism” stands in contrast to free market capitalism. Most of us have at least thought that we have lived in a state where free individuals… in a free marketplace… have full control over their own lives, consciences, and capital, to do as we please… so long as exercising such freedom doesn’t infringe on the rights of others.

The United States was founded as a free-market capitalist nation. But more and more, it has become a socialistic state. Over the years, our federal government has grown exponentially and swallowed up entire industries and areas of citizens’ lives to which it has no Constitutional jurisdiction.

Under socialism, the government controls basically everything. Those of us who live by free market capitalist principles, oppose this.

• Under socialism, the government controls healthcare. If we claim to be conservative, we believe we should be in control of our own healthcare… in a free, unregulated healthcare market.

• Under socialism, the government controls agricultural production. Conservatives believe farmers and consumers should be free to grow and buy whatever they want in a free, unregulated agriculture market.

• Under socialism, the government regulates and controls speech and thought. Conservatives believe we should be able to say and think whatever we want, using civil discretion, of course.

Conservatives are supposed to believe that their lives are their own responsibilities. Conservatives are supposed to believe that the government should be small and have powers limited by the Constitution. Conservatives are supposed to believe that the government’s only role is to protect the people (national security) and to execute justice.

For the most part… that’s all true. However, there is one area of life where my friend suggests that over 90% of all conservatives turn from being Dr Jekyll into a completely uncharacteristic “Mr. Hyde.”  They do a complete ‘about-face’ and become full-fledged socialists. And what is that one area of life? Are you ready for it? — public school!

Do our educational choices match up with our deepest held convictions about what we hold true?

It’s remarkable to think that conservatives would say and believe that the government has no right to meddle in their businesses, in their lives, in their faith, on their farms, with their health, or with any other area of their lives, but… when it comes to the rearing of their own children… they happily and without question turn that responsibility over to their socialist Uncle Sam. They then have the audacity to act enraged when Uncle Sam teaches their children everything contrary to their own belief system!

This observation may sting an awful lot of our evangelical Christian friends… and even our own sense of pride in conducting our lives in a way that is pleasing to God… but… we’ve got to be honest.  If you are a parent… What is your greatest of all assets in this life? What is your greatest custody? I’m not talking about just material possessions.  Is not your most valued cherished thing on this earth… your children? What would you give in exchange for your children? Would you not be willing to sacrifice your own life for them?

And yet, how is it, that you would not let the government control your business, your finances, your health, or anything else that is your responsibility… but when it comes to your most prized possession—your offspring, your heritage, your children—you happily pack them up every morning and send them off to be reared by a socialist branding machine who will spend 8 hours or more per day INDOCTRINATING them with every false belief that is contrary to your core convictions? How is that possible?

Now, yours may be one of the 1 in 10 American families who have made the sacrifices to NOT deliver their children over to the socialist system that’s bent on corrupting every student with all that is contrary to the Biblical ways of our Creator and Savior.  If so, you can’t help but want to help your loved ones prevent the poisoning of their children’s lives.

And how is it that anyone can act shocked when the government fails to educate their child? If you’re a person that considers yourself conservative in core principles, you would reasonably criticize the government at every turn, rightfully declaring that the government is inept and incompetent at running anything better than the private sector. The government fails to do anything well outside of its proper role. We know that to be true and we have no honest reason not to believe it.  So, how is it possible for caring parents to send their children off to government schools and act shocked when their children fail to be educated truthfully and effectively?   Yet those very students have been programmed to declare how America is racist, how whites are privileged, how fetuses are just clumps of cells, how “Heather has two mommies,” how we all started off as pond scum billions of years ago, how our founding fathers were atheist slave owners, and how there is no such thing as right or wrong.

They don’t know the quadratic equation, basic English grammar, or how not to end a sentence with a preposition, but they know about things that are specifically forbidden in the Bible and are even conditioned to contemplate which gender to identify themselves, out of endless possibilities.

And when all this kind of insanity happens, conservatives act appalled. But why? Didn’t they have choices?  How could anyone claiming to believe in constitutional liberty accept socialism in education? They somehow, in an act of hypocrisy, inconsistency, or blind stupidity, found a way to justify their conflicting position—believing that they can be an anti-big government conservative who criticizes the government for being socialistic, expanding into areas it doesn’t belong, and yet still supporting public education. Why?

Public education didn’t exist in this country for over 100 years after its founding. And when it became mainstream, it did so intentionally as a consequence of Communist infiltration. That is a fact of history and not just a theory. From Horace Mann to John Dewey, who is called the “Father of American Public Schools,” the goal of the founders of American public education was to force government education into American life. After all, compulsory government education is one of the 10 planks of communism. It’s always been about power and control and never about education. They’ve even admitted it.

But we’ve all heard the excuse: “I Can’t Afford Private Education.”

If your inability to afford education for your children gives you the right to FREE government education – paid for by your neighbors and all tax payers – then every welfare recipient’s inability to buy food, pay rent, buy a home, or get healthcare, also entitles them to FREE government handouts as well.

You see, you can’t have it both ways. You can’t claim to be against welfare and government handouts, with educational welfare being your exception. There’s a word for that, which they probably don’t teach in government schools anymore—it’s called hypocrisy.

So then, what is the solution?

How about we use FREE MARKET CAPITALISM?!?!? This is not tough, people! When coming up with solutions, instead of trying to minimize socialism, why don’t we just eliminate it? How is it that our brains naturally think of free market solutions for everything except when it comes to government education?

The answer is simple—we simply go back to the time previous to the introduction of public school in mainstream America where private schools, church schools, and homeschooling gave America the most educated population in the world with a 99%+ literacy rate and where 8th grade students could complete advanced math and English tests (considered basic at the time) that college graduates today could never pass.

Because let’s be real—virtually EVERY SINGLE SOCIETAL ill in America today is a direct result of a poorly educated population. And let’s be even more real—virtually every single liberal, socialist, left-leaning kid who breaks the heart of their conservative parents for becoming leftist voters, liberal freaks, and irresponsible wards of the state… are what they are because they were raised by public school and not by their conservative parents.

Let me make this plain—THE COVID SCAM ONLY WORKED ON PEOPLE WHO WENT TO PUBLIC SCHOOL! Which fortunately, for the left, is up to 90% of the American population. These people, from children to senior citizens, lack critical thinking skills, creativity, and discernment. They’re the brainwashed masses who’ve been groomed for nearly a century to buy and accept wholesale propaganda without question. How long do we want to let this go on?

In short, we can’t say “we raised them right,” if we send them off to be trained by Marxists whose goal is to “raise them left.”

If you think you’re a Christian, after sending your impressionable young children to Canaanite indoctrination camps every day, for most months out of every year, don’t be surprised if they graduate serving anti-Christian idols and end up completely confused by every evil philosophy devised by the Devil to destroy the beings made in the image of their Creator.

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Colossian 2:8.

Be sure to see the bonus videos linked at ReclaimYourLegacy.com for today’s episode titled Reclaim the virtue that fought for Freedom.

Bonus links…

An abundance of supportive videos, reports and whole books online are available to demonstrate the clear case for Christian families to take back private control of the education of their children.

See this short video of CANDACE OWENS giving her passionate and sound reasons why any serious Christian family should Pull Your Children Out of Public School.

See this video: Get Them OUT! Rescuing Our Kids from Public Schools – The John Birch Society

Researcher, author, and teacher Alex Newman exposes how the globalists, utopians, socialist, totalitarians and the UN are using public schools to undermine freedom and Christianity. Don’t lose hope! Alex shares solutions for saving our children and the next generation. Watch the full video to find out what those solutions are.

Have you considered taking your kids out of public schools? In this video, Patrick Bet-David reveals the difference between public and private schools, and why you should weigh your options. Feb 22, 2023

The New American magazine published a pivotal report by Alex Newman March 24, 2017: Christians Urged to Pull Children From Public Schools

https://thenewamerican.com/christians-urged-to-pull-children-from-public-schools/