IS AMERICA A NATION OF LAWS?
“America is not a nation of laws, and it never was. America is a nation of political will, and it always will be.” Steve Deace. Is it really?
Steve Deace has a great radio show, and podcast, and he and Todd Erzen wrote the book, “Faucian Bargain: The Most Powerful and Dangerous Bureaucrat in American History.”
Steve is an outspoken Christian, who in many ways, realizes the times in which we live and the importance of standing on truth, against the, “spirit of the age,” and for the preservation of all that is good, (AKA, conservatism.)
I do have a bone to pick with him though, as he often cites the passage, “America is not a nation of laws, and it never was.
America is a nation of political will, and it always will be.”
I believe that while he means well, and while there is evidence for his position, it ignores a few important facts. While it is obvious that Americans, for the most part, are not motivated as much by the correct application of scripture to our present reality, as they are to their own wishes. Many Americans believe that scripture is not to be applied in government, (they cite the “separation of church and state” mantra.)
This view of America ignores thousands of pages of evidence to the contrary, both from history, and the Bible itself. The history of the founding of our nation is filled with accounts of Christians standing up to tyranny with the Word of God as their primary weapon. They withstood the emperor of the mightiest nation on earth because of his insistence that he represented God, was the chief law maker, and the enforcer of those laws. The Declaration of Independence is replete with references to his offenses.
I believe that it is important to think through our positions. That we should be fully persuaded in our beliefs, because of their inherent righteousness, not because of how smart they might sound, or how well respected those that agree with them might be. Truth is righteous, whether we agree, or not.
On what basis did our forefathers resist the king’s authority? Was it not on basis of God-given rights? Where were these God-given rights revealed? Was it through the Bible? Were not the laws that embodied the existence, and protection of these God-given rights from within the Ten Commandments? What are the Ten Commandments, if not laws, and submission to them submission to the rule of law?
While it is important to confront our beliefs, it is also important to establish, and reestablish the righteousness of those beliefs, depending on a more sure word as our foundation, and cornerstone.
If we believe it proper to allow government to be amended by the whims of political will, we undermine the root, and foundation of our constitutional republic. Is this what we desire? Doesn’t this affirm the leftist view that government should bend with the pressure of the loudest voices? Wouldn’t this justify amending our Constitution through executive orders, and/or judicial fiat?
I think not! I believe that it is the biblical reliance of our foundational documents, and trust in the God who supports these in-dwelling principals, that have made the USA the most enduring free society on earth for over two hundred years.
Could it be that we should endeavor to inspire a return to, “the rule of law?” Should we not attempt to establish the rule of law as the prevailing, American, “political will?”
As I believe that it is the free market that ensures the righteousness, and prosperity of, “capitalism,” I believe that it is the, “rule of law,” that ensures the righteousness of the prevailing, “political will.” We should desire to uphold the rule of law, to reenforce the importance that every American is subject to the same laws. There is no nobility, through birthright, or through popularity, or political power that entitles anyone to favored status pertaining to law. If Americans continue to accept differing standards for different people, we will continue to increase in lawlessness.
I don’t want to be disagreeable for the sake of disagreeing, but at the same time I don’t want to build my house on shifting sand.
While this declaration, “America is not a nation of laws, and it never was.
America is a nation of political will, and it always will be,” may sound good, just how wise do you suppose it is? If we relent to this motto, does it make it easier to affect the restoration of a righteous, biblically adherent civil society in America?
It is my goal to inspire a return to biblical principals. Adherence to our Constitution, and the righteous laws of a free American society. I believe that rather than accept the degradation of our constitutional norms, we must fight to restore them to their former glory.
The Declaration of Independence lists the reasons that our forefathers sought to establish this great nation, and the US Constitution is their grounding framework of implementation. If we are to understand the basis for our civil society, we must understand, and submit to these documents, viewed through the lens of a biblical outlook.
Our constitution begins with Article one, setting the framework for the making of laws. I believe that its placement, at the very beginning, makes “laws” the very foundation of good governance. Article one not only establishes a process for selecting “law makers,” but the process by which they make those laws. All the provisions of our constitutional governance fall in after this first provision.
It was the giving of “the Law” that established Israel as the nation of God’s people. It was God Himself who made these laws, and through Moses He presented them to the nation of Israel.
When Israel rejected governance by the one true God, (through His law,) they demanded a king, (like the other nations.) This king was to have the authority to make laws, enforce those laws, and adjudicate those laws, and Israel suffered greatly for their rebellion. I suggest that the fate of a rebellious America win not be much brighter.
Yes, all men are sinners. All have come short of the glory of godliness. It is only through the grace of God that we can experience righteousness in America. Every toe-hold that we forfeit to the prince of darkness is a nail in the coffin of America. If we allow the persistent progression away from the rule of law, we cannot conserve the great nation that we have inherited. Political will must be made to conform to, “THE RULE OF LAW,” if we are to conserve our constitutional heritage.
A friend asked me, “how might political will be expressed if not through our law?”
The political will either exalt the rule of law, or it will reject it. The American citizens will choose. I hope that we will choose wisely.
God bless you, Dave
God bless you, Dave