Often-Overlooked Theology of Declaration of Independence

As we approach the Semiquincentennial of our Declaration of Independence, merely discussing it as a source of American exceptionalism is considered controversial in some circles. Many pundits and politicians now espouse the misguided view that the influence of faith on our founding and its relationship to our public policy are incompatible. Too many of our fellow citizens have forgotten the foundational idea of our republic — which was informed by faith — that men must be good to be free. Those who were stuck in an airport this week and subjected to MS NOW saw Katy Tur missing this point by an impressive margin.

Our Founders understood that freedom and morality are inextricably linked. If you have freedom but no morality, and each man is free to do what is “right in his own eyes,” mankind will inevitably revert to our basest instincts. Without an objective standard of right and wrong, the only determinative dynamic left is power. Hence the apocalyptic hyperbole surrounding every election cycle in our nation.

LW

About the Author

Lathan Watts

Lathan Watts is the vice president of public affairs for Alliance Defending Freedom (@ADFLegal) and its sister organization ADF Action.

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As we approach the Semiquincentennial of our Declaration of Independence, merely discussing it as a source of American exceptionalism is considered controversial in some circles. Many pundits and politicians now espouse the misguided view that the influence of faith on our founding and its relationship to our public policy are incompatible. Too many of our fellow citizens have forgotten the foundational idea of our republic — which was informed by faith — that men must be good to be free. Those who were stuck in an airport this week and subjected to MS NOW saw Katy Tur missing this point by an impressive margin.

Our Founders understood that freedom and morality are inextricably linked. If you have freedom but no morality, and each man is free to do what is “right in his own eyes,” mankind will inevitably revert to our basest instincts. Without an objective standard of right and wrong, the only determinative dynamic left is power. Hence the apocalyptic hyperbole surrounding every election cycle in our nation.