Shared with permission.

5/14/2010
by James C. Patterson II, MD, PhD

As a kid, did you ever ask your parents why you had to eat your green beans? If so, they probably said, “Because they’re good for you!” You couldn’t see the benefits of eating those bland beans, but still you ate them because Mom and Dad said so. Besides, they sat there watching you.

Like kids facing a plateful of vegetables, some adults may ask, “Why should I go to church?” Honoring, worshipping, and glorifying God and supporting the body of Christ are a few reasons. But here’s one more that you probably didn’t think of: “Because it’s good for you!”

That’s right—going to church is good for your health, mental health to be precise.

The relationship of religion to good mental health may not surprise some people. (As a psychiatrist, it makes perfect sense to me because our mind and soul live in very close approximation to each other.) However, what may come as a surprise is the fact that this area of research (the intersection of religion and mental health) is actively growing. In the past decade more research has been done on the interface between the soul and the psyche than ever before. The vast majority of the results show that religious involvement has a positive impact on mental health.

For example, last year two psychologists, Rita W. Law and David A. Sbarra, published a study looking at the rates of mood disorders in a large population of people (n=791).¹ They looked at the rates of mood disorders in an elderly population (mean age =75.6 initially) over eight years in relation to the rates of church attendance. This study was designed to examine the relationship between church attendance, marital status, gender, and the occurrence of depressed mood among the elderly.

Religious affiliations were reported as follows:

• 29.6%            Anglican
• 27.9%            United Church of Christ
• 17.4%            Other (but 96% of these were of a Protestant or Catholic denomination)
• 12.4 %           Catholic
• 11.3%             None
• 1.3%              Orthodox

To establish the degree of church attendance, the researchers posed the question, “How often have you attended religious services or meetings?” Participants chose one of four response options: never, about once a month, about once a fortnight, and once a week or more. The researchers found that about 42% were non-goers, 25% were consistent goers, 13% were inconsistent goers, and 21% didn’t provide complete information.

Depressed mood was measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale.² Higher CES-D scores (max score of 60) indicate more depressive symptoms. Law and Sbarra found that the percentage of folks with scores of 16 or higher increased from 8.9% initially to 16.1% at the last point in the study. The study used multilevel modeling to assess this change.

Physical health and social support both influence depression, and so both were statistically corrected for in the analyses. Despite these corrections, church attendance predicted the level of depressed mood at study entry. Those who went to church consistently during the five years of the study were estimated to have a lower starting level of depressed mood than those who went to church inconsistently during the same period. Surprisingly, and contrary to predictions, those who never attended church reported lower levels of depressed mood initially. However, this same group showed a more rapid rate of increase in depressed mood than the other groups. Therefore, not going to church seemed to be related to higher risk for faster increase in depression in older age.

In summary, in the older adult population studied, attending church on a regular basis helped protect against the appearance of depression. Additionally, Law and Sbarra found that getting married related to decreased depression, and getting divorced or widowed related to increased depression. These findings are consistent with other studies.

Law and Sbarra make the argument that regular church attendance is related to less depressed mood because it is a “shared spiritual activity” and it provides more meaning and purpose in life than other non-spiritual social activities. It is important to empirically demonstrate the benefits of church attendance because evidenced-based medicine depends upon science to guide what doctors recommend to mental health patients in terms of prevention and treatment.

Law and Sbarra’s study is also highly consistent with what results from previous studies. A meta-analysis involving 147 independent projects, with a total of 98,975 subjects, evaluated data from the earlier research. This enormous overview of research on religion and mood demonstrated that going to church is good for you. Specifically, it correlates to less depression.³

Isolation and withdrawal exemplify hallmark features of depression—those suffering from it often prefer to spend time by themselves. While some “alone time” is acceptable, too much can be a sign of trouble. God designed us for relationships. He wants us to have an active relationship with Him, and he wants us to stay in relationship with other members of the body of Christ. Being involved in a church not only encourages us to interact with fellow believers, the latest scientific research shows it can help lower rates of depression.

So remember, always eat your green beans and stay active in church—it’s good for you!

Endnotes:
1. Rita W. Law and David A. Sbarra, “The Effects of Church Attendance and Marital Status on the Longitudinal Trajectories of Depressed Mood among Older Adults”, Journal of Aging and Health 21, no. 6 (September 2009): 803–23.
2. Lenore Sawyer Radloff, “The CES-D Scale: A Self-Report Depression Scale for Research in the General Population,” Applied Psychological Measurement 1, no. 3 (June 1, 1977): 385–401.
3. Timothy B. Smith, Michael E. McCullough, and Justin Poll, “Religiousness and Depression: Evidence for a Main Effect and the Moderating Influence of Stressful Life Events,” Psychological Bulletin 129 (July 2003): 614–36.

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Dr. Patterson received his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1996, and currently serves as Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Emergency Psychiatry at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. He is also a member of the Shreveport Chapter of RTB.

Our first President of the United States of America was, indeed, a Christian.  Non-believers claim he was a Deist, but without their ability to understand religion in general, and Christian beliefs specifically, I wouldn’t give their opinions any weight.  Washington’s own writings declare his beliefs.   What’s all the angst about among unbelievers, if it isn’t true, it won’t matter.  Ah … but because it IS true, it bothers them to the ends of their souls.

“Although guided by our excellent Constitution in the discharge of official duties, and actuated, through the whole course of my public life, solely by a wish to promote the best interests of our country; yet, without the beneficial interposition of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, we could not have reached the distinguished situation which we have attained with such unprecedented rapidity. To HIM, therefore, should we bow with gratitude and reverence, and endeavor to merit a continuance of HIS special favors. 1797 letter from George Washington to John Adams”

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports . . . And let us indulge with caution the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion . . . Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail to the exclusion of religious principle. From President George Washington’s Farewell Address”

” I have sinned against heaven and before Thee in thought, word, and deed. I have contemned Thy majesty and holy laws. I have likewise sinned by omitting what I ought to have done and committing what I ought not. I have rebelled against the light, despising Thy mercies and judgment, and broken my vows and promise. I have neglected the better things. My iniquities are multiplied and my sins are very great. I confess them, O Lord, with shame and sorrow, detestation and loathing and desire to be vile in my own eyes as I have rendered myself vile in Thine. I humbly beseech Thee to be merciful to me in the free pardon of my sins for the sake of Thy dear Son and only Savior Jesus Christ who came to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Thou gavest Thy Son to die for me.  George Washington; from a 24 page authentic handwritten manuscript book dated April 21-23, 1752 William J. Johnson George Washington, the Christian (New York: The Abingdon Press, New York & Cincinnati, 1919), pp. 24-35.”

“Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion.  George Washington, ca. 1789, Maxims of Washington, ed. John F. Schroeder (Mt. Vernon: Mt. Vernon Ladies Association, 1942), p. 106. ”

” The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man, will endeavor so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country. General George Washington, July 9, 1776″

http://www.seekfind.net/GeorgeWashington.html

http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBHistoricalWritings.asp

Obesity is a Spiritual Problem
Jean Dumford Ph.D.

You probably had the same reaction I did when reading this: you must be joking!  But then reason sank in a bit and I considered it’s possibility.

As I researched this “new” idea I found that it isn’t new at all. It also isn’t just a concept held only by spiritual people, but by an across the board sampling of experts.

There’s a June 1, 2007 article in the Southern Medical Journal , in A Special Section of a Spiritual/Medical Interface Project, that deals with the aspects of overeating with regards to spirituality.
[Mary Lynn Dell, Allan M. Josephson, authors.]   They state: “Given the  significance of food, fasting and eating customs in world religions, religious and spiritual issues figure prominently in the  development, assessment and management of bulimia, anorexia nervosa, and obesity. “

“Wellness coaching:   A Spiritual Look at Obesity and Overeating” is an article by Carmellita M. Brown,  21 June 2008 (Referenced in an EzineArticle:  9 April 2010)   She states: “Many people suffering with obesity, emotional eating,  food addictions and overeating  are searching for fulfillment and validation.  Spiritually it is the search for fulfillment which  causes uncontrollable hunger and overeating while the search for validation triggers emotional eating  which leads to food addictions.”

In “Starving for Salvation:  the Spiritual Dimensions of Eating Problems Among American Girls and Women”  [Michelle Mary Lelwica, Oxford University Press],  she states, “ Christians have long been aware of the close link between physical and spiritual hunger, and, between food and devotional practice…  non-Christian diet gurus have leapt upon this notion … that our problems with food really represent a problem of the spirit.”

In “A case study of an overeating child”   [2010 Spiritual Research Science Foundation inc.]  they state, “… even though a person’s eating habit may have a spiritual root cause,  physical  or psychological factors may also be present.”

And in the “Research on Obesity Help Directory” [http://www.research-on-obesity.com/spiritual-obesity-diseases.html]  the author makes the statement:  “Spiritual obesity diseases can have a crushing effect on the heart and soul of an overweight and obese person  when the storms of social rejection show no signs of easing up and seem to only get worse”  making a distinction between the physical obesity diseases and the spiritual ones. Yet I’m sure they are intertwined.

In an article by AnneMarie Colbin, Ph.D. one finds that when you look at the big picture, you have to take into consideration many areas of life that can cause or contribute to obesity.  Some of these are “genes, environment, changes in food supply…,  reduction in physical activity.” She discusses self acceptance later on in the article. [“Obesity: How Big an Issue?”]

“Obesity is a spiritual problem because of a lack of discipline. Granted, there are cases where genetic make up and metabolism is such that obesity is beyond their control. If you don’t eat a lot of food, you lose weight. It is self-indulgence to eat in excess – which makes it a spiritual problem.”  ©2008-2010 Church Health Center.  Tony Campolo

While some “experts” may be far outside in their explanations of why or why not spirituality should be considered,
I think we can all agree at this point that causes of obesity probably include  physical, psychological, emotional –and spiritual.   Taking a cue from the 12 Steps of addiction healing,  (recognizing a greater power that can give strength) let’s be sure to include the spiritual aspect of any  dis-ease, including obesity.  It just might be the turning point for success.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

I don’t know how many know, or care to remember that I am a survivor of TBI.  I think many forget that fact, especially when I “look” so normal.  I try to pick projects that don’t force my TBI difficulties, so I may also “look” like I’m functioning just fine.  Odds are, if I’m selective enough, I am functioning fine for that project.

Well, here’s some background information on TBI.  Hopefully, those who think they know me will remember to support me if I make a mistake, or just can’t recall something they have already told me. 

What types of TBI are there?

Any injury to the head may cause traumatic brain injury (TBI). There are two major types of TBI:

Penetrating Injuries: In these injuries, a foreign object (e.g., a bullet) enters the brain and causes damage to specific brain parts. This focal, or localized, damage occurs along the route the object has traveled in the brain. Symptoms vary depending on the part of the brain that is damaged.

Closed Head Injuries: Closed head injuries result from a blow to the head as occurs, for example, in a car accident when the head strikes the windshield or dashboard. These injuries cause two types of brain damage:

Primary brain damage, which is damage that is complete at the time of impact, may include:

• skull fracture: breaking of the bony skull
• contusions/bruises: often occur right under the location of impact or at points where the force of the blow has driven the brain against the bony ridges inside the skull
• hematomas/blood clots: occur between the skull and the brain or inside the brain itself
• lacerations: tearing of the frontal (front) and temporal (on the side) lobes or blood vessels of the brain (the force of the blow causes the brain to rotate across the hard ridges of the skull, causing the tears)
• nerve damage (diffuse axonal injury): arises from a cutting, or shearing, force from the blow that damages nerve cells in the brain’s connecting nerve fibers

Secondary brain damage, which is damage that evolves over time after the trauma, may include:

• brain swelling (edema)
• increased pressure inside of the skull (intracranial pressure)
• epilepsy
• intracranial infection
• fever
• hematoma
• low or high blood pressure
• low sodium
• anemia
• too much or too little carbon dioxide
• abnormal blood coagulation
• cardiac changes
• lung changes
• nutritional changes

What physical problems occur after TBI?

Physical problems may include hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), headaches, seizures, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, decreased smell or taste, and reduced strength and coordination in the body, arms, and legs.

What communication problems occur after TBI?

People with a brain injury often have cognitive (thinking) and communication problems that significantly impair their ability to live independently. These problems vary depending on how widespread brain damage is and the location of the injury.

Brain injury survivors may have trouble finding the words they need to express an idea or explain themselves through speaking and/or writing. It may be an effort for them to understand both written and spoken messages, as if they were trying to comprehend a foreign language. They may have difficulty with spelling, writing, and reading, as well.

The person may have trouble with social communication, including:

• taking turns in conversation
• maintaining a topic of conversation
• using an appropriate tone of voice
• interpreting the subtleties of conversation (e.g., the difference between sarcasm and a serious statement)
• responding to facial expressions and body language
• keeping up with others in a fast-paced conversation

Individuals may seem overemotional (overreacting) or “flat” (without emotional affect). Most frustrating to families and friends, a person may have little to no awareness of just how inappropriate he or she is acting. In general, communication can be very frustrating and unsuccessful.

In addition to all of the above, muscles of the lips and tongue may be weaker or less coordinated after TBI. The person may have trouble speaking clearly. The person may not be able to speak loudly enough to be heard in conversation. Muscles may be so weak that the person is unable to speak at all. Weak muscles may also limit the ability to chew and swallow effectively.

What cognitive problems occur after TBI?

Cognitive difficulties are very common in people with TBI. Cognition (thinking skills) includes an awareness of one’s surroundings, attention to tasks, memory, reasoning, problem solving, and executive functioning (e.g., goal setting, planning, initiating, self-awareness, self-monitoring and evaluation). Problems vary depending on the location and severity of the injury to the brain and may include the following:

• Trouble concentrating when there are distractions (e.g., carrying on a conversation in a noisy restaurant or working on a few tasks at once).
• Slower processing or “taking in” of new information. Longer messages may have to be “chunked,” or broken down into smaller pieces. The person may have to repeat/rehearse messages to make sure he or she has processed the crucial information. Communication partners may have to slow down their rate of speech.
• Problems with recent memory. New learning can be difficult. Long-term memory for events and things that occurred before the injury, however, is generally unaffected (e.g., the person will remember names of friends and family).
• Executive functioning problems. The person may have trouble starting tasks and setting goals to complete them. Planning and organizing a task is an effort, and it is difficult to self-evaluate work. Individuals often seem disorganized and need the assistance of families and friends. They also may have difficulty solving problems, and they may react impulsively (without thinking first) to situations.

No matter what your personal beliefs regarding the “endtimes” of the world … now is a good Time to Trust God.

I personally believe in a pre-tribulational rapture, that that is the truest meaning of The Blessed Hope … that we, as believers in Christ, will not see any of the misery to come during those 7 years of the “peace treaty” the world power signs with Israel.

 

While the inclination, being human, is to stock up on foodstuffs and necessary personal and household items, change paper money into silver and gold, and watch with fear the events unfolding according to prophecy …

 

NOWHERE in God’s Holy Bible does it tell Christ’s followers to do that.

Even though He tells us that we can’t know the day or the exact hour, he gives us the signs of when it is near.

But He never says to do thus and so to prepare, only to watch for Him and be ready.

No, in fact, He carries out the theme one can find in the Bible whenever God does marvellous things:

FEAR NOT.

 

God says to not be afraid when we see all these things occurring.

So while I fight the natural tendencies to stock up and be afraid,

I’m relying upon God that He is just showing me that yes, these things are coming,

they’re going to occur, but for me not to worry, I won’t be here for them.

 

He tells all of His believers that.

God is love.  He loves you.  Just as I had to admit I’m not able to find God on my own, He came to me and I accepted His Love.  That’s all anyone needs to do: be sorry for the errors you’ve made and ask Him to allow you into His Heaven, through His Son Christ.  Who wouldn’t want to know God’s Love?

Along with His Love comes Peace.

Yes, now is the time to trust (in) God.

Dear Members,

Yesterday evening it was reported that the Obama Administration is actively seeking alternative locations for the trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. This reported sudden shift by the administration is proof that your efforts are not in vain — together we can force this president to change course.

Our rally on December 5, which drew thousands to New York to protest this trial, demonstrated to the politicians that the people are paying attention. Our letter to President Obama demanding the trial be moved and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed tried as an enemy combatant, which you and 150,000 other concerned citizens signed, showed the strength of our resolve. We are making a difference.

Early yesterday morning, Keep America Safe launched a new ad in response to President Obama’s State of the Union. The ad, titled “The State of His Rhetoric,” demonstrates the disconnect between the Obama Administration’s rhetoric and the dangerous realities of its national security policies. “The State of His Rhetoric” will air on broadcast television in the DC market and will directly target the politicians in Washington.

However, our fight is far from over. Obama still plans to treat Khalid Sheikh Mohammed as if he is an American citizen and common criminal instead of the terrorist he truly is. Keep America Safe needs your help to continue speaking out until the terrorists are treated as enemy combatants and not common criminals. The decision to explore alternative venues indicates that what we are doing is working. We must keep up the pressure to fight Obama’s other dangerous policies.

Wednesday night, Obama said, “We have renewed our focus on the terrorists.” What he didn’t say is that the administration’s focus is on providing terrorists with ever more legal rights, not capturing, interrogating, and killing them.

Days after taking office, Obama issued an Executive Order to close Guantanamo Bay by January 2010. Despite failing to meet its own deadline, the administration continues to pursue this ideological goal. Reality has intervened, and yesterday, a State Department official acknowledged that in a best case scenario Guantanamo wouldn’t shut down any sooner than 2012.  According to the Pentagon, one out of every five detainees released from Guantanamo returns to terrorism. Closing Guantanamo Bay isn’t just misguided, it’s dangerous.

Attorney General Eric Holder’s FBI Mirandized Christmas Day terrorist Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab just hours after his failed attempt to blow up Northwest flight 253 in Detroit. Abdulmutallab was questioned for less than an hour before he was read his rights. After being told he had the right to remain silent, he did just that. Instead of interrogating Abdulmutallab to learn about future terror plots, the Obama Administration decided to treat him as a common criminal and hired him a lawyer.

The American people deserve to know which lawyers in President Obama’s Justice Department used to represent terrorists. One such attorney, Jennifer Daskal, a former Human Rights Watch official with no prosecutorial experience, now advises Holder on detainee issues even though she used to advocate on behalf of the terrorists. In November, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) requested that Holder provide a list of other lawyers on his staff who had recused themselves from detainee issues because of similar conflicts of interest. Holder’s response to Grassley was, “I will consider that.” Holder has yet to follow through with Grassley’s request.

President Obama has not made us stronger in his first year in office. In fact, he has weakened our ability to combat terrorism. He wants to close Guantanamo, send terrorists back to the Middle East, treat the terrorists we don’t release as if they were American citizens, and prosecute those terrorists with lawyers that not long ago were standing on the other side of the courtroom defending the same terrorists. “The State of his Rhetoric” highlights Obama’s national security failures and dangerous policies. We also need your help to Keep America Safe. Please feel free to forward this video to family and friends.

Thank you for your continued support.

Liz Cheney, Debra Burlingame, and Bill Kristol
Board of Directors
Keep America Safe

http://www.keepamericasafe.com/?p=3278

 

Is Teaching American History Unconstitutional?

According to Baptist Professor Derek Davis and his cronies,
apparently the answer is “Yes!”
Occasionally, the Secular and Religious Left go beyond their normal anti-religious bigotry to make claims that are just too outrageous to be ignored. This week provided such an example.
Several months ago, I was one of six expert reviewers appointed by the 15-member elected Texas State Board of Education to give input into the drafting of the 2010 history and social studies standards for textbooks. (This is a task I have previously performed in other states.) Although these standards we formulate will initially apply to Texas students, they will soon become the standards used in textbooks across the nation.

Last year, writing teams of Texas teachers drafted the 2010 proposed standards. We, the expert reviewers, were asked to point out where we thought changes should be made; the State Board of Education would then make their decision about which (if any) of our hundreds of proposed suggestions to adopt.

When I reviewed the proposed standards, I found many reasons for concern. The writing teams had recommended the removal of Nathan Hale, Daniel Boone, and General George Patton; they eradicated Columbus Day, Martin Luther King Day, and Christmas (but they did add Diwali as a holiday). They also declared that to say there was “an American love of individualism, inventiveness, and freedom” was to express inappropriate “value language,” and they also rejected the concept of identifying specific beliefs that contributed to our “national identity.” In fact, they declared that students needed to be shaped “for responsible citizenship in a global society,” but not citizenship in American society. And instead of an emphasis on the positive things about America (i.e., American Exceptionalism), America was often shown as fault-ridden – as a global villain.

I made known my opposition to these and other positions in my official reviews and offered suggestions for positive change. My first review (from July, 2009) is posted on the state website, as is my second review (from September 2009).

Those two official reviews were 43,538 words in length, and contained three mentions of Christianity. In the first review, I pointed out how early colonial Christian leaders such as William Penn and Roger Williams insisted on having written constitutions to limit the government; I also showed how American Christians and Jews cooperated together in the American Revolution. In the second review, I noted the current polling on religious affiliation in America to demonstrate that the mention of Christmas should be reinstated in the standards. Those three simple mentions of Christianity caused the Left to explode.

Groups such as the Texas Freedom Network (the state arm of the radical People for the American Way) joined with other radicals in the Religious Left to denounce my mentions of Christianity. They nationally distributed a press release of outrageously false claims that were soon parroted by ABC, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, etc.

On Wednesday, January 13, the Texas State Board of Education met to begin the process of voting on the final recommendations for social studies textbooks; many of the board members know me very well and are very familiar with the lies of the Left (having themselves been subjected to them on many occasions). Hopefully, they will reinstate traditional American heroes and patriotic values, focus on the teaching of history rather than modern pop culture, and include coverage of good characteristics about America. Not surprisingly, however, the anti-religious secularist bigots made known their presence (and their ridiculous claims) at the meeting.

One of those in the Religious Left is Christian secularist, Dr. Derek Davis, Dean of Humanities at Mary Hardin Baylor (a Baptist University) and director of the school’s Center for Religious Liberty. Although he heads a department at a major Christian university, he is a national evangelist for a completely secular public square; and based on his previous statements, he apparently wants to see all mentions of Christianity confined, like pornography, to the privacy of one’s own personal life.

Dr. Davis amazingly asserts in the Houston Chronicle that a mention of Christianity in American history standards will “violate the Constitution” because it will portray “the United States as a Christian nation in some legal sense.”

While there is no such recommendation in the standards, consider the stupidity of what he purports. According to Dr. Davis, it would “violate the Constitution” if the history texts were to include information from the more than 300 court rulings over the past two centuries that have declared America to be a Christian nation. Imagine! He believes it would be unconstitutional to let students know what courts have affirmed for 200 years!

He similarly believes that it would be unconstitutional for students to see the public declarations of American presidents on the same subject – declarations such as:

Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on that God Who has never yet forsaken this favored land are still competent to adjust in the best way all our present difficulty [i.e., the Civil War]. ¹ PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN

No candid observer will deny that whatever of good there may be in our American civilization is the product of Christianity. ² The teachings of the Bible are so interwoven and entwined with our whole civic and social life that it would be literally impossible for us to figure to ourselves what that life would be if these teachings were removed. ³   PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT

America was born a Christian nation – America was born to exemplify that devotion to the elements of righteousness which are derived from the revelations of Holy Scripture. ⁴  PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON

American life is builded, and can alone survive, upon . . . the fundamental philosophy announced by the Savior nineteen centuries ago. ⁵  PRESIDENT HERBERT HOOVER

If the spirit of God is not in us and if we will not prepare to give all that we have and all that we are to preserve Christian civilization in our land, we shall go to destruction. ⁶  We cannot read the history of our rise and development as a Nation without reckoning with the place the Bible has occupied in shaping the advances of the Republic. ⁷  PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT

This is a Christian Nation. More than a half century ago that declaration was written into the decrees of the highest court in this land. ⁸  In this great country of ours has been demonstrated the fundamental unity of Christianity and democracy. ⁹  PRESIDENT HARRY TRUMAN

We are Christian nations, deeply conscious that the foundation of all liberty is religious faith. ¹⁰  PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

In these last 200 years, we have guided the building of our Nation and our society by those principles and precepts brought to earth nearly 2,000 years ago on that first Christmas. ¹¹Â  PRESIDENT LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON

Let us remember that as a Christian nation . . . that we have a charge and a destiny. ¹²Â  PRESIDENT RICHARD NIXON

Of the many influences that have shaped the United States of America into a distinctive Nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible. ¹³Â  PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN

According to Dr. Davis, it would “violate the Constitution” to present these, or the hundreds of similar statements by our elected presidents, or to tell students what our federal and state courts have repeatedly declared! Amazing!

Apparently, Dr. Davis (and the others among the growing group of militant so-called “Christian” secularists) has not read the Constitution – or even the decisions by modern liberal Supreme Courts that have held that history cannot be censored simply because it is Christian. Nevertheless, Dr. Davis and his cohorts have found it a useful tactic to claim that something with which they disagree is “unconstitutional.”

We need to stop the use of this ridiculous tactic. How?

FIRST, begin with the wise recommendation of Founding Father John Jay:

Every member of the State ought diligently to read and to study the constitution of his country. . . . By knowing their rights, they will sooner perceive when they are violated and be the better prepared to defend and assert them. ¹⁴

SECOND, the next time the Left claims something is “unconstitutional,” insist that they prove it by citing the relevant part of the Constitution.

FINALLY, when the intolerant anti-religious bigots try to intimidate Americans from presenting an accurate view of American history, let’s make our voices heard on talk shows and in letters to the editors, denouncing their attempt to rewrite American history and censor expressions of religious faith.

It’s time for some new voices to be heard in the debate – the voices of common sense, well-informed citizens who have no agenda but to see the best for our great country. It’s time for your voice to be heard!

God Bless!

 David Barton

_______________________________________________________

[1] Abraham Lincoln, The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, Roy P. Basler, editor (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1953), Vol. IV, p. 271, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861.

[2] “Our Nation, A Product of Christianity,” Springfield Republican, 1884.

[3] Theodore Roosevelt: The Man as I Knew Him, Ferdinand Cowle Iglehart, D. D. (New York: The Christian Herald, 1919), pp. 307-311.

[4] Woodrow Wilson, The Papers of Woodrow Wilson, Arthur S. Link, editor (Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1977), Vol. 23, p. 20; “An Address in Denver on the Bible, May 7, 1911.”

[5] American Presidency Project, “Herbert Hoover: Radio Address to the Nation on Unemployment Relief, October 18, 1931″ (at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=22855).

[6] American Presidency Project, “Franklin D. Roosevelt: Address at Dedication of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, September 2nd, 1940″ (at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=16002).

[7] American Presidency Project, “Franklin D. Roosevelt: Statement on the Four Hundredth Anniversary of the Printing of the English Bible, October 6th, 1935″ (at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=14960).

[8] American Presidency Project, “Harry S. Truman: Exchange of Messages With Pope Pius XII, August 28, 1947″ (at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=12746).

[9] American Presidency Project, “Harry S. Truman: Address at the Lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree on the White House Grounds,” December 24, 1946″ (at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=12569).

[10] American Presidency Project, “Dwight D. Eisenhower: Address Before the Council of the Organization of American States, April 12th, 1953″ (at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=9816).

[11] Presidency Project, “Lyndon B. Johnson: Remarks at the Lighting of the Nation’s Christmas Tree. December 22, 1963.” (http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=26587).

[12] American Presidency Project, “Richard Nixon: Remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, February 1st, 1972″ (at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=3597).

[13] American Presidency Project, “Ronald Reagan: Proclamation 5018 – Year of the Bible, 1983, February 3rd, 1983″ (http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=40728).

[14] John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, Henry P. Johnston, editor (New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890), Vol. I, pp. 163-164, from his Charge to the Grand Jury of Ulster County, September 9, 1777.

“WallBuilders” <newsletter@wallbuilders.com>

Are you in need of renewal?

For the Lord has driven out great and powerful nations for you, and no one has yet been able to defeat him. Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised. So be careful to love the Lord your God.

Joshua 23:9-11 NLT

This week’s promise: God will fight for you

About this week’s promise

When strength fails and we grow weary, we need someone to come alongside us, show understanding, cheer us up, and inspire us to have the strength and commitment to move on. When bills pile up and money runs short, we need an encourager. When we become single parents and the world seems against us, we need an encourager. When friends and family turn against us, we need an encourager. Our strength and resolve weaken. Oh, for someone to come beside us and lift us up and comfort us. Encouragers help us stir renewed commitment, renewed resolve. They inspire us with courage and hope. Encouragers bring a beautiful gift, often a spiritual gift, when they bring renewal through encouragement.

adapted from TouchPoint Bible with devotional commentary by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers, Tyndale House Publishers (1996), p 1188

Digging Deeper

For more on God’s blessing of courage and encouragement, try Out of Harm’s Way by Jack Thompson, Tyndale House Publishers (2005).

Jack, an outraged father and activist lawyer, is on a mission to protect children from the violent and obscene video games, music lyrics, shock jock radio shows, and television programs he says are creating a culture of violence and degradation. Going beyond outrage, Thompson chronicles his own spiritual journey from bystander to activist and offers the sociological, medical, scientific, and legal evidence that will motivate all Americans—especially parents—to get involved.

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

From:

“God’s Daily Promise” <godsdailypromises@newsletters.leftbehindprophecyclub.com>

A wonderful inheritance

What will your children inherit? What about your grandchildren? Would you like them to know God’s mercy as you have or even more so?

What a wonderful inheritance to pass on from generation to generation. If this is what we want for our children, we must help them to reverence the Lord.

Mercy is God’s gift to us; reverence is our gift to God. The two work together to leave a legacy of faithfulness to future generations.

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Many people think of God as being angry and judgmental, pointing his disapproving finger at our sins and failures. In reality, God is both holy and merciful. In his holiness, he calls us to moral and virtuous living; in his mercy he is willing to forgive us, and he loves us even when we fail. The psalmist is rejoicing that he can rely upon God’s mercy, which becomes a protection against the destructive forces of evil. How will you rely on God’s mercy this year?

adapted from TouchPoint Bible with commentary by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers, Tyndale House Publishers (1996), pp 882, 500

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

God’s Daily Promise” <godsdailypromises@newsletters.leftbehindprophecyclub.com>

Source of joy and peace

“Open my eyes to the wonderful truths in your law.

I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your laws.

Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for my only hope is in your laws. I will keep on obeying your lay forever and forever.

May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your decisions are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your law is my delight.

Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble.”

Psalm 119:18, 30, 41-44, 74-77, 165 NLT

Knowing the person behind the book

To own a Bible—to know we have it if we need it—brings a certain measure of peace. When we actually read and begin to understand it we are better able to receive peace of mind and heart. And when we apply what God’s Word teaches, our lifestyle actually becomes a fertile place where peace can grow. But when we truly grow to love this wisdom given to us by its loving author, we have actually come to put our trust in the person behind the book. The writer of Psalm 119 grew to love God’s law because it revealed who God was. We can rest assured when we follow the principles that issue from God’s great love and wisdom.

from the TouchPoint Bible with commentaries by Ron Beers and Gilbert Beers (Tyndale) p 535

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House

From: God’s Daily Promises