1-1-2021 ONE NATION UNDER GOD

The history of America is interesting and filled with inputs from the citizenry that never fail to amaze. For example, The was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931). It was originally published in The Youth's Companion on September 8, 1892. Bellamy had hoped that the pledge would be used by citizens in any country.

In its original form it read: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." In 1923, the words, "the Flag of the United States of America" were added. In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words "under God," creating the 31-word pledge we say today. More can be read at https://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm.

Francis' career followed that of his father and as a young man, he became a Baptist minister. His career as a preacher ended because of his tendency to describe Jesus as a socialist. In the 21st century, Bellamy is considered an early American democratic socialist.

For most Americans, the United States is a refuge for freedom. Asked to compare the U.S. to other modern, industrialized nations on a number of aspects, citizens are most positive about individual freedoms. Majorities also say the U.S. compares favorably on quality of life and the ability of people to get ahead are above average compared with other modern nations. A similar survey of 1,002 foreign-born adults aged 18 or older who came to live in the U.S. when they were at least five years old offered the following:

Immigrants believe the nation's public-school classes should be taught in English." They show deep commitment to the work ethic, reflecting a historically prized American value. Further, they display an appreciation of the U.S. and a commitment to making it their home, but they also maintain a strong connection to their country of origin by staying in touch with folks back home. Perceptions of politics, discrimination, the Immigration and Naturalization Service and immigration as well as other topics and is available online at www.publicagenda.org.

These statistics take us back to the pledge which states “one nation under God” as a part of our pledge. Recognizing this addition to the pledge is as controversial as Francis Bellamy’s referring to Jesus as a socialist it’s no wonder that some in this country are trying to remove all reference to God from teaching, literature, music and any other accepted Christian communication or belief. The goal being to eliminate all belief in the Almighty and the words of the bible. The evidence of this can be seen daily and is supported by the fact that in the 21st century, Bellamy is considered an early American democratic socialist. The united States today is at unrest because the Judeo-Christian foundation of religion in this country is being corrupted and suppressed by non-believers who have the ear of socialist supporters in government. The obvious intent is to eliminate all religious beliefs deemed as a threat to liberal programs and policy and reidentifying our government from free enterprise to socialism and eventually . Stated rationale such as health risks and social concerns are invalid and do not support the God given freedoms most Judeo-Christian followers recognize or are guaranteed in our constitution. And we as Christians and Jews need to be able to hear, understand, worship, and accept the word of our God freely. God has warned us of our duty through the words of Ezekiel:

(Ezekiel 33:7-11) 7 “So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore, you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, “O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. 10 “Therefore you, O son of man, say to the house of Israel: ‘Thus you say, “If our transgressions and our sins lie upon us, and we pine away in them, how can we then live?” 11 Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?”

All people of God need to be free to communicate with their God, without reservation or fear of discrimination. Government has no place in this communication other than to protect the right of each worshipper as set forth in the Constitution of these United States of America. However as said in the book of Ezekiel, we as watchmen of God are required to warn the wicked of God’s word in order to be found harmless of the actions of the wicked.

May the love and blessings of God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ be with you and provide Peace and Grace to you now and always.

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Comments and suggestions are appreciated And encourage everyone to receive God’s peace by reading the Bible often.