It is amazing that when I write about civic responsibility and Christians that people rush to push the “unsubscribe” button. This leads me to the question, Do Christians not see that we have a civic duty in the very least as Romans 12:20 points out to: “Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good”? It is good timing to bring to our attention–to the notice of Christians, and in particular, American Christians, what a Christian farmer once said to the legislature. Here are some excerpts from a speech that was recalled from memory because it was so memorable.
“This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings…
“…There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged!… Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace, but there is no peace. The war is actually begun!…Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
These are excerpts from the speech given on March 23, 1775 by Patrick Henry. Henry understood first hand the oppression of government over religious expression. The British government and the Episcopal Church were trying to stamp out the Baptists by persecuting them–even holding them under water until they nearly drowned. Upon news of one such beating, Henry rode his horse some 50 miles to attend the trial of two pastors who were accused of preaching the gospel. During the trial, Henry interrupted and asked the court if he heard it right that these men were on trial for “preaching the gospel of the Son of God?” Henry was instrumental in changing the laws against religious persecution.
I left out the parts of his speech that pertained to the British. But I wanted to make the point that Christians in America were not always so concerned about themselves and their self-improvement, or paranoid about supporting their country, or waiting for the rapture, that they didn’t take seriously what was happening to them and their nation. We as a nation are pretty far gone–one pastor friend of mine said we are in hospice–you can call it a result of judgment or just deserts or apathy or whatever you wish. The fact remains as Henry said, “There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations” and if we cared enough to get before the Lord and get right with Him, and take action as Christians, we just might make a difference.
