Maybe some of us older folks have seen the dismantling of America’s Christian heritage to a sharper degree than younger people. Some of us older Americans have observed over the years a great change in our citizens and government concerning our Christian heritage. Some of our younger folks have little or no knowledge of the founding of the new world – America – and the influence that Christianity had on this new land. To deny the history of our Christian heritage is to deny verifiable facts.
I have open and before me an old book entitled, The World’s Book of Knowledge and Universal Education, published by Columbia Publishing House, Chicago, Illinois. Further information on this volume states, “Entered According to Act of Congress, in the year 1901 by D.Z. Howell in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D.C., U.S.A.” On pages 179-183 there is a chapter on “International Law” with subject matter “Origin of International Law – Influence of Christianity – International Conventions and What they Accomplished – Mediation and Arbitration.” Sprinkled throughout this chapter, it is obvious that a general practice of Christian ethics/morals played a great role in the civilization of peoples and their governments.
I would like to share with you from the chapter on “International Law” a few excerpts. “When nations first began to evolve from wandering bands of nomadic savages the main idea with each king was to subdue his neighbor. Thus warfare and barbarism were rampant for centuries. With the growth of civilization, however, nations, as well as individuals, began to see that it would be better to get along in peace and harmony with each other.” “Countries found that they could get along with each other if they agreed to grant each other certain privileges. In this way as well as by conquest the great Roman Empire was built up. Then Christianity stepped in as a still greater factor, and people hesitated to subdue or butcher each other because of the simple teachings of the Man of Galilee.” “…it can easily be seen that when Christianity was adopted by all the European countries anything that was particularly abhorrent to its teachings would be warred against in common.” “Civilization, however, dictates that countries shall be charitable and offer their good services to ameliorate the troubles.”
Christianity enhances any nation and its government. History bears witness that the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Man of Galilee, brings forth peace and charitable activities. Why not comply with civilized and charitable teachings of our Lord?
“The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath” (Proverbs 11:23). “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12). “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
