Prior to New Year’s Eve, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal sent a letter to 100,000 pastors to “discuss the importance of raising up the next generation of leaders in America,” referring to the men of Issachar in the Old Testament of the Bible. He asserts that America needs “such men and women of wisdom today who will accept the challenge to restore America’s Judeo-Christian heritage.” Jindal’s letter was a precursor to his busy schedule, which began in Iowa in early January... Read more
Some argue that Christianity has influenced the western world more than any other faith or ideology. More than 2,000 Bible verses teach civics, providing examples of good and evil rulers and government authorities. They contain approximately 500 verses on salvation, 400 on hell, and 250 on heaven—with the overall foundation that right living best leads to a peaceful, flourishing society. Six of the Ten Commandments specifically define civil law. The western concept and definition of murder, manslaughter, theft, assault, marriage,... Read more
I recently had the privilege to join 100 ministers and faith leaders on Gov. Mike Huckabee’s Journey Tour, traveling to Poland, Germany, the UK, and California. During this time I had the opportunity to speak to ministers and faith leaders about a range of issues related to religion and politics in America. After visiting Arka Pana Church in Poland and hearing Gov. Huckabee’s Q &A with Priest Wladyslaw Palmowski (the underground church’s leader during Soviet occupation), I wondered if American... Read more
A common theme arose throughout Gov. Mike Huckabee’s Journey tour with Christian leaders in Poland. They heard firsthand how Poland’s freedom from communist occupation was significantly possible because of Pope John Paul II. But equally important, was the Polish people’s struggle to maintain their national identity, which was deeply rooted in their Roman Catholic faith. When the Soviets occupied Poland after World War II, they systematically destroyed churches, removed crosses in public and private locations, and eliminated any expression of their... Read more
For many reasons, religious beliefs have greatly influenced American public policy and political elections. Because of its demographics and history, the United States has numerically more Christians (and more Protestants) than any other country in the world. There are nearly 313 million people in America, making the United States the third most populous country in the world. According to the 2012 U.S. Census, three quarters of Americans claimed adherence to the Christian faith. Whether or not they understand Christianity or are genuine... Read more
Debate about religion in American public life existed well before independence from the British government. Many talk about religious freedom, the First Amendment, and mistakenly argue that the U.S. Constitution delineates a “separation of church and state.” Yet the highest court of the land, the U.S. Supreme Court has never formally defined what actually constitutes “religion.” Nor has the court ever defined “God.” In fact, its standards for referring to “religion” evolve, change, and remain inconsistent. For example, in 1890,... Read more
Contrary to popular belief, the phrase “separation of church and state” is not written in the U.S. Constitution. In fact, not one of the ninety founding fathers stated, argued for or against, or even referred to such a phrase when they debated for months about the specific words to use when writing the First Amendment to the Constitution. Congressional Records from June 7 to September 25, 1789 reveal that none of these men, including Thomas Jefferson, ever used the phrase,... Read more
The word “Hedge” is derived from the Old English, German (Hecke) and Dutch (haag), meaning “enclosure.” Historically, hedges were constructed for protection; to prevent soil erosion, provide shelter from the wind, shield crops from livestock, separate fields, demarcate land ownership, and serve as wall fortifications. Consecutively entwining shrubs and trees creates a hedgerow, or a formidable wall, which can last for centuries. The highest hedge of its kind in the world, the Meikleour Beech Hedge, is rooted in Scottish soil that... Read more
The United States America’s story began in Europe at a time when symbiotic state-church powers owned land and people, controlled ideas, and attempted to crush those who opposed their authority. By 1517, the Protestant Reformation coincided with revolts throughout Europe that displaced and decimated economies and populations, led to widespread famine and disease, and helped propagate general confusion and distrust about the authority of the government and the church. The Inquisition, The Thirty Years’ War, The Eight Wars of Religion... Read more
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