The American Spectator : Mourning the Fourth of July

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Mourning the Fourth of July

By Mark Tooley on 7.7.11 @ 6:06AM

According to some liberal Christians, America’s War of Independence was unjust, and July 4 is no cause for celebration.

Should Christians have ignored America’s Independence Day to protest our nation’s supposed imperialist foundation upon an unjust war? Many on the Religious Left, supported by a growing pacifist chorus among church elites, think July 4 is a naughty holiday, more suited to atonement than celebration.

“Tonight we [are] suppose[ed] to celebrate a successful violent rebellion of ‘Christian’ Americans against ‘Christian’ Brits,” complained Minnesota mega-church pastor Greg Boyd on the 4^th. “I bet Jesus won’t join.” Author of Myth of Christian Nation, Boyd earned New York Times acclaim in 2006 when he renounced his traditional conservatism from the pulpit in favor of a leftist pacifism that demonizes America.

Boyd followed up his grim July 4 tweet by asking: “So if you kill someone you don’t know from a different country, it’s murder, but if your president or king sanctions it, it’s noble?” Having embraced the burgeoning Neo-Anabaptist movement among evangelical elites, Boyd rejects Christianity’s traditional understanding that civil rulers, unlike individuals, are vocationally ordained to routinely employ force, through police or military, in defense of justice. America’s founding through a War of Independence makes its very existence illegitimate to these disgruntled religionists. Distinguishing themselves from supposedly blindly patriotic conservative Christians is also an important goal.

Liberal evangelist Tony Campolo, one-time counselor to President Bill Clinton post-Monica, celebrated July 4 by tweeting that the American Revolution was unjust. Some on the Religious Left still pay lip service to Christianity’s Just War tradition, even as they fail to identify a single conflict (especially involving the U.S.) that complies with their impossibly narrow interpretation. The anti-July 4 analysis that Campolo tweeted came from self-professed Anabaptist activist Kurt Willems, who does not believe in Just War, but deploys the tradition as a weapon against the American Revolution.

“Only about three years ago did I realize that in celebrating Independence Day I’m also glorifying the pagan roots on which this nation was founded: an unjust war,” Willems explained on Campolo’s liberal Red Letter Christians website. “The ‘rockets’ red glare’ and ‘the bombs bursting in air’ remind us not of the day God liberated the colonies, but of the moment in history when our forefathers stole the rhetoric of God from authentic Christianity to justify killing fellow Christians.” Like others on the Religious Left, Williams apparently wants Christians to set aside the fireworks and instead to don sackcloth and ashes on July 4.

Willems repeated the myth that Christianity was pacifistic until Constantine, and then argued that George Washington and his comrades were illegitimate insurgents merely peeved about high taxes. He admitted that some colonists suspected a wider threat to their liberties, but their irrational fears were based on “conspiracy.” The ties between the colonies and Britain were “no different than modern U.S. policy, than modern policy in Puerto Rico,” he claimed. Willems omitted the fact that Puerto Rico routinely votes on its ties to the U.S. And no U.S. troops are currently in Puerto Rico threatening to arrest its leaders, seize its weapons, close its ports, or usurp its courts.

America’s Founding Fathers, according to Willems, were also hypocrites since some owned slaves. But the British Empire also countenanced slavery, and slavery in Britain’s Caribbean islands especially was even more brutal than in the 13 colonies. The American Revolution fueled an upsurge in anti-slavery sentiment. Most states of the new union abolished slavery before the British Empire did. Just War teaching, contrary to the claims of Anabaptists who strive to nullify it, requires good intent but not humanly-impossible purity. In typical Anabaptist fashion, Williams also recalled that Jesus did not advocate Israel’s armed revolution against Rome. But neither did Christ critique Rome’s military policies. Jesus’s vocation as Divine Savior did not include the role of political activist, contrary to the Religious Left’s usual claims.

Also blogging for Red Letter Christians, neo-Anabaptist activist Shane Claiborne, a popular speaker among young evangelicals, warned on July 4 that “patriotism can be a dangerous thing if it leads to amnesia about the dark patches of our nation’s history.” He proposed that instead of Independence Day, Americans celebrate “Interdependence Day,” to recognize that “we are part of a global neighborhood.” Launching fireworks to honor such globaloney seems unlikely.

Fortunately, the vast majority of U.S. Christians are not captive to the sullen angst that grips Religious Left elites every July. More commonly believed are the comments of Retired U.S. Army Brigadier and Assistant Chief of Chaplains General James Spivey, now a professor of church history. “I think God has wired all people to have an innate love of country — a deep and abiding affinity for kinsmen and neighbors of common heritage and like values,” he recently told American Baptist Press. “It is healthy and right for Americans to love America, to think of it as a great nation, and to be proud of its stand for liberty and equal opportunity. It is natural for citizens of any nation to feel this way as long as their homeland stands for values that are honorable and just.” Spivey also warned of nationalism veering into idolatry. But even every legitimate human attachment can become idolatrous if distorted. Should Mother’s Day be denounced because many love their moms more than God?

The Religious Left has its own idolatrous notion of utopian human perfection, from which America uniquely among all nations falls disastrously short. All human history is besmirched with human folly and depravity. America’s founding, though instigated by sinful men, was blessed with both heroic and realistic notions of human dignity and liberty that have benefitted nearly all of humanity. Americans of faith can vigorously celebrate America’s independence with special appreciation. The chronic naysayers, perhaps alone in their closets on the next July 4, merit both smiles and sympathy.

About the Author

Mark Tooley is president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy in Washington, D.C. and author of Methodism and Politics in the Twentieth Century. You can follow him on Twitter @markdtooley.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (87) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

oldfart| 7.7.11 @ 6:44AM

Let me state the obvious - If this is such a bad place why are so many people around the world trying to get here - legally or illegally?

JmsA| 7.7.11 @ 10:20AM

Precisely, oldfart.

Seek| 7.7.11 @ 3:01PM

Should I be happy that so many people are coming here? In the end, the joke will be on us, not the sending nations.

POST Amerian| 7.7.11 @ 6:55AM

----First off, by 'liberal/Left' Christians are you by any chance referring
to those poor objects of over a haf century of agressive Rockefeler Foundation 'Council of Churches' indoctrination?
---you know, the capstone -Tavistock Institute
engineered subversion of culture in the name of long term standardization and EUGENICS.

That American Spectator is giving space to
these latest, obviously engineered 'views'
speaks of the very real slyness of the capstone
'continuity of agenda'.

Truly laughable though, this strumming of the
heart strings of Anglo-American relation, even
as the capstone creeps are diligently, openly and shamelessly working to destroy BOTH British and American, and certainly all GENUINE Christian culture ---FOREVER.

TRULY

Appleby| 7.7.11 @ 7:07AM

This is all of a piece with Time Magazine shredding the Constitution, and that inane *study* that *proved* watching patriotic parades turns babies into Republicans.

A last desperate and increasingly lunatic effort by the Obama Apparatchiks to make the way smooth for the advancement of the antichrist. Fortunately, the more outrageous their contentions become, the more people realize exactly what they are doing.

W| 7.7.11 @ 8:13AM

Where was the study that patriotic parades turns babies into Republicans?
We need more patriotic parades.

Bruce| 7.7.11 @ 8:55AM

W;
A Harvard study released last week that showed that Republicans were more likely to attend their local festivities and celebrate the 4th. In addition, it basically said that 4th of July festivities were the main way to "indoctrinate" kids to become Republicans. Here's a link http://latimesblogs.latimes.co.....icans.html

W| 7.7.11 @ 10:12AM

Thanks, Bruce. It is telling that they would associate the patriotic July 4th festivities with being a Republican. I like the reporter's statement as to why republicans attend these parades:
"Because, as everyone knows, Republicans have more money than Democrats, who are busier collecting petition signatures to fix something."

John M| 7.7.11 @ 12:04PM

Liberal and Patriotic, isn't that an oxymoron?

Purpleguy| 7.7.11 @ 12:07PM

What a ridiculous statement. The Left has it's wackos and the right has you ...

Dave Williams| 7.7.11 @ 2:16PM

...for a prime example, Purp, take a look in your mirror before going back into your troll hole...

Purpleguy| 7.7.11 @ 4:36PM

Thank you for your kind words... just proves the man you are.

TheRightIsAnythingBut| 7.7.11 @ 8:50PM

Whoa, slow down, Purpleguy. You squandered your moral high ground by going for the insult.

Yes, of course, John M, is wrong. He arbitrarily makes disagreement with him the equivalent of treason. Yes, of course, John M is wrong and there's probably little that can be done to convince him otherwise. But, we must strive to instruct even as Jesus of Nazareth strove to instruct - even those who won't listen.

Truth to Power| 7.7.11 @ 10:44PM

But you just won't listen.

TheRightIsAnythingBut| 7.7.11 @ 11:33PM

Listen? Listen to what? More of your taunts and ideological harangues? More of your ill-researched and inaccurate barbs?

Display some well-researched, cogent, and restrained ideas and then we'll see who listens.

David C| 7.8.11 @ 4:27AM

Um, TheRightIsAnythingBut,

The Left does not support the principles of the American Revolution. This very article being an excellent case in point.

If we accept Chesterton's definition of patriotism as love of the ideals of one's country, then the Left is decidely unpatriotic.

TheRightIsAnythingBut| 7.8.11 @ 2:28PM

Saying "The Left" is just as fellacious as saying "The Right" as if either one was a monolith. I think it's pretty clear from the postings on this site that the Right is anything but a lock-step, solid block.

I think you should grant that there are many types of "Left" as well.

Aside from that, who the hell are you to set the standard for who has a "love of the ideals of one's country" and who doesn't?

Tomp| 7.7.11 @ 8:29AM

The lefts decent into hell just keeps gaining speed.

LarryK| 7.7.11 @ 8:36AM

Just continues to prove the theorem, that Liberalism is a mental illness.

Seek| 7.7.11 @ 3:04PM

Instead of declaring people "metnally ill," as the Soviets used to do with their own dissenters, how about asking if conservative Culture Warriors could use a little counseling?

TheRightIsAnythingBut| 7.7.11 @ 8:51PM

And whose "theorem" is that, Lar? I kinda like the comparison to the Soviets - is that your solution? Are you willing to become the Mental Health Czar, comrade?

Ken (Old Texican)| 7.7.11 @ 8:48AM

A lot of people simply fail to put themselves into the shoes (and minds) of the signatories to the Declaration of Independence.

There is simply no cure for stupid.

Bruce| 7.7.11 @ 9:01AM

Ken;
I agree. History is a subject many young people despise (mostly because there are all those dates and facts to remember.) Add to that the fact that liberals are constantly rewriting the history books to show what despicable people the founding fathers were, why would anyone want to try to understand them? The further away we can get from George Washington's failings and triumphs, the more we can forget about the motivations of our forefathers in establishing a great nation, the easier it is for us to agree with Barack Obama and Rev. Wright that America is wrong, hateful, and too full of pride to continue being a model to the rest of the world.

Stormzeye| 7.7.11 @ 9:05AM

Shouldn't Anabaptists withdraw from society, like the Amish and Mennonites, instead of attempting to foist their suicidal notions of brotherly love on the rest of us? It's no wonder they were hounded out of Europe.

Raven Nation| 7.7.11 @ 1:43PM

Actually, it's kind of an odd name to take for themselves. Go read about the Anabaptists & the Munster Rebellion: Diarmind McCulloch's "Reformation" is the best; some of the internet pages are too brief.

TL| 7.7.11 @ 9:09AM

An important point that this article does not mention is that the Founders did not declare war on the King, attack Britain, or fire a single aggressive shot. All they did was write a declaration observing the simple truth that men and continents do not belong to Kings, by claim of divine right or otherwise, and announcing that they would no longer submit to the King's claim of ownership over them and the colonies. It was the King who sent an army to attack the Founders. The Founders simply defended themselves against the unjustified attack.

This is an important distinction that seems to be overlooked in the religious debate about the morality of war that is summarized in this article. I am not a religious man but I am unaware of any religion that denounces self defense. By these simpletons' wrongheaded thinking, a woman who declines a man's advances and then finds herself being attacked would have no right to kill her attacker to prevent being raped and/or killed herself. After all, she could have just laid back and enjoyed it and no one would have been hurt. Nonsense.

John Navratil| 7.7.11 @ 9:45AM

TL,

And similarly, the states of the South succeeded from the Union. The result forever quashed any notion of peacefully defederalizing.

What is to become of us when we have a President who behaves for like a king (nationalizing GM, e.g.) and dispensing benefits to his lords while enslaving his people? Fortunately, we have a ballot box. Unlike the time of the Mayflower, however, there is no new frontier for those who chafe at the regime in which they find themselves. Witness the actions of the government to the various "survivalists" who seek to opt out.

We had better begin respecting the freedoms granted by our creator if this republic is to stand. At over 200 years of age, it is very long in the tooth by any historical measure and as it said elsewhere, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Silver Streake| 7.7.11 @ 8:35PM

Not only do we have a ballot box and ballots, we have boxes of bullets - just in case the ballots fail.

At one time the thought of a sitting President attempting to corrupt the electoral process would have been laughable, but with the legions of Soros-funded loons running around, I'm not so certain about the 2012 outcome. While I do doubt such a scenario will occur, it just seems to loom larger this time.

Lock and load patriots.

Petronius| 7.7.11 @ 9:12AM

BTDT Yeah, yeah, this country shouldn't exist because it's not good enough for weenies to live in. Another chorus of "It's a small world after all."
Pulleaze! Maybe we could solve part of our immigration problem by banishing these ambulatory roadkills and admitting those ambitious people who want to engage life.

John Navratil| 7.7.11 @ 9:54AM

Petronius,

We might just start by allowing those foreigners who have just earned advanced degrees an opportunity to get a visa to stay and work. What a thought to let a PhD from India work in the states instead of Mumbai.

C Smith| 7.7.11 @ 10:11AM

There is a big difference between the Greg Boyds and Tony Campolos and others of the religious left, and the Anabaptists who followed their Lord even to death:

C Smith| 7.7.11 @ 10:24AM

The true reformation wasn’t a consequence of 95 theses posted on a Wittenberg door for debate, but rather it was the revelation of the light of His Word. For a thousand years it had been encrypted in Latin and sequestered in cathedrals and seminaries and monasteries while untold masses perished. But at an opportune moment in time Tyndale, and others who translated His Word into the languages of the lost, caused even the “boy that driveth the plow to know more of the Scripture than” those who inhibited the cathedrals and seminaries and monasteries of that world. The Scriptures, replicated by a revolutionary technology, quickened multitudes to be “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23). These new believers were the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted, they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, those who desired to be called the children of God. Because believers only baptism was an easily identified act of obedience, they were often referred to as Anabaptists (re-baptizers). However, they never regarded themselves in this way, preferring instead to be called the Brethren: those who obediently followed His plain and simple and literal Word.

And they were not a just another sect, they spring up everywhere in a moment in time.

http://theisraelofgod.blogspot.....-time.html

Frank Tavos| 7.7.11 @ 2:20PM

Good Good! Another anti-Catholic bigot. Crawl back into the hole you came from C Smith.

C Smith| 7.7.11 @ 10:35AM

And for a time, Catholics and Reformers achieved a common unity in that “it was easier to burn Anabaptists than to refute their arguments” (Anabaptists, The Encyclopedia Britannica, Thirteenth Ed., V20, p. 904, 1926, emphasis added). The greatest affliction of modern scholarship, regarding “Anabaptist” biography, is the animosity of those who recorded it. Fortunately, there is one surviving record laboriously compiled by T. J. van Braght that maintains the integrity of their testimony, a "reflection" of something altogether lovely: the Martyrs’ Mirror, the following is but a brief excerpt:

[TESTAMENT] WRITTEN TO JANNEKEN MY OWN DEAREST DAUGHTER, WHILE I WAS (UNWORTHILY) CONFINED FOR THE LORD'S SAKE, IN PRISON, AT ANTWERP, A. D. 1573

The true love of God and wisdom of the Father strengthen you in virtue, my dearest child; the Lord of heaven and earth, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the Lord in Israel, keep you in His virtue, and strengthen and confirm your understanding in His truth. My dear little child, I commend you to the Almighty, great and terrible God, who only is wise, that He will keep you, and let you grow up in His fear, or that He will take you home in your youth, this is my heart's request of the Lord: you who are yet so young, and whom I must leave here in this wicked, evil, perverse world. …

Hence, my dear lamb, I who am imprisoned and bound here for the Lord's sake, can help you in no other way; I had to leave your father for the Lord's sake, and could keep him only a short time. We were permitted to live together only half a year, after which we were apprehended, because we sought the salvation of our souls. They took him from me, not knowing my condition, and I had to remain in imprisonment, and see him go before me; and it was a great grief to him that I had to remain here in prison. And now that I have abide the time, and borne you under my heart with great sorrow for nine months, and given birth to you here in prison, in great pain, they have taken you from me. Here I lie, expecting death every morning, and shall now soon follow your dear father. …

I must now also forsake all this for the Lord's sake, which the world is not worthy to suffer; for if we had continued in the world, we would have had no trouble. For when we were one with the world and practiced idolatry, and loved all manner of unrighteousness, we could live at peace with the world; but when we desired to fear God, and to shun such improper ways, well knowing that this could not please God, wherefore we sought to shun all this, and turned from idolatry to the worship of the living God, and sought here in quietness and gentleness to practice our ~3ith, then they did not leave us in peace; then our blood was sought; then we had to be a prey to everyone, and become a spectacle to all the world. They seek here to murder and to burn us; we are placed at posts and stakes, and our flesh is given as food to the worms. …

Testament continues:

http://theisraelofgod.blogspot.....lites.html

Margie| 7.7.11 @ 12:56PM

Amen.
Thank you for posting the truth about Bible believing Christians who were put to death by the Whore of Babylon, false Religion. Unfortunately, the modern day Papal Inquisitors still live and breath today in spirit, and even among these very pages.
Everyone ought to read this book that you have mentioned~ I have posted its name many times.

It can be read online:

http://www.homecomers.org/mirror/

Margie| 7.7.11 @ 1:03PM

And what was these Christians crime? They openly stated that infant baptism was unbiblical, and that according to His Holy Word, repentance and belief and being born again spiritually~ or regenerated from above as the original Greek says~ by God's Spirit, is necessary before one can be baptized, and refused to agree with the Whore of Babylon's perversion of God's Words.
Their fate for so doing?
Torture and death.

Jn. 3:3, Acts 2:38.

Raven Nation| 7.7.11 @ 1:44PM

+ see my comment uplist about the Anabaptists & the Munster Rebellion.

W| 7.7.11 @ 3:10PM

CSMITH, are you anabaptist? The anabaptists were persecuted primarily by their fellow protestants, the German Lutherans who disagreed on various Bible interpretations.
The anabaptists took over the city of Munster in the 1500's and declared it the new jerusalem. They abolished money, polygamy was legalilzed, marriage was made compulsory for women. those who dissented faced execution. The occupation was ended by the German Lutherans.
see, Alister McGrath's history of Protestantism, titled Christianity'sDangerous Idea. He is Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford, and an expert on Protestant history.

C Smith| 7.8.11 @ 2:59AM

Yes, you are correct: the city of Munster was taken over in the 1500's and declared the New Jerusalem; polygamy was legalized; marriage was made compulsory for women; those who dissented faced execution; and the occupation was ended by German Lutherans and Catholics.

However, the greatest affliction of modern scholarship, regarding “Anabaptist” biography, is the animosity of those who recorded it. In the following post, I try to present a more accurate depiction of what occurred within the walled German city of Münster:

Wednesday, February 21, 2007
“The City of Zion”

These new believers did not forget their first love even as the Swabian League authorized a thousand horsemen to hunt down those whose only sword was the Word of God. But in their exuberance and lagging maturity of faith and weariness of persecution some trusted the untrustworthy to be shepherds of their souls: shepherds who forever blighted the name Anabaptist, first by spiritualizing His Word and then by making it say anything they wanted it to say.

Johann Matthiesen, a baker who inherited an Anabaptist following from his imprisoned predecessor, suddenly spiritualized that he was a latter day “Enoch,” the walled German city of Münster the “New Jerusalem,” and his followers the “Israel of God.” He instituted a variant of Old Testament “theocracy” and his prophets preached a New Testament “gospel” of apocalyptic signs and wonders. Those who valiantly contended that this was NOT of the Word or Spirit did not contend for long. Declaring from the pulpit that his City of God must be “cleansed,” he mandated the re-baptism of all and the execution of any who declined or opposed. Catholics and Lutherans fled, and on Easter Sunday some months later, the exiled Bishop of Münster advanced to retake the city. Matthys, now spiritualizing that he was a second “Gideon,” sallied forth with a band of thirty against a vastly superior Catholic and Protestant coalition in an attempt to bring in, by human effort, the Kingdom of God. His spiritualizing mania was perpetuated by his successor.Johann Bockholdt, a tailor's apprentice, renamed Münster “The City of Zion,” appointed Elders to judge “The Tribes of Israel” (Ältesten der Stämme Israels), and ascended the throne of his “forefather” David. He also mandated the transgression of some Old Testament patriarchs: polygamy. Perhaps the most regrettable circumstance of the Münster episode were the individuals caught up in it, the vast majority women. Most were modest and of godly virtue. And also a number of nuns, having endured the abuse of Romanism, had come to know the Lord. The One who takes sins of scarlet, making them as white as snow. How ironic to require these women, under penalty of death, to accept the polygamous propositions of any who would ask; Bockholdt asked 16. How poignantly contrary was Münster from that formerly prayed for and intended? Many fled the city, many others died trying. And perhaps it was God’s mercy that eventually allowed the Bishop to advance and reclaim the city, ending the depravity with two days of slaughter. How regrettable the faithful witness of so many before and after that brief episode will forever be tainted by the word Münster.

http://theisraelofgod.blogspot.....-zion.html

W| 7.8.11 @ 11:17AM

CSMITH, Was Janet Reno involved in Munster ?

Atheist| 7.8.11 @ 2:06PM

"Declaring from the pulpit that his City of God must be “cleansed,” he mandated the re-baptism of all and the execution of any who declined or opposed"
What part of the Bible allows the execution of a person who declines to be re-baptized?

Bill| 7.7.11 @ 10:17AM

Boyd said, "So if you kill someone you don't know from a different country, it’s murder, but if your president or king sanctions it, it's noble?"

Uh, yes, actually.

Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's; render unto God that which is God's." One would think that quote would answer the present critique of the Fourth of July from the religious Peanut Gallery.

David C| 7.8.11 @ 4:39AM

My God! Bill, what stupidity. And wicked stupidity at that.

Never heard that arguments from authority are invalid? Yet apparently God Almighty Himself never heard that, if you are to be believed.

So Christ was all for the so-called slaughter of the innocents just because a lawful king order it, eh?

Jesus' statement in regard to paying taxes -- a statement about knowing the difference between the worldly and the spirtitual has no bearing on the matter.

Please, people, tell me all religious folk here aren't this moronic. PLEASE!

Bill| 7.11.11 @ 10:43AM

I didn't say any of those things. Those are just the hyperbolic statements you choose to engage in for some partially-hidden reason.

Doctor Right| 7.7.11 @ 10:22AM

Liberals love to oversimplify things with cutesy-pie catch-phrases and slogans that are ultimately trite and meaningless; liberal Christians are no different.

Like non-religious Liberals, their knowledge base of the subject they speak about - in this case, scripture – is generally low. Sure, they can often quote chapter and verse, but if one fails to understand what that verse actually means, it's a futile exercise.

Liberal Christians look at scripture, and see Jesus as a socialist. That's really ALL you need to know to dismiss these people as complete fools, unworthy of the attention they receive for bashing God and Country on a repeated basis.

WeMustResist| 7.7.11 @ 10:48AM

"...the myth that Christianity was pacifistic until Constantine," That is a very silly myth because shepherds throw stones at dogs and wolves. Shepherds try to kill dogs and wolves by all means possible, in order to protect the sheep. The Good Shepherd, who gave up His own life for his sheep, never said that normal shepherds are unethical. There is no parable of the shepherd who let the wolf eat the sheep, so as not to resist an evil wolf. There is no parable that encourages leaders of society to be irresponsible. The mothers of Jerusalem were never told to neglect their children. The housholders were not told to leave the doors unlocked.

Louis Jenkins| 7.7.11 @ 10:57AM

So you've gathered on the Commons at Lexington to defend you liberty, and a shot is fired? Who was first killed? I believe there were about 15-16 wounded and killed. (They claim not to know who fired the shot that was heard around the world.) That's Patriots, not the Redcoats. An unjust war? It was afterwards that the Redcoats got their comeupance.

I'm fed up with liberal Christians who are apologetic concerning the Revolution. "If they must have war then let it begin here." It applies to this day and time as well. Sometimes you've been pushed as far as you can go.

Maddox| 7.7.11 @ 11:08AM

I can agree, in part, that the celebration was tarnished this year. I felt a lot of sadness for what we have lost, especially in the last year. American ideals and freedom are still worth fighting for and celebrating and those who disagree should try living somewhere else.

Ordinary Radical | 7.7.11 @ 11:46AM

The Fourth of July, A Global Persective....
www.ordinaryradical.blogspot.com

Purpleguy| 7.7.11 @ 12:59PM

What a bunch of hooey. The Left has it's wackos and the Right has this guy ... Separation of Church and State dictates that you can be patriotic and celebrate America's founding while at the same time giving God and Religion their due. They are not incompatible. Period.

Dave Williams| 7.7.11 @ 2:22PM

....oh, and you want i-t-s, not i-t-apostrophe-s, you dimwit leftist troll...

Purpleguy| 7.7.11 @ 4:39PM

Take your head out of your you-know-what and try and be civil sometime. Or have you not the intelligence to write any cogent, lucid social intercourse? Your obsession with calling names really is boring ... and a sign of your intelligence

Truth to Power| 7.7.11 @ 10:49PM

Dave was just helping with your grammar, dimwit.

skip| 7.8.11 @ 6:53PM

I cannot find this 'Separation of Church and State' that dictates anything, anywhere in the Constitution. Which Article and Section can I find this, or is it in the Preamble?

CalMark| 7.7.11 @ 1:14PM

All you "Americans" complaining about "unjust" America:

Leave. Get out of our country. We don't want you, and you won't be missed.

In other words, go find someplace you like better. The vast majority of Americans love this country the way it is. We shouldn't have to destroy it for the benefit of a bunch of hateful malcontents.

Purpleguy| 7.7.11 @ 4:43PM

Agreed - but who are you talking about?

Truth to Power| 7.7.11 @ 10:50PM

Check out the mirror.

play nice| 7.7.11 @ 2:15PM

I turn the other cheek when I reach for my back up.

David W| 7.7.11 @ 2:39PM

I wonder if WWII would also be considered unjust? After all, if we exclude the Pacific, did we not attack the Axis powers? Per Boyd and the other mental midgets we should have just told Dolf baby to come on over, is that what he is saying.

It is hard to understand such claptrap from these people. However, given that more of the mainstream demoninations (like the mainstream media) is not only tolerating homosexuality but actually embracing it doesn't surprise me.

Perhaps instead of considering them the religious left we should consider what they really represent (from "The Naked Communist, written in 1958):
#27 - Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch."
#31 - Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over.
#3 - Develop the illusion that total disarmament by the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.

I think instead of "pastor" Boyd maybe we could call him "comrade" Boyd.

Bill| 7.11.11 @ 10:42AM

Well, of course there WAS the Panay and the Reuben James, but no doubt they can safely be forgotten.

Alan Brooks| 7.7.11 @ 2:57PM

"civil rulers, unlike individuals, are vocationally ordained to routinely employ force, through police or military, in defense of justice."

You are being disingenuous: national interest, not justice, is the key.

Seek| 7.7.11 @ 3:07PM

There are people on the Old Right who also believe our colonists' Revolution against the British Crown was wrong-headed. It isn't just the Left that takes this view. See Gary North's recent piece in www.lewrockwell.com.

emo| 7.7.11 @ 5:09PM

because the United States has stood as a bulwark against collectivism for 200+ years, the left has taken a new tactic. Delegitimize the creation of the United States by saying the American Revolution was unjust.

Conservative Bob| 7.7.11 @ 5:21PM

A day is coming when we will have to learn to agree to disagree and celebrate our common heritage, interests and beliefs rather than focusing on our differences, or separate.

The fabric of this nation is being stretched to the breaking point. It is not enough that the left holds different views on issues than we do they must destroy that which they disagree with. They seek to crush that which does not conform to their world view.

Where in that, is the space for those of different views to exist?

Venerating our founding, practicing our faith, even holding our fundamental beliefs, is not tolerated and must be subjected to constant vile recrimination and attack.

We are fools, halfwits ignorant rubes, clingers, tea baggers, Nazis, racists because we disagree with someone’s governing policies, homophobes because we fail to embraces the wonders of the gay life style.

We are wrong in everything we do and believe.

We are reaching the point of no return… the few wish to dictate the beliefs and acceptable behaviors of the majority.

We are moving from soft tyranny into its more iron fisted cousin.

I will not be ruled I will not be a tax slave I will not surrender all I have ever believed to the avarice and decadence of the nihilistic left.

A point is coming soon beyond which I will not be pushed

Iron Sights| 7.7.11 @ 8:20PM

No Bob, the day is coming when Americans who love their country may have to, once again, protect it from subversive, domestic destruction.

Andrew B| 7.7.11 @ 5:45PM

I have to suppose that, if our Revolution was unjust, these liberal theologians considered British rule to be just. That being the case, they should be absolutely fine with soldiers be quartered in their homes without their consent, no right to vote in national elections and compulsory support for the Anglican Church.

Or do I miss some nuance of their thinking?

Conservative Bob| 7.7.11 @ 6:21PM

well said!

Randy in Tulsa | 7.7.11 @ 8:39PM

I am not a liberal Christian. My family and I attend an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, which is very conservative in its view of scripture (what it believes concerning God and the duty God requires of man). OP churches that I have attended do not have flags in the church, unlike most other evangelical churches that I attended. They don't glorify the civil government or its founding. OP churches would certainly endorse the biblical teaching that we should respect and pray and be thankful for our civil authorities. They also would teach that we should obey the civil authorities, as long as they do not compel us to violate God's law. Having said this, I do have questions about the legitimacy of the American revolution. From what I understand, the British were not requiring anyone in the colonies to disobey God or his moral law. The colonies were subject to the British crown at the time. Did the colonies have any biblical basis for revolt against the British authorities to whom they were subject? I think of David in the Bible. He had ample opportunity to revolt against (and at one point to even kill) King Saul, who had treated David much worse than the British crown treated the colonies pre-revolution. David refused to revolt, to take matters into his own hands, so to speak. Likewise, neither Jesus nor any of the Apostles ever recommended revolt against civil authority, even by slaves against masters. This is where the claim of being a "Christian nation" is problematic. If the founders rebelled against authority for no biblical reason, they very well could be considered to have violated God's law. Does that mean they weren't Christian at all? Of course not. Does that mean that the founders did not employ Christian principles in other instances? Of course not. If the revolution was unlawful in biblical terms, it may mean, however, that the claim of being founded as a Christian nation needs to be reevaluated.

TheRightIsAnythingBut| 7.7.11 @ 8:40PM

Well, that collection of comments from allegedly Leftist, allegedly Christian pontificators is just stupid. Just goes to show that stupid doesn't respect either end of the political spectrum, as noted later in the article by quoting Spivey as warning against nationalism slipping into idolatry.

I am intrigued, however, by the phrase "civil rulers, unlike individuals, are vocationally ordained to routinely employ force, through police or military, in defense of justice." That's more than just a little out of phase with reality. Or it's a really, really illegitimate use of the word "ordained." As for individuals, seems a lot of the chatter in favor of gun ownership and defending one's family and property seen on this site would seek a similar ordination. Can't see it either way.

TheRightIsAnythingBut| 7.7.11 @ 8:43PM

Why no, John M, Liberal and patriotic is not an oxymoron. Any more than Right and intelligent is an oxymoron.

I wave the flag and tear up at 4th of July parades as much as any of you and I resent the implication that because my beliefs differ from yours, that I am less a lover and supporter of my country than you.

Shame on you for such gutter, McCarthyesque sentiments.

Truth to Power| 7.7.11 @ 10:54PM

You are a Quaker, you don't do country in any meaningful way.

TheRightIsAnythingBut| 7.7.11 @ 11:29PM

Truth, first you misquote Franklin (and yes, I went back and read his autobiography). Then you have the audacity to accuse me of treason? Of lacking in patriotism because of my faith? Have you no sense of shame or proportion at all?

skip| 7.8.11 @ 6:55PM

Which author and title of Franklin's autobiography? Which chapter or page proves the misquote?

TheRightIsAnythingBut| 7.7.11 @ 8:54PM

Actually, I'm kinda dismayed that citing a few allegedly nutball Leftist clergy is cause for "Many on the Christian Left, supported by a growing chorus ..."

Seems like the brush took a stroke just a bit too wide. Seems that would be like someone citing Bachmann and Palin and Pawlenty as justification for "Many on the nutball Right ..."

POST American| 7.7.11 @ 10:36PM

" John Calvin was America's REAL founding
father."
-GEORGE BANCROFT
America's First Historian Emeritus
1830

Though George Washington was originally an
'on board' run of the mill FREEMASON, reports
of the advent of the Illuminati and their elite
agenda so alarmed him ---he insisted on and
became a baptised Calvinist Christian.

2 weeks later he suddenly and mysteriously
died.

Do Washington and our other founding father
homage by demanding to know the affiliations
of not just your church leaders, but your political
figures as well.

Included in that inventory of affiliation and
association would, of course, be the ever sinister
Rockefeller Foundation set up, Luciferian
backed (Lucis Trust) 'Council of 'Churches' '.

Cleaning out the churches, and bringing the
true nature of our political figures to light
would do wonders for turning this unspeakably
hideous Globalization-TREASON op around.

While there's NO Reagan, every one of us has
the power to get this ball rolling.

REALLY

bags| 7.8.11 @ 4:23AM

The Good Shepherd, who gave up His own life for his sheep, never said that normal shepherds are unethical.
http://www.ainibag.com

weddingdress | 7.8.11 @ 4:36AM

D. Singh| 7.8.11 @ 4:48AM

Sir

Excellent article by Mr Tooley.

The war was indeed just: tyranny must alaways be resisted.

Richard Baker| 7.8.11 @ 5:32PM

D. Singh:
I agree with you, totally. Looked up Sikhism and found this. Guru Gobind Singh Ji said, "It is right to use force as a last resort when all other peaceful means fail." Sounds like the same sentiment advocated by the US Founding Fathers who endlessly petitioned the English Crown for their rights as Englishmen. Revolution was the last resort.

Richard Baker| 7.8.11 @ 6:00PM

POST American:
When can you become an expatriate American? I'll provide a first class airfare to any country you wish to make expatriate active for you. Say the word. By the way, Washington died as a result of his getting soaked while riding his estate, which was normal for him, and becoming ill, as a result.

POST American| 7.9.11 @ 12:32AM

----TRUTH HURTS ----doesn't it.

Maybe you should put that money and time into finding out
what's actually going down.

In short, time to get stop basting your utterly
set up perceptions and programmed responses.

In short, time to be a man-----------------------

POST American| 7.9.11 @ 2:36AM

WE stand corrected on the given cause of
Washington's death (pnuemonia vs. heart attack).

----BUT!

The FACT that Washington did feel alarm at
the appearance of the poisonous, culture and
government subverting, (ie EUGENICS elitism)
Illuminati agenda ---

-------AND

--that he, perhaps sensing approaching death,
became an out n' out bapstized, admitted and
confirmed Calvinist ---REMAINS.

LIKEWISE---

"John Calvin was America's REAL founding
father---"

---TAKE HEED

the ever sinister, ever pervasive,
ultra-rich, TAX FREE Rockefeller cabal
has waged a long, deadly and quiet war to
suppress the truth of this history, and the
TRUTH of genuine scriptural Christianity
itself (thru the 'Counci of Churches' front op).

------------ALL this from a family of literal snake
oil salesmen!

Richard Baker| 7.9.11 @ 7:20PM

POST American:
Are you lucid? The whole world wonders.

POST America| 7.9.11 @ 11:32PM

Washington repudiated FREEMASONRY
in very deed, just weeks before his death.

Dying time is TRUTH time. Who will dispute?

Washington left a SIGN for us ----for
all time. SURELY, SURELY.

NOW, esp. in DC, or any other major city,
go to ANY bookstore
and try to find a single volume of Calvin
or ANY Calvinist.

----Then go to ANY Rockefeller infiltrated
and subverted front op 'church' and TRY to get the true,
unvarnished scriptural word of God.

Go on ----------------------------JUST TRY.

------TAX FREE snake oil salemen --and their 'hidden masters' setting the agenda for America, and the world ---this is the problem.

-------------TAKE HEED--------------

Washington was baptised!

Washington LIVES!

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