The Disappearance of ‘Under God’
In the days and weeks after 9/11, one could hear or see the words “God bless America” almost everywhere. And yet in the years since 9/11, the words “God” and “Under God” have increasingly been under attack or, worse, hidden away from American culture. It was not long after 9/11 that a case arose challenging the words “under God,” in the pledges of Allegiance. A federal judge in California ruled that the words “under God” in such a pledge were unconstitutional.
In more recent days, other controversies rose around the same issue. The president was addressing a Congressional Caucus and quoted from the Declaration of Independence. He stated
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men
are created equal, that all men are created equal,
endowed with certain inalienable rights: life liberty
and the pursuit of happiness.”
It sounded right – except for one thing – something had been taken out. Here is the actual text of the Declaration of Independence with the missing words restored in bold:
“….that all men are created equal, that they are en-
owed by their Creator with certain inalienable
rights: life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Recently it was noted that a pamphlet distributed by the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy, a pamphlet that included the text of the Gettysburg Address. The text of Lincoln’s famous words read:
“… …that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom…”
One problem… they had removed two words. The text to Lincoln’s actual address reads:
“… that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom…”
The words “under God” had now been omitted, in a written text, and in a text that was to be the reproduction of Lincoln’s address, word for word. Could all this have been an accident? It’s unlikely. The words of both documents are too famous too allow for that, and too central to American history, to give room for an extreme carelessness in reproduction.
For whatever reason, every word was faithfully transmitted except the words “God” or “under God,’ both of which were expunged. And for whatever the reason or intent, I believe the removal was very significant.
We are witnessing the rapid slight of American and western civilization away from God, away from its Judeo-Christian foundation, and away from God’s word and ways. And it’s not only the word “God” – but the words “under God” which are under attack. That’s also very significant – It’s a sign of a nation removing itself from any accountability, any responsibility, and any relationship to God or His Word.
What does that mean for you? In a day and age when “under God” is disappearing from national consciousness, you, as an end-time believer, must all the more live your life strong, decidedly, and visibly “under God.” In other words, in everything you do, live accountable, responsible, subject, and submitted to God. And especially now, in a time and place increasingly not “under God” – you, all the more, live an “under God” life… starting today.
Make this a month of putting everything under God… and you will be blessed!
Your brother and co-laborer in His love
Jonathan
