Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Indentured Servants in Early America
Suite101 American History Feature Writer John Crandall has written an interesting article on indentured servants in early colonial America. Surf on over and check it out.
I'm back
After a long hiatus, I am returning to moderate and regularly post articles to this blog site. To whoever is out there reading these articles...Please accept my apologies for the long absence. I'm back.
Monday, February 19, 2007
It's NOT Presidents Day
I received an electronic card from a friend today, wishing me a "Happy Presidents Day." The card's subtitle read: "A day which we honor all Presidents."
No...No...NO! There is no Presidents' Day, except in informal, albeit PERVASIVE culture-speak. The actual holiday is (and has been from the beginning) George Washington's Birthday, observed. We officially, though NOT in reality, honor only ONE President the third Monday in February.
Am I one of the only people that cares about this? Are there others who care about honoring the Father of our Country?
No...No...NO! There is no Presidents' Day, except in informal, albeit PERVASIVE culture-speak. The actual holiday is (and has been from the beginning) George Washington's Birthday, observed. We officially, though NOT in reality, honor only ONE President the third Monday in February.
Am I one of the only people that cares about this? Are there others who care about honoring the Father of our Country?
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
George Washington coming to Big Screen?
Will Hollywood bring the Father of our Country to the Big Screen? Follow the link above to read a review of the script that is currently in what Hollywood affectionately calls "Development Hell."
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
Did Washington Say "So Help me God"?
In a previous blog post, I noted that George Washington was the first President to add the words "so help me God" to the presidential oath. It has since come to my attention that this claim is hotly contested by some individuals in our society. Not surprisingly, those individuals tend to be those who object to religious references in the public square.
This is an odd objection, since no one contests the fact that George Washington took his oath on the Bible and made several references to God in his Inaugural Address. Her'e just one of those references:
"[I]t would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge."
Even if somehow Washington didn't add "so help me God" to the oath, it's plainly obvious that, in his Inaugural Address, he is publicly calling on God to assist him in executing his duties as the President. And, again, this is but one reference to God in the speech. There are others.
George Washington was a devout man of prayer and faith. Whether he was an evangelical Christian is open for further analysis and debate. The evidence on that is mixed. But Washington was most certainly a devout monotheist, who believed that the United States of America should indeed be under God.
This is an odd objection, since no one contests the fact that George Washington took his oath on the Bible and made several references to God in his Inaugural Address. Her'e just one of those references:
"[I]t would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge."
Even if somehow Washington didn't add "so help me God" to the oath, it's plainly obvious that, in his Inaugural Address, he is publicly calling on God to assist him in executing his duties as the President. And, again, this is but one reference to God in the speech. There are others.
George Washington was a devout man of prayer and faith. Whether he was an evangelical Christian is open for further analysis and debate. The evidence on that is mixed. But Washington was most certainly a devout monotheist, who believed that the United States of America should indeed be under God.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Leave of Absence
Due to a rather intense schedule right now w/ family, my ministry, and seminary, I will not be able to update this site for some time. Please check back in a couple months for further updates. I apologize for the inconvenience and want those of you who take the time to check out my humble blog on this very important part of our history.
I am continuing to update my new Suite101 site on Protestant Christianity. Check it out at...
http://protestantism.suite101.com/
I am continuing to update my new Suite101 site on Protestant Christianity. Check it out at...
http://protestantism.suite101.com/
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Valley Forge Getting an Upgrade
Looks like Valley Forge is getting an upgrade. Follow the link above to read all about it.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Joseph Ellis on the Founders
Historian and biographer Joseph Ellis explains why the Founding Fathers matter. Follow the link above to read the article.
Friday, September 22, 2006
George Washington Program - Oct 26
Interesting program coming on October 26. It's geared for students, but anyone can participate. Follow the link to learn more....
http://www.fcps.edu/fairfaxnetwork/washington/
...and don't forget to mark your calendar!
http://www.fcps.edu/fairfaxnetwork/washington/
...and don't forget to mark your calendar!
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Star-Spangled Banner Anniversary....Forgotten
Follow the above link to check out an article I wrote for AssociatedContent.com on the ignored and forgotten anniversary of our national anthem...
Monday, September 11, 2006
The Forgotten 9/11 Event
September 11, 1814 was pretty important to the folks living in the US back in that day. It should not be forgotten by subsequent generations...
The Battle of Plattsburgh- September 11, 1814 Victory on Lake Champlain
The Battle of Plattsburgh- September 11, 1814 Victory on Lake Champlain
Thursday, September 07, 2006
First Prayer of Continental Congress Remembered
This day marks the 232nd anniversary of the first official act of the first nationally elected assembly in American history. It was a prayer.
The First Continental Congress convened September 5, 1776, in response to Britain’s enactment of the Coercive Acts. Falling most heavily on Massachusetts, the Coercive Acts imposed martial law, outlawed town hall meetings (a sacred democratic tradition for New Englanders), and closed the port of Boston.
Shortly after they gathered in Philadelphia for the first time, Congress received word that Boston was under military attack. These reports later turned out to be an exaggeration, but they inspired a motion to invite a local Anglican minister to open their formal deliberations in prayer.
A few members objected, citing the diversity in religious faith. Underneath this opposition was increased distrust and hostility for the Church of England. Many Americans, in fact, blamed the Anglican Church for their problems with Britain. But Samuel Adams, a Bostonian widely regarded by historians today as the father of the American Revolution, protested that he was no “bigot” and that he would welcome a “prayer from any gentleman of piety and virtue who was at the same time a friend to his country.”
The First Continental Congress proceeded to invite the Reverend Jacob Duché, the rector of Christ Church in Philadelphia, an Anglican congregation. With that vote, the first national assembly in American history affirmed, on record, the propriety and importance of calling on God. In essence, the Continental Congress subordinated the American cause to God and paved the way for the thirteen colonies to become, as our Pledge declares, “one nation under God.”
Duché’s historic Scripture reading and prayer was a moving experience for the Congress. Several first-hand accounts of the event have the delegates fervently in prayer – many of them with tears streaming down their cheeks. John Adams wrote that “it was enough…to melt a heart of stone.”
Two hundred and thirty-two years have passed since this historic moment, and our Founding Fathers would certainly be appalled to see how thoroughly God and prayer have been driven from the public square. What would particularly incense them is how often their names and their legacy have been used to do it.
Consider Michael Newdow, who has sued to stop kids from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, so long as it invokes God. He’s also demanded that prayer at presidential inaugurations cease. According to Newdow, “When [the Constitution] was written, it was clear the founding fathers wanted the separation of church and state.”
Of course, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution follows Duché’s famous prayer by about 17 years. Nevertheless, many of the same men that prayed with Duché in 1774 voted for and campaigned for the First Amendment in 1791. That’s the very same First Amendment, which Newdow so brazenly holds up as proof that the Founders would have agreed with him.
What’s more, the very same Congress that sent the First Amendment to the states for ratification voted to hire chaplains at taxpayer expense for both houses of Congress. And George Washington, who supported the First Amendment, is the one who started the tradition of prayer at presidential inaugurations – as well as adding the words “so help me God” to the presidential oath and taking said oath on the Bible.
Certainly Benjamin Franklin would not have agreed with Newdow. Even before the First Amendment was conceived, Franklin publicly called for prayer at the Constitutional Convention. He reminded the delegates that “God governs in the affairs of men,” and warned that, without “His aid,” they were likely to suffer the same fate as the “Builders of Babel.” Franklin’s motion for beginning each day with a formal prayer was set aside, but the convention recessed for the purpose of worship and prayer. Moreover, Franklin’s suggestion for prayer was the catalyst for the First Congress hiring paid chaplains.
Contrary to Newdow’s claims, America’s Founding Fathers were explicit on the importance of God and religion in public life. Their deeds and their words prove this.
On this anniversary of that historic first congressional prayer, let us commit ourselves to making sure the United States of America remains as they would have it -- one nation under God.
Oh, I almost forgot. That prayer – the one by Duché – was offered in Jesus’ name.
The First Continental Congress convened September 5, 1776, in response to Britain’s enactment of the Coercive Acts. Falling most heavily on Massachusetts, the Coercive Acts imposed martial law, outlawed town hall meetings (a sacred democratic tradition for New Englanders), and closed the port of Boston.
Shortly after they gathered in Philadelphia for the first time, Congress received word that Boston was under military attack. These reports later turned out to be an exaggeration, but they inspired a motion to invite a local Anglican minister to open their formal deliberations in prayer.
A few members objected, citing the diversity in religious faith. Underneath this opposition was increased distrust and hostility for the Church of England. Many Americans, in fact, blamed the Anglican Church for their problems with Britain. But Samuel Adams, a Bostonian widely regarded by historians today as the father of the American Revolution, protested that he was no “bigot” and that he would welcome a “prayer from any gentleman of piety and virtue who was at the same time a friend to his country.”
The First Continental Congress proceeded to invite the Reverend Jacob Duché, the rector of Christ Church in Philadelphia, an Anglican congregation. With that vote, the first national assembly in American history affirmed, on record, the propriety and importance of calling on God. In essence, the Continental Congress subordinated the American cause to God and paved the way for the thirteen colonies to become, as our Pledge declares, “one nation under God.”
Duché’s historic Scripture reading and prayer was a moving experience for the Congress. Several first-hand accounts of the event have the delegates fervently in prayer – many of them with tears streaming down their cheeks. John Adams wrote that “it was enough…to melt a heart of stone.”
Two hundred and thirty-two years have passed since this historic moment, and our Founding Fathers would certainly be appalled to see how thoroughly God and prayer have been driven from the public square. What would particularly incense them is how often their names and their legacy have been used to do it.
Consider Michael Newdow, who has sued to stop kids from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, so long as it invokes God. He’s also demanded that prayer at presidential inaugurations cease. According to Newdow, “When [the Constitution] was written, it was clear the founding fathers wanted the separation of church and state.”
Of course, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution follows Duché’s famous prayer by about 17 years. Nevertheless, many of the same men that prayed with Duché in 1774 voted for and campaigned for the First Amendment in 1791. That’s the very same First Amendment, which Newdow so brazenly holds up as proof that the Founders would have agreed with him.
What’s more, the very same Congress that sent the First Amendment to the states for ratification voted to hire chaplains at taxpayer expense for both houses of Congress. And George Washington, who supported the First Amendment, is the one who started the tradition of prayer at presidential inaugurations – as well as adding the words “so help me God” to the presidential oath and taking said oath on the Bible.
Certainly Benjamin Franklin would not have agreed with Newdow. Even before the First Amendment was conceived, Franklin publicly called for prayer at the Constitutional Convention. He reminded the delegates that “God governs in the affairs of men,” and warned that, without “His aid,” they were likely to suffer the same fate as the “Builders of Babel.” Franklin’s motion for beginning each day with a formal prayer was set aside, but the convention recessed for the purpose of worship and prayer. Moreover, Franklin’s suggestion for prayer was the catalyst for the First Congress hiring paid chaplains.
Contrary to Newdow’s claims, America’s Founding Fathers were explicit on the importance of God and religion in public life. Their deeds and their words prove this.
On this anniversary of that historic first congressional prayer, let us commit ourselves to making sure the United States of America remains as they would have it -- one nation under God.
Oh, I almost forgot. That prayer – the one by Duché – was offered in Jesus’ name.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
New York Enjoys Revolutionary War Reenactment
A great story about a reenactment in New York City - the city that got away from GW in the war.
Revolutionary War Comes Alive in Re-Enactment - August 28, 2006 - The New York Sun
Revolutionary War Comes Alive in Re-Enactment - August 28, 2006 - The New York Sun
Monday, August 28, 2006
Test Your Knowledge of Early American History
Follow the link to test your knowledge of America's early years....
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
George Washington on the Big Screen?
For years, there has been a script floating around Hollywood with George Washington's name all over it. If made, the script would bring the Father of our Country to the Big Screen - for the first time, I believe, as the focal point.
Oliver Stone is interested and even attracted the attention of Robert Redford at one point.
Here's a 2003 article about the script. I haven't been able to find anything out about it recently.
If you have information on this or would just like to comment....feel free.
IGN: The Stax Report: Script Review of George Washington
Oliver Stone is interested and even attracted the attention of Robert Redford at one point.
Here's a 2003 article about the script. I haven't been able to find anything out about it recently.
If you have information on this or would just like to comment....feel free.
IGN: The Stax Report: Script Review of George Washington
Monday, August 21, 2006
John Adams Coming to HBO
David McCullough's bestseller John Adams is coming to HBO, with actor Paul Giamatti portraying the brilliant, vain, and often cantankerous Founding Father.
Paul Giamatti to Play John Adams in an HBO miniseries
Paul Giamatti to Play John Adams in an HBO miniseries
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Soldiers Descend on Yorktown....Again
Re-enactors of American and French soldiers from the American Revolution are marching toward Yorktown to pronounce the death blow on British General Lord Cornwallis.
Follow the link to read all about it...
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/dp-02347sy0aug19,0,793123.story?coll=dp-news-local-final
Follow the link to read all about it...
http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/dp-02347sy0aug19,0,793123.story?coll=dp-news-local-final
Thursday, August 17, 2006
eclipsemagazine.com - C.S.A. Writer/Director Kevin Willmott Talks About His Controversial Movie And Slavery! - Hollywood Insider - EM Channels
A new documentary advances the view that the Confederacy was "based on tenets proposed by [George] Washington and the other founding fathers of the United States." Do you agree?
eclipsemagazine.com - C.S.A. Writer/Director Kevin Willmott Talks About His Controversial Movie And Slavery! - Hollywood Insider - EM Channels: "I found it disturbing that the C.S.A. was actually based on tenets proposed by Washington and the other founding fathers of the United States"
eclipsemagazine.com - C.S.A. Writer/Director Kevin Willmott Talks About His Controversial Movie And Slavery! - Hollywood Insider - EM Channels: "I found it disturbing that the C.S.A. was actually based on tenets proposed by Washington and the other founding fathers of the United States"
Monday, August 14, 2006
Is the Declaration of Independence "Conservative"?
According to author and historian Thomas West, the Founding Fathers defined the United States of America as a philosophically conservative nation when they agreed to the Declaration of Independence. Is our founding document "conservative"? Read the article - and decide.
http://www.claremont.org/writings/960510west.html
http://www.claremont.org/writings/960510west.html
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