The term “Manifest Destiny” appeared in newspapers in 1845, on the eve of the Mexican-American War. Manifest Destiny was never a stated policy, but a motto for the deeply held conviction that our nation’s conquests were divinely sanctioned and honorable. Americans did not vanquish to conquer, only to bestow liberty and the blessings of our … Continue reading Manifest Destiny
America “the land of liberty” has become legendary. It began with the Puritans embarking on the long voyage to Massachusetts in search of religious freedom. The American political tradition, grounded in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, also teaches that a nation based on individual freedom, equality under the law, and the consent of … Continue reading Liberty and Justice for All
The Preamble of the Constitution declares who is enacting this new form of government—“We the People” of the United States. The Constitution is the possession of all inhabitants of the land, not the government, or any branch of it, or any political party. We, all of us, are stewards of the Constitution, and we remain … Continue reading We the People
At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the “Founding Fathers” of the United States designed a democracy for an entire nation. This was something altogether untried, with global consequences. The experiment proved both durable and flexible. The idea persists that the “Founding Fathers” were Christians, and therefore this is a “Christian nation.” Pastors and some politicians … Continue reading The Founding Fathers
The “noble savage” is a stock character in Western literature of the Romantic Period, the early 1800s. Primitive people were seen as good and moral, representing a harmony with nature that grasping, acquisitive Europeans longed for. At first, the races in North America traded and got along, but soon the natives were provoked to war. … Continue reading The Noble Savage (myths about American Indians)
Religion is famous for its ability to divide people. This can be quite painful, especially when it occurs within a family. Is it ever possible to set things right? Our message today will trace a personal journey with a surprising outcome and healing on all sides. The Zoom link and Order of Service will be … Continue reading A Religious Experience
National myths are inspiring stories about the past. Held in high esteem, they affirm commonly-held values. Does America have any myths? In truth, there are a number of very powerful ones. This morning, we will consider the earliest one, from 1630: “We shall be a city on a hill; the eyes of all people will … Continue reading City on a Hill
There is a deep human need that’s met when we feel deeply connected to something truly valuable. We need to feel needed and essential to something larger than ourselves that, itself, is essential to the world. We’ve all probably spent times in our lives struggling with wondering about our place in the world and where, … Continue reading The Silent Nest
