Our nation's Christian heritage

Sunday we celebrated the 234th anniversary of our republic, a nation conceived by honorable, and for the most part, God-fearing Christians. For the first time in history a nation was built based on the equality of all men and the inherent worth and dignity of all its citizens. We rejected kings and the blooded aristocracy. We believed all men to be born free. Our only restriction was the fear of God and adherence to his law as prescribed in Holy Scripture.

Did God really have a hand in the creation of our country? Consider this: Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and the author of the Declaration of Independence, and John Adams, our second president and greatest advocate in persuading Congress to adopt the Declaration of Independence, both died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration, July 4, 1826. In addition to this, James Monroe, the fifth president and last Founding Father of the United States, also died on the birthday of our country, July 4, 1831. Is this all merely coincidence? I hardly think so. It is clearly the hand of Divine Providence.

Our republic and its Christian heritage are clearly worth preserving. We must contend for the faith and speak to our nation and its leaders lest this precious heritage be taken from us.

ALBERT ZIMMER, Patton, Mo.