The RenewaNation Review 2015 Volume 7 Issue 2 | Page 21

AMERICA’S HERITAGE By Tim Throckmorton N OTHING SEEMS TO INCITE more controversy these days than the phrase “Christian Nation.” In fact, I have seen folks with swelled veins and clenched fists who refuse to believe it’s so. Now before the lawyers get too antsy and the charges are filed, allow me to take a few minutes and explain from history the basis of my comments. This is American history mind you, that was at one time taught in schools from Sea to Shining Sea. These are simply recorded facts; you are free to do with them as you will. But you cannot deny the truth these historical accounts reveal.   The hardy souls who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 fled from tyranny and oppression. And in the Mayflow- er Compact, which they signed beneath the swinging lantern in the cabin of their ship, they proclaimed that they had come to the new world for “the glorie of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.” In 1643, as more and more people arrived on these shores, they joined together to form “The New England Confedera- tion.” They wrote a constitution, the first constitution written in the New World, and it began with these words: “Whereas we all came into these parts with one and the same end and aim, namely to advance the king- dom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the liberties of the gospel in purity and peace...”   But as time passed, and the original settlers died off, many of their descendants were more concerned with increasing their wealth and comfortable living than being faithful to God and His Word. Then England began a program of emptying its prisons by making it possible for prisoners to come to the New World and the spiritual atmosphere deteriorated rapidly. Churches were dying, and many of them that had once sought religious freedom for themselves were now being intolerant of others. It was during this time that some went off in strange spiritual directions. For example, in 21