In today’s conclusion to our devotional series, on God Bless America, we will continue to share more exciting stories of just how America’s foundation and the Bible were intricately connected.
Education And The Bible
In a land where so much emphasis is placed on status symbols, it is not surprising that when you mention that you are a Harvard, Yale or Princeton graduate, you command an immediate air of respect. But what is surprising is that when you look at the origins of these three schools, you find that the Bible was their cornerstone.
Back in 1636, Harvard was founded. Part of the “Rules and Precepts” adopted in 1646 contained the following:
“Every one shall consider the main end of his life and studies to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life.
“Seeing the Lord giveth wisdom, every one shall seriously by prayer in secret seek wisdom of Him.
“Every one shall so exercise himself in reading the Scriptures twice a day that they be ready to give an account of their proficiency therein, both in theoretical observations of languages and logic and in practical and spiritual truths…”1
Likewise, Princeton and Yale were founded on the belief that the Bible was the key to higher education and that without its study a student would in no way be equipped to face the challenges ahead of him. Down through the decades (Princeton and Yale were founded in 1746 and 1701 respectively), the Bible became less and less a foundation in the curriculum of these schools. However, the great influence Ivy League graduates of these schools had in molding our nation in its early beginnings and throughout the 1800’s is undeniably part of their great legacy to us today.
As pervasive as the Holy Scriptures were in educating those who attended our great universities, its influence on American children was equally profound. While it is true that many children during the 1700’s and 1800’s never really received a formal education, learning to read was considered a proud privilege. And one of the key reasons why parents wanted their children to learn to read was so that they could read the Bible.
In both higher and lower education, the Bible stood alone as both a cornerstone and status symbol. It also proved to be a great comforter in the harsh realities of life in colonial as well as post-revolutionary society. For you see, the story of America is to a large extent the story of the Word of God. Minds trained in the Scriptures were minds destined to propel our country on to greatness.
The Lost Book
Mention the Word “Bible” today and be assured that many people will have little interest in it. Not only will they have little interest in it, but you probably will make many of them uncomfortable. And on top of that, tell them that you read it, and notice that you begin to get strange looks.
While it is sad how the most revered and treasured book of our forefathers, our prestigious universities and our great beginnings has fallen into such disuse, we still can see vestiges of its influence rippling throughout the fabric of our land.
Many of our lower-level schools still talk about God every day when they recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag:
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
We sing our National Anthem – “The Star-Spangled Banner” – at every baseball, football, basketball and hockey game. Few people, however, know that right in the middle of the fourth stanza is the phrase: “Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto, “In God is our trust.”2
It is interesting to note how one part of our government, the United States Supreme Court, has ruled prayer in our schools unconstitutional, while another part, the United States Senate and House of Representatives, begin every session with prayer.
While Washington, D.C., has basically legislated God out of the schools, her very own buildings and monuments are so full of references to God and verses from the Bible that you have to wonder what is going on. As an example, consider the following:
• Engraved on the metal cap at the top of the Washington Monument are the words: “Praise be to God.”
• On the walls of the Library of Congress can be found many Bible verses; one such says: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
• Right above the head of the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court are the Ten Commandments, protected by the American eagle.
The great walls of our most influential as well as revered buildings in our Capitol city are like great canvases where a vast collection of scriptural quotations are displayed.
Congressional Prayer Room
Few people know that near the Rotunda of the United States Capitol there is a room set apart for prayer. This special room was established by Congress in 1954. According to the Office of the Chaplain of the US House of Representatives: “Its only purpose is to provide a quiet place where individual Representatives and Senators may withdraw to seek Divine strength and guidance, both in public affairs and in their own personal lives.”3
In addition, the Office of the Chaplain website shares: “The room’s inspirational lift comes from the stained glass window with George Washington kneeling in prayer as the focal point. Surrounding him are the words from Psalm 16:1, ‘Preserve me, O God, for in thee do I put my trust.’ Above him are the words from Lincoln’s Gettysburg address: “This Nation Under God.’”4
Perhaps if this room were used more often, the intense partisan politics that characterize much of what goes on in Congress today could change and usher in a new era of civility and agreement.
Conclusion
In closing, in most American homes, God’s Holy Word remains wholly unopened. It may maintain a place in your bookcase or on your mantle, but not in your heart, mind or thoughts. As such, it remains a treasure house of knowledge and wisdom untapped, a great journey into the fabulous history of our ancient world unexplored, and perhaps the key reason why we enjoy such great freedom today, unrealized. My friends, this book may just be the best-kept secret in our country.
1 The Rebirth of America (Philadelphia: Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, 1986), p. 41.
2 “The Star Spangled Banner,” by Francis Scott Key, The World Almanac & Book of Facts (New York: Newspaper Enterprise Association, Inc.,1978), p. 477.
3 Congressional Prayer Room, Office of the Chaplain (house.gov)
4 Congressional Prayer Room, Office of the Chaplain (house.gov)