http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2008/01/19/religion/dpt-intheory12.txt

 

 

http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2008/04/03/religion/dpt-spiritualguidance03292008.txt

 

 

http://www.templeisaiahoc.org/

(...as published in the Daily Pilot)

 

 

IN THEORY:
Should motto appear in public?

 

[Published: Friday, April 18, 2008 10:17 PM PDT]

 

 

Daily Pilot: "Huntington Beach City Council members recently took a step toward displaying the expression "In God We Trust" in the council chambers. "When I see 'In God We Trust,' for me personally it's a religious statement," Councilwoman Jill Hardy said. "I don't hear the words 'United States of America.' Why not post 'Proud to be an American?' If that's really the goal, shouldn't we say what we mean?" But Councilman Joe Carchio said, "I think you're kind of reading too much into this religion thing. It doesn't make any difference if it says God or it doesn't say God It's the motto of the nation." What do you think of the decision?"

 

 

Pastor Tomlinson: I support the Huntington Beach Council's decision. The surprising thing is that this is a divisive issue, one indicating that we as a nation have lost our way.

 

The founding fathers understood that America was founded as a Christian nation, not as a pluralistic society that considered all religions, or no religion, as acceptable for our national position. They guaranteed us freedom of religion, but that is a far cry from outlawing religious expression in public. Thomas Jefferson made a profound statement, which is inscribed on his memorial: "God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?"

 

This conviction that America should "Trust In God" was a generally held belief among the rank-and-file citizens until recently. Noah Webster wrote this in the preface of his original edition of his dictionary: "The Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed."

 

I agree with the City Council's decision to display the words: "In God We Trust." They do not infringe on a person's right to define that God according to the dictates of his or her own conscience, including trusting no God at all. Let's display the nation's motto. My prayer is that we all would actually try and practice it!

 

 

Pastor Dwight Tomlinson

 

Liberty Baptist Church

 

Newport Beach

 

(more articles)