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Quick Bytes
- Deacon Keith A Fournier reflects on the significance of Independence Day and the Declaration of Independence.
- The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the role of Divine Providence in America’s founding.
- It calls for a renewed commitment to the principles of liberty and justice that the nation was built upon.
Reflecting on Liberty: Independence Day’s Deeper Meaning
As the United States celebrates Independence Day, Deacon Keith A Fournier invites Americans to ponder the profound significance of the Declaration of Independence and the nation’s founding principles.
On July 4th, Americans across the country will engage in festivities, from fireworks to family gatherings, to honor the nation’s birth and the values it stands for. The Declaration of Independence, described as the nation’s birth certificate, is not just a historical document but a testament to the enduring truths of equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These principles have not only shaped American history but have also inspired global movements for freedom and justice.
Fournier’s message is a call to action, urging citizens to remember the sacrifices made for these ideals and to recognize that the founders did not seek independence from divine guidance but rather affirmed it as the foundation of their governance. He stresses that the Declaration’s principles are not mere political tools but are rooted in a higher truth that should continue to guide the nation.
The article serves as a reminder that Independence Day is more than a celebration; it’s a day to recommit to the principles of liberty and to ensure that the promise of America continues to shine for future generations.
Read the full article on Catholic Online
Image Credits
- Getty Images: Fireworks celebrating Independence Day.
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Quick Bytes
- Jefferson and other founders recognized unalienable rights as gifts from the Creator.
- Charles Carroll, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration, faced religious restrictions.
- The article questions the nation’s adherence to the Declaration’s principles today.
- It emphasizes the importance of Natural Moral Law and dependence on God for liberty.
Reflecting on the Foundations of American Liberty
The article delves into the philosophical underpinnings of American independence, highlighting the founders’ belief in unalienable rights endowed by a Creator and discernible through Natural Law.
While not all founders were traditionally Christian, figures like Thomas Jefferson, despite his complex religious views, understood that liberties are not granted by the government but are inherent gifts from God. Jefferson’s words, inscribed at his memorial, question the security of liberties without the acknowledgment of their divine origin. The article also honors Charles Carroll, the sole Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, who faced religious discrimination yet stood firm in his commitment to the nation’s founding principles.
The author challenges contemporary America’s fidelity to these principles, especially in light of issues like abortion and the Supreme Court’s decisions on marriage, suggesting that such stances undermine the Declaration’s assertion of the right to life and the Natural Moral Law. The piece argues that marriage and family, as fundamental societal units, should adhere to natural law, not be redefined by judicial overreach.
On Independence Day, the article calls for a reaffirmation of dependence on God and a commitment to the Declaration’s ideals. It concludes with a personal reflection on celebrating the nation’s promise and a call to action to uphold the true meaning of the founders’ vision for liberty and justice.
