Principles that guided the Founding Fathers

[airdvr 210]

I've been reading The 5000 Year Leap. Good read about the principles that guided the writing of the Constitution.

Principle 1 - The only reliable basis for sound government and just human relations is Natural Law.

Natural law is God's law. There are certain laws which govern the entire universe, and just as Thomas Jefferson said in the Declaration of Independence, there are laws which govern in the affairs of men which are "the laws of nature and of nature's God."

A good place to start no? By today's standards this is inflammatory. But I doubt there can be disagreement that it was a guiding principle. For the record I'm not very religious. Rox calls me a ChrEaster.

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[quade 4]

You, or possibly the person you're quoting, have taken the words somewhat out of context.

Here's the full quote;

Quote

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

In other words, the reason they're leaving has little to do with seeking "god" but rather they're fed up with England and specifically the King who rules through (according to him) divine providence bestowed by "god." That is why the word "Nature's" is used as a modifier so as to very clearly distinguish it from "England's" god by way claimed by the king.

Read the entire text of the document and it's completely clear that the founding fathers of the US were not concerned at all about "god" but rather just becoming free of the king's rule.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Capt.Slog 0]

The more we learn of nature's laws, the less we need to invoke intervention by supernatural beings to explain things.

[airdvr 210]

Quote

Read the entire text of the document and it's completely clear that the founding fathers of the US were not concerned at all about "god" but rather just becoming free of the king's rule.

Maybe. Who is the Creator then?

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[quade 4]

Again, the word "Creator" is being used to distinguish between the authority of the king of England and virtually anything else. By using that word, they cut the king's authority and claim to rule over them by god's will. ANY time you have a ruler that claims the authority of god, you have a serious problem.

I really want you to read the entire document and notice what they are really complaining about. It's NOT about religion at all. It's ALL about how the king is being oppressive with laws, taxes and military force.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[lawrocket 3]

The principles? From my extensive readings, the principles were that:
1) government is necessary;
2) Government should be by consent of he governed to prevent despotism;
3) government should be run by the governed;
4) because ssues in one place are not necessarily issues of another local government is superior;
5) Federal government should govern between localities and with foreign powers.
6) Above all, federal government shall be limited, thus to allow each locality to do what they what, puruant to Nos. 2 and 4 above.
7) A little revolution is a good thing.

My wife is hotter than your wife.

[quade 4]

Oh, you forgot one more;
I came here to make money and I'd like to keep it!

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[lawrocket 3]

You're right. I'l narrow it down, then:

"Mind your own business, unless it's to make a buck."

My wife is hotter than your wife.