A “Religious Nutcase”

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.  Proverbs 14:34 (ESV)

Let us suppose for a moment, that I were to write a letter to

every major newspaper in America saying the following:

“I think it should be considered extremely odd if, the elected officials

of the United States of America, in obedience to having been called

to serve by the people through their election, did not make it their

first official act to genuinely ask Almighty God, Who rules over the

entire universe and holds the supreme position of authority over all

governments and Whose merciful help heals every human short-coming,

should humbly ask for His help, guidance, and blessing to declare sacred

the freedoms and happiness of the people of the United States, who

have instituted a government by and for themselves for these essential

purposes: that God would enable everyone involved in managing

that government to effectively carry out their duties. Offering this

demonstration of respect and obedience to the God Who graciously

gives us every public and private good is something I’m sure you feel as

strongly about as I do, perhaps more so—and certainly not less than our

fellow citizens. Surely, no people can be obligated to adore the hand of

God, which directs the course of all people, more than the people of the

United States.”

No doubt I would be labeled a “religious nutcase” and many

Letters to the Editor would be printed wagging fingers at me

about the “separation of church and state.”

The thing is, what I just wrote is my version of this:

“Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the

public summons, repaired to the present station; it would be peculiarly

improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that

Almighty Being Who rules over the Universe, Who presides in the Councils

of Nations, and Whose providential aids can supply every human defect,

that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the

People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for

these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed

in its administration to execute with success, the functions allotted to

his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public

and private good I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not

less than my own; nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than

either. No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible

hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the 

United States.”

The above is a direct quote from the National Archives and

Records Administration of George Washington’s First

Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789.

At the very top of the Washington Monument, 555 feet

above the ground and overlooking the 69 square miles of

Washington, D.C., there is an inscription facing east. It reads

LAUS DEO

Latin for “Praise be to God.”

Psalm 106:47 (ESV)