Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

July 9, 2008

John Adams acknowledged that his patriotic service was inspired by his family obligations. In a 1780 letter to his wife Abigail, Adams explained that he studied and practiced politics so that their children would be free to develop their God-given talents.

For Adams, a true patriot?s priorities are God, family, and country ? in that order.

In a Parade magazine essay published during Independence Day weekend, presumed Republican presidential nominee John McCain offered a different view:

?Patriotism is deeper than ? sentiments about place and kinship?. It is putting the country first, before party or personal ambition, before anything.?

Any worthy attachment that is elevated above one?s responsibility to God becomes a form of idolatry. Patriotism, the natural and indispensable attachment to one?s country, is particularly vulnerable in this respect, since it is easily corrupted into an unnatural and unhealthy loyalty to the State, which seeks constantly to destroy the family and usurp the sovereignty of God.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.