America, May God Thy Gold Refine
A Biblical Perspective on Forgetting History
by
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Fleeing persecution in Europe, the early American settlers were Christians who compared themselves with Ancient Israel. The Israelites left Egypt's oppression and persecution and passed through the Red Sea to eventually enter their Promised Land. Similarly, God had brought the early Americans out of persecution in Europe and across the great Atlantic to the New World. As the Israelites had received their moral and civil laws which distinguished them as a nation, so to the Americans had received their Constitution and founding documents, which would uniquely identify them as a nation unlike any other – a nation founded upon liberty and the rule of law. In fact, the responsibility for the design of our new nation's Great Seal was first given to Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who originally proposed that the Seal should illustrate the Exodus of Moses and the Israelites from Egypt.1 So how does America compare to that biblical definition of “greatness” in Deuteronomy? Is America truly a great nation? And if so, why? Is our nation’s “exceptionalism” to be traced to the emergence from the American revolution and then being founded upon a republican form of government resting on the principles of individual liberty, private property rights, and equal justice for all.1 Would it be the individual freedoms and opportunities afforded that would set the stage for the unprecedented levels of human achievement and prosperity? Or do we still have the faith and honesty to acknowledge that God is the ultimate source of our greatness and blessings? Do we need to be reminded of God’s words to the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land that they should not one day become proud and take credit to themselves for their prosperity but instead they should “Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
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About the Book
The goal of this book is to inform readers of the true history of Christianity's role and place in the founding and making of this great nation. This history and information can be found in other excellent books and works. But my goal is to marshal certain important historic facts and information into a readable book for families, parents and individuals who can not only learn and appreciate the true history and uniqueness of America, but who will also feel compelled to teach the next generation and pass this on. The book will present the historic truth about Christianity's role in our nation's founding, our founding fathers Christian faith, and God's providential interventions in America's war for independence.
About the Author
Reverend Charles A. Stakely, IV was born and raised in Alabama. He obtained a law degree from Cumberland School of Law and entered into the practice of law in Birmingham, Alabama. It was during this time in Birmingham when Charlie began discerning a call to the ministry. He eventually left the practice of law to attend Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. After marrying his wife of 30-years, Winter, in 1992, Charlie served as a missionary in Japan, pastored a church in Montgomery, Alabama, and planted a church in Evans, Georgia, where he remained the Senior Pastor for 23 years. Charlie had long harbored a deep appreciation for the United States of America and its rich past. His love of history, passed down from his father, and his love for God and his country collided with his legal and divinity training, and as a result, this book was born. In the spare time he could find while pastoring a church plant, forming a school, and raising a family, Charlie dedicated countless hours over several years to this plea to America to remember its fortuitous history. Unfortunately, Charlie passed away in July of 2023. His family discovered this book in its mostly completed form and hopes that the messages about this country and its rich, Christian history will touch the hearts of you as warmly as it did them. Please keep in mind that this book was written over a span of several years. Thus, some references to current affairs or issues might not be as current as Charlie initially intended, and certain sections might appear not seem fully complete. Nonetheless, we believe the stories and truths in the following pages are timeless, and we hope you enjoy this book as much as we have.