LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES AND AMERICA'S FOUNDING FATHERS

To the Editor:

America was founded by evangelical Christians who held strong convictions that the principles of Christianity were essential to effective government. These principles were also the basis on which the educational system in America was established. Indeed, our Founding Fathers delivered to us a system of government that has been remarkably successful for over 200 years. For 160 years, Christian principles were officially and legally inseparable from public affairs. Yet, it is clear that in recent years, our court system and legislators have strayed from those principles.

The removal of school prayer in 1962 marked the turning point in America's decline from our moral and religious roots. The Supreme Court at that time separated religious principles from public affairs ... the so-called "separation of church and state". However, the first amendment never intended to separate Christian principles from government. That wall of separation was a one-directional wall ... the intent being to keep the government from running the church while at the same time ensuring that Christian principles would always remain in government. George Washington said, "Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

As a nation we need to restore those fundamental principles that made America great. A fresh look at the beliefs of our Founding Fathers will reveal a stark contrast between present practice and historical intent.

If you are interested in a brief history lesson on the beliefs of our Founding Fathers and what can be done to return America to it's original guiding philosophy, be sure to watch "America's Godly Heritage" on ACT-45, Saturday, March 26 at 9 p.m., or on Public Access Channel 5, Monday, March 28 at 7 p.m.

CINDY OLSON

Cape Girardeau