We need to find Christian roots

To the editor:

When Americans reflect on the efforts to bring forth a more perfect union, we ought to read "Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville, 19th century French philosopher, who came to America in 1830s to discover the reasons for the success of this new nation. A sample:

"There is no country in the world where the Christian religion retains a greater influence over the souls of men than in America; and there can be no greater proof of its utility and of its own conformity to human nature than its influence is powerfully felt over the most enlightened and free nation on Earth. I looked for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors, ... in her fertile fields and boundless forests, in her rich mines and vast world commerce, in her public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless constitution. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand that the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

We must call upon those who fill the pulpits of our churches to seek the rekindling of the fervor of the Christian faith.

The flame of freedom cannot long endure in a nation that divorces itself from the God who gave us that freedom.

RAY EPPS

Jackson