Commentary by Dr. Douglas F. Levesque, Founder of The Levesque Institute

I am often dismayed at the lack of public outcry and denouncement of evil by common folk. Such lamenting should not be reserved for courts and media alone. While liberals scream, “Save the whales!”, they often remain strangely silent on the useless and cold-blooded murder of yet to be born children. Conservatives are often the first to shout, “Off with his head!” before a fair hearing is complete. I am staunchly conservative and against abortion in any form, yet I am also against pre-meditated vengeful murder in any form. Murder is wrong! Killing of our fellow man should make us shudder. I will not be hypocritical in my silence or in my public denunciations. Abortion is murder! Also . . .

The murder of Dr. Tiller was wrong.

It is hard for most of America to “feel bad” for such a character. I admit my heart does not ache for Dr. Tiller the way it breaks for the victims of abortion. (In fact, I have had to actually work up any sorrow for him at all.) However, our sense of right and wrong must remain in tact. We must not become the monsters we oppose by delineating between the murder of a middle aged doctor, and an unseen infant. And yet, we must remain confident in the ways and means of God to dispense judgment.

The judgment of Dr. Tiller was complete.

While murder and judgment seem to go together, they are two different things. The ‘Tiller Killer’ will receive justice through courts and laws. Such enforcement is ordained in Scripture. But what of justice for the countless humans killed at the point of their own birth? Such a cold blooded killer for hire cannot and will not escape the just hand of God – in this life or the next. Allowing a long cruel bout with a debilitating disease, frustrating and sickening treatments, and dying a thousand painful deaths while losing all fortune and family would have been my choice for such a man. Then again, I am not God, and he did not die that way.

The repentance and reformation of Dr. Tiller would have been more desirable.

Dr. Tiller died in a few horror filled moments, after a reasonably long and experienced life – something he denied his own victims. What if he would have practiced a different form of medicine? Would his end have been different? We will never know. God reformed certain killers, like Moses or Paul, but the grace of God seemed absent from Dr. Tiller’s life. And now I imagine an eternity of torment in the hottest flames of hell for such a tyrant. Like Pharaoh, Nero, and Hitler, Tiller will forever be a bad guy, numbered among baby killers. His opportunity to change, to do right, to be saved, is over. Cold blooded, premeditated murder is wrong and will always be judged.

The legacy of Dr. Tiller will forever be bloody and despicable.

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” -Prophet Isaiah (5:20)

By James R. Patrick, Founder of The MacArthur Institute
Excerpted from the “Foundations of Liberty” Series

An Overview of “The New Deal”

“He has great imagination. . .  If he had been President at the time when the Treasury was overflowing, he would have gone down in history as the greatest builder since the world began,” so stated interior Secretary Harold L. Ickes in 1934 of Franklin D. Roosevelt. ¹

Former President Herbert Hoover did not agree.  He stated, “Along with currency manipulation, the New Deal introduced to America the spectacle of fascist dictation to business, labor, and agriculture.” ²

Curtis B. Dall, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s son-in-law, made these comments:

“Speaking politically, I regard Woodrow Wilson as a man who sold his soul to the internationalists’ program, to the One World Debt-Finance Forces, and thereby opened the first big holes in our Constitutional and financial “dikes.”  I regard Franklin Roosevelt, after 1932, as likewise selling his political soul to the same One-World, Internationalist Debt-Finance Forces and, under their coercion; he made larger the Woodrow Wilson “holes in the dike.” The net result, devoid of political and ideological fanfare, if such could ever happen, is obvious.  Both men failed in providing a sound leadership for America, but succeeded in furthering themselves and a pattern of policy which advanced various alien backed programs, our Foreign Policy.  This result was especially noticeable in respect to FDR as his health began to fail and his Advisers took over.” ³    

Adlai E. Stevenson said of Franklin Roosevelt:

The Democratic Party took over when the nation was almost in a state of receivership in 1933.  Fortunately, we had a great and revered leader, Franklin Roosevelt. Under his leadership the Democratic Party dedicated itself to improving opportunity and security for all citizens.” ⁴

Journalist H. L. Mencken provides us with a different slant.

“If [President Roosevelt] became convinced tomorrow that coming out for cannibalism would get him the votes he so sorely needs, he would begin fattening a missionary in the White House backyard come Wednesday.” ⁵

It is obvious that he, more than the average President, tended to bring raves of approval or highly critical remarks.  Roosevelt sent mixed signals.  It was hard to discern where he really stood and what he really believed.  To the casual listener, he seemed to be conservative in philosophy with a clear understanding of the Constitution, but if you listened closely to what he said, you would find his choice of words implied a belief that government needed to add just a little bit more to the kettle of freedom.

After carefully reading the measures passed into law (The Social Security Act), it is obvious that Franklin Roosevelt does not stand on par with the original intent of the Founding Fathers.  They envisioned a limited constitutional republic wherein the federal branch of government would be very limited in authority.  They envisioned federal union wherein the states would retain all powers not specifically granted to the federal branch.  The responsibility of the government was to provide for the people a shield of defense, but they were bringing about their own success.   

By contrast, President Roosevelt believed that the government best served the people when it assisted their efforts.  He saw the state as a benevolent helper, advisor, guide, or an overseer.  To him, the master planners were wiser in that they could direct the total program.  To accomplish that feat would require unlimited power and control over the national treasury-and that is the material of which despots are made. 

FDR’s First Inaugural Address

President Hoover, Mr. Chief Justice, my friends:

This is a day of national consecration, and I am certain that my fellow-Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our nation impels.

This is pre-eminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly.  Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today.  This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper.

So first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.

In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.  I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.

In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.  I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.

In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties.  They concern, thank God, only material things.  Values have shrunken to fantastic levels; taxes have risen; our ability to pay has fallen, government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income; the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone.

More important, a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence, and an equally great number toil with little return.  Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment.

Yet our distress comes from no failure of substance.  We are stricken by no plague of locusts.  Compared with the perils which our forefathers conquered, because they believed and were not afraid, we have still much to be thankful for.  Nature still offers her bounty, and human efforts have multiplied it.  Plenty is at our doorstep, but a generous use of it languishes in the very sight of the supply.

Primarily, this is because the rulers of the exchange of mankind’s goods have failed through their own stubbornness and their own incompetence, have admitted their failure and abdicated. Practices of the unscrupulous money changers stand indicted in the courts of public opinion, rejected by the hearts and minds of men.

True, they have tried, but their efforts have been cast in the pattern of an outworn tradition.  Faced by failure of credit, they have proposed only the lending of more money. 

Stripped of the lure of profit by which to induce our people to follow their false leadership, they have resorted to exhortations, pleading tearfully for restored confidence.  They know only the rules of a generation of self-seekers.

They have no vision, and when there is no vision the people perish.

The money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization.  We may now restore that temple to the ancient truths.

The measure of the restoration lies in the extent to which we apply social values more noble than mere monetary profit.

Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.

The joy and moral stimulation of work no longer must be forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits.  These dark days will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow-men.

Recognition of the falsity of material wealth as the standard of success goes hand in hand with abandonment of the false belief that public office and high political position are to be valued only by the standards of pride of place and personal profit; and there must be an end to a conduct in banking and in business which too often has given to a sacred trust the likeness of callous and selfish wrongdoing.

Small wonder that confidence languishes, for it thrives only on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection, on unselfish performance.  With them it cannot live.  [speech continues...]        

In the field of world policy, I would dedicate this nation to the policy of the good neighbor – the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others – the neighbor who respects his obligations and respects the sanctity of his agreements in and with a world of neighbors.

If I read the temper of our people correctly, we now realize as we have never before, our interdependence on each other; that we cannot merely take, but we must give as well; that if we are to go forward we must move as a trained and loyal army willing to sacrifice for the good of a common discipline, because without such discipline, no progress is made, no leadership becomes effective.

We are, I know, ready and willing to submit our lives and property to such discipline because it makes possible a leadership which aims at a larger good.

This I propose to offer, pledging that the larger purposes will bind upon us all as a sacred obligation with a unity of duty hitherto evoked only in time of armed strife.

With this pledge taken, I assume unhesitatingly the leadership of this great army of our people, dedicated to a disciplined attack upon our common problems.

Action in this image and to this end is feasible under the form of government which we have inherited from our ancestors.

Our Constitution is so simple and practical that it is possible always to meet extraordinary needs by changes to emphasis and arrangement without loss of essential form.

That is why our constitutional system has proved itself the most superbly enduring political mechanism the modern world has produced.  It has met every stress of vast expansion of territory, of foreign wars, of bitter internal strife, of world relations.

It is to be hoped that the normal balance of executive and legislative authority may be wholly adequate to meet the unprecedented task before us.  But it may be that an unprecedented demand and need for undelayed action may call for temporary departure from the normal balance of public procedure.

I am prepared under my constitutional duty to recommend the measures that a stricken nation in the midst of a stricken world may require.

These measures, or such other measures as the Congress may build out of its experience and wisdom, I shall seek, within my constitutional authority, to bring to speedy adoption.

But in the event that the Congress shall fail to take one of these two courses, and in the event that the national emergency is still critical, I shall not evade the clear course of duty that will then confront me.

I shall ask the Congress for the one remaining instrument to meet the crisis – broad executive power to wage a war against the emergency as great as the power that would be given me if we were in fact invaded by a foreign foe.

For the trust reposed in me I will return the courage and the devotion that befit the time.  I can do no less.

We face the arduous days that lie before us in the warm courage of national unity; with the clear consciousness of seeking old and precious moral values; with the clean satisfaction that comes from the stern performance of duty by old and young alike.

We aim at the assurance of a rounded and permanent national life.

We do not distrust the future of essential democracy.  The people of the United States have not failed.  In their need they have registered a mandate that they want direct, vigorous action.

They have asked for discipline and direction under leadership.  They have made me the present instrument of their wishes. In the spirit of the gift, I take it.

In this dedication of a nation we humbly ask the blessing of God.  May He protect each and every one of us!  May He guide me in the days to come.

(Editor’s Note: All underlined portions represent the “Bible-speak” then understood by a Biblically literate population.  Although Roosevelt represented a great shift left in American politics, even the left, were fully aware of his Scriptural references.  Too bad even the political right is devoid of such ‘Bible-speak’ today.  The greater population are in the dark regarding even a rudimentary understanding of the Bible.  The Bible Nation Society seeks to remedy this sad circumstance by an energetic advocacy.)

James R. Patrick founded the Victory Baptist Church in 1967 and the East Moline Christian School in 1978.  He is the Director of the MacArthur Institute which publishes the Foundation of Liberty Series, an extensive conservative curriculum for homes, schools and churches.  For more information or to order materials write to:

The MacArthur Institute,  900  46th Avenue,  East Moline, Illinois 61244-4406. 

Footnotes: 
1 The Secret Diary of Harold L. Ickes: The First Thousand Days, New York: Simon & Schuster, 1953, p. 206
2 Memoirs of Herbert Hoover, New York: Macmillan, 1951-1952, Vol. III, p. 408.
3  F.D.R.-My Exploited Father-in-Law, Curtis B. Dall, pp. 134-135.
4  Bert Cochran, Adelai Stevenson: Patrician among the Politicians, New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1969, p. 217.
5  Coley Taylor and Samuel Middlebrook, The Eagle Screams, New York: Macauley, 1936, p. 171.

By Dr. Douglas F. Levesque, Founder of The Levesque Institute

This regular feature in our magazine endorses the nation-state economic model as the Biblical framework for a nation’s foreign policy as opposed to the globalism and multi-culturalism espoused by so many today.  At least twelve economic factors seen in Scripture can also be seen in history and are applicable to modern decision making. These are excerpted from Dr. Levesque’s “The Design and Destiny of Nations.” 

Factor Four – Logistics

When a country identifies its national resources, it helps it to form an identity around that resource.  Think Texas oil or Maine lobster. Every nation has some golden commodity.  Some more or less than others.  This scale of resources is directly related to the scale of national prosperity.  Norway has mining and fishing, fjords and skiing.  Such a combination has produced a society keen on exploration and industrious trade.  This universal factor of logistics has its place among chief indicators of national contentment and success.

What a country lacks defines it as much as what they have in abundance.  Imperial Japan needed oil and rubber to fuel its industrial boom and military machine; therefore, it became aggressive toward the Indonesian resources.  Spanish explorers sought gold in the new world to fund its attempts at European dominance in the old.  Its mismanagement of the logistics resources led to its loss of both the new world and European influence.  Today oil is the gold, and natural gas the silver of the global market.  Countries rich in these commodities can use them to tyrannically frustrate the world or benevolently lead it into prosperity.  No nation is more  rich in diamond quantities and qualities than South Africa.  This factor alone makes it a dominant powerhouse on the African Continent; however, together with the Complexity of languages (Dutch, English, Swahili, etc.), unique borders (states within states) and location (Angola, Zimbabwe) this factor alone does not make a world power.

Strong legislatures, leaders and citizens should:   

     a.    Inventory and map its resources and determine its lack thereof.

     b.    Know what resources are renewable and which are not.  Some national guidelines should be drawn up and enforced concerning these resources.

     c.    In the private ownership and trade of these goods, reporting should be made.  There should be a sense of national pride.  Tax breaks should be considered in order to foster the keen development of these resources.

     d.    Trade alliances, embargoes and tariffs should be applied in order to further the citizenry not the government apparatus.

     e.    A secretary of resources should be developed in order to make the most of this factor.  This factor is best developed along with other factors.

     f.       When lacking certain resources, nations can and should attempt to maintain independence by using alternate resources.  (i.e.  no wood – use concrete)

     Great Britain was masterful in colonization and trade.  It became proficient in textiles like paper and wool, for which it traded with its colonies for sugar, tobacco and lumber.  However, heavy taxation on its colonies and heavy handed exploitation for profit of colonial resources bred discontent.  Colonies learned to value their own resources and in turn began to hold England up on its trade.  England learned that it was easier to trade with a country than a colony.  It was more expensive and less expedient to control countries than to trade commodities.

“And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.  The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;  And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.” - Genesis 2:10-12

By Dr. Douglas F. Levesque, Founder of The Levesque Institute

This regular feature in our magazine endorses the nation-state economic model as the Biblical framework for a nation’s foreign policy as opposed to the globalism and multi-culturalism espoused by so many today.  At least twelve economic factors seen in Scripture can also be seen in history and are applicable to modern decision making. These are excerpted from Dr. Levesque’s “The Design and Destiny of Nations.” 

Factor Three – Location

How does the sun set in your country?  What is your national pastime?  How is the maritime trade going?  The answer to these questions depends upon the precise placement of your homeland on the sphere of this earth.  The latitude and longitude of your borders will be a determining factor in its prosperity or its troubles.  An equatorial country is at all times closer to the sun, therefore warmer than other locations, giving way to tropical manners and custom.  A nation in equatorial Africa is by placement doomed to the constant threat of jungle disease, while Greenlanders simply worry about frostbite.  On the other hand, the African may, due to the climate, run about without a shirt and survive, while the Greenlander must wear several layers to survive. This location factor then must be examined, exploited, and complied with in order to insure a national success.

Poland has had the unfortunate location of being between Russia and Germany.  This difficult location means it does not have many national barriers as the landscape is very flat.  The agricultural valleys are quite productive, another location factor, and its sea coast offers some great ports.  All of these factors together make it an appetizing prospect for both Germany and Russia, who in turn worry about each other’s countries exploiting of these vulnerable borders.  Canada, on the other hand, is the beneficiary of a very good location. It is surrounded by three oceans, borders the United States, has access to the Australian and Asian ports, as well as the British and European ports. Canada is beautiful, diverse, prosperous and peaceful. 

   “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.  Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.” Psalm 48:1-2

There may be little that national leaders can do to change their location, but the location factor remains a giant in the path of their national prosperity.  Leaders should:

     a.  Have a firm grasp on the pros and cons of their global position.  Understand fully the failures and successes of other nations that share similar locations or have had their similar latitude or longitude.

     b.  Exploit strengths by turning them into national profit.  This should only be done to the benefit of the populace.

     c.  Ally with other nations that can make up for your location weaknesses.  (i.e. If no seaport, water source, etc.)

 If location predisposes the nation to neighborly conflict then a clear delineation of actions due to location should be determined.  Military alliance may become absolutely necessary. (i.e. The U.S. needs air bases in England, Italy, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia to project power.)

The narrow boot of land comprising Italy, home to the Roman Empire, could not sustain the populace or even the many legions.  Therefore, even Rome had to allow grand shipments of food as tribute from far away countries and so paid handsomely for what was loosely in their hands.  Consider Elisha’s observance of the good “situation” or placement of Jericho as well as its lack of a good water source.  Such “situation” was of divine origin and such problems (i.e. bad water) required divine help to overcome.  (II Kings 2:19-22)

By Dr. Douglas F. Levesque, Founder of The Levesque Institute

This regular feature in our magazine endorses the nation-state economic model as the Biblical framework for a nation’s foreign policy as opposed to the globalism and multi-culturalism espoused by so many today.  At least twelve economic factors seen in Scripture can also be seen in history and are applicable to modern decision making. These are excerpted from Dr. Levesque’s “The Design and Destiny of Nations.”

Factor Two-Lines

Psalm 74:14 “Thou hast set all the borders of the earth:”

The lines on the map tell us about the sovereign control a nation claims over its space.  This space well occupied and rightly exploited can allow a country to define itself, becoming prosperous or pitiful by virtue of its borders.

 Borders are rarely superficial but seem to be created by the hand of natural boundaries such as water or mountain ranges.  These boundaries place two or more countries apart from each other even though they are only inches apart.  Such lines are often scoffed at as artificial or spurious, but without them there are no nations.  The shape of earth itself directed the formation of nations by spilling people out along rivers and valleys, and dividing them by mountains and oceans.  When lines are not well defined, controlled and defended, they often are the reason for  conflict or war.  Properly governed, they become the very bond of friendships and alliances.

When a society united by language and boundaries is fully encapsulated it has tended to bring about a satisfaction of circumstances rather than a seeking of conquest.  For instance, where China’s borders are well defined (i.e. the Pacific ocean) it seems content to leave neighbors alone (i.e. Japan);  however, where there is common language (Taiwan) it becomes discontent with the separation.  Boundary lines then, rather than being touted as Machiavellian or barbaric, are the very factors that prevent aggressive behavior.  A nation then like New Zealand is clearly defined, at rest with its space and control thereof, and free to focus on prosperity whereas what was once Yugoslavia must be in constant turmoil by virtue of undefined spaces and blending of languages.

The thoughtful king or controlling body of any nation, therefore, must be considerate of the following applications of this factor:

    a.     Examine the national boundaries of your space and embrace them.  Exert your influence over the entire space.

     b.    Mark the lines physically with a road, fence, sign, flag, etc.  This does not imply isolation, but allows for a welcoming sense.

     c.    Where there are disputed lines, give and take.  Give liberally, but take unquestionable control once ownership is established.  Arbitration takes time but can produce great results.

     d.    Give a friendly hand and first rate status to neighbors and nearby nations.  Form coalitions in trade, defense, and culture.

    e.  Educate your citizenry of the geography.  Name mountains, rivers, forests, and valleys.  Develop that which the natural lines dictate (beaches, resorts border crossings, etc).

     f.       A vibrant border guard and regimen is not a sign of militancy but certainly does not allow the militant to view you as timid.

     g.    Immigration of labor should be controlled.  Foreigners desiring citizenship should have requirements such as language and loyalty.

Medieval Europe or Japan with their feudal systems fostered constant fear and regional warfare because of lack of leadership, cohesion, and defined lines of space.  North America has been relatively peaceful even though there are several nations with multiple states within them.  The American Civil War was fought over issues of slavery and states rights, but also included the question of “Was slavery to be included in the colonization of western space?”, and, “within what boundaries?”  West Virginia separated from Virginia and redefined its space.  That line has stood well ever since.

Should then Israel build a wall?  Or should U.S. enforce southern border control?  Trouble arises when there are no lines or the lines are not defined and controlled.  The Palestinian or Northern Mexican populations only grow more restless as they have no clear lines providing them with security and a future.

Scripture endorses borders and provides parameters for God’s blessing.

Psalm 147:14  “He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.”

Scripture also endorses the nation state and provides parameters for God’s judgment.

Jeremiah 25:32  “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.”

By Dr. Douglas F. Levesque, Founder of The Levesque Institute

Factor One – Language

“For then will I turn to the people a pure language,  that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.” (Zephaniah 3:9).

Understanding history begins not with the events themselves, but with the advent of a language that conveys events into words.  Poetry is speech aligned.  Wars begin and end with the proliferation of language. Even law is rhetorical.  All the technology in the world does not function without a unique vocabulary to sustain it.  Language separates us by light years from the animal kingdom, and allows us dominion over the moon and planets, mountains and poles.  Language then is a foundational factor to the success of a nation.

Consider that in any study of a nation, its official language or languages are always listed among its top facts.  The easy perusal of any nation in the Encyclopedia Britannica, CIA world fact book, or even Wikipedia will quickly identify that country’s principal language.  Of the thousands of languages spoken today, there are few that are blatantly dominant. The dominance of certain languages equates with the dominance of cultures.  In turn, these cultures appear to reign over nations.  Notice that the premier languages of the earth correlate directly with the premier national and cultural powers. Even religions seem to have a correspondence with language.

There is a noticeable alignment of the fact that America’s official language is English and that of her dominance in world affairs.  English is the one true global business language. Global business is fueled primarily by the American economy. The leadership of Wall Street and the dollar among trade and currencies illustrate the importance of language.  Also American diplomacy (language) is required to fund and focus the work of the UN.  America’s predominant religion is Evangelical Christianity (Protestants, Charismatics, and Baptists) which is broadcast around the world via satellite television.  America’s technology driven military is more powerful than ever but also more language dependent.  Military power, religion, business, and diplomacy are all the offspring of language.  As America is a superpower, so is her language.  Elements of her language include the predominate concepts such as liberty and free markets. This is no coincidence, but a proof of the universal factor of language as a natural success or failure indicator among nations. 

The thoughtful leader then determines to solidify language in his country by adopting the following measures:

a.         Determine the official language then unashamedly embrace it.

b.         Espouse a dictionary and grammar then properly use them.

c.         Disseminate the widespread and easy use of the language through education.

d.         Utilize modern means of communication such as TV, radio, signage, the internet, libraries, and mail by  post, using the official language.

e.         Make founding documents, constitutions, pledges, anthems and other important addresses in print and widely available.

f.            Make learning the language simple and promote it through your embassies and emissaries.

g.         Make citizenship equate with at least a rudimentary ability in the language – or mandatory training for immigrants. (See article “Language to be a test of Immigration” at www.biblenation.org)

If this task seems insurmountable then utilize an existing language that provides these features already.  It may be quicker to execute, more cost effective, and more profitable.  The Median King of the Persian Empire, Darius, utilized language to convey peace, goodwill, and the fear of a holy God to all the nations of the earth over 2600 years ago. (Daniel 6:25-27).  Such official use of language to convey a leader’s spiritual sentiments should not be frowned upon, but embraced.  Consider all the American presidents who have quoted the Bible.  They have used Scripture as the principle vehicle of language and communication because it is simply the most proven and effective tool to communicate to Americans.  Even God Himself used men’s heart languages in order to convince their hearts to trust Him on the day of Pentecost.  “…we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” (Acts 2:11).

By Dr. Douglas F. Levesque, Founder of The Levesque Institute

Nations—their leaders and citizens—can and should understand the factors that are integral to their country’s prosperity or demise.  Historical observation can give some insight as to the identity of these crucial factors.

Many political seers have endeavored to define which factors interplayed and finessed could determine national success, but have done so armed only with a humanistic foundation.

This treatise will seek to go one step further in the identification and application of these societal factors by adding Christian thought as disseminated from the canon of the Biblical Scriptures.

Such a premise as this goes beyond simply promoting the Judeo-Christian ethic or reeducating naysayers about a God-centered worldview.  But, in fact, is written precisely because the practical use of these definable factors is a useful tool to any culture, group, and societal leader—Christian or not. 

It is with an assurance that nations and their peoples can change for the better, that a systematic handbook of national principles applicable to any society or subset of population should be written and read.  Considering the state the world is in today with a great number of national failures at hand, it is time to offer another voice countering the narrow models afforded to emerging political leaders and decision makers from overconfident humanistic agencies such as the United Nations or European Union.  These impotent bodies are made up of well-meaning but misled individuals, diplomats, and bureaucrats, who press forward with ideologies learned from decades of robust globalist dogma and evangelism.  Entities such as the Council on Foreign Relations, Economist, and Carnegie Endowment, continue to lead nations astray by skewing the definitions of these critical factors and wrongly coaching their applications.  Their publications and platforms are certainly missing any Biblical perspective.

The consequences of ignorance in this matter of maintaining healthy nations will inevitably lead to regional aristocracies and a global dictatorship.  The good news is that these national factors well-learned and committed to, can and will bring about positive change.  Like gravity, these cultural phenomenon are a force for good when rightly applied.  One wonders if when presidents and kings pray for wisdom, God has not already granted it to them in the precepts of the Bible.  Its pages claim to hold the unique answers to the soul’s salvation.  Could it herald the provisions for national salvation as well?  A resounding yes is this author’s proposition. 

It is these twelve universal factors and their applications highlighted and defined from history, reason, and Scripture, that make up the “Design and Destiny of Nations.”

By Dr. Douglas Levesque, The Founder of The Levesque Institute

The Meaning of Public

What does the word ‘public’ in public education really mean?  If it means free access for children of American citizens, that’s great.  If it means free daytime childcare for illegal aliens then let’s redefine the word.  Or better yet, let’s get back to the original definition all together.

‘Public’ does not mean government interference into parental affairs.  It does not mean endless funding for poor production through federal, state and local taxes.  It does not mean tax funded unions can virtually dictate what is taught or not taught.  Lastly, it does not mean ’secular’ or without relation to faith and religion.

An Acceptable Term

There is nothing wrong with the term ‘public’ education if that education is funded locally, determined locally, reflects local values, and is free to pursue local will.  Federal and state mandates have gone wild, removing all local distinctions and thereby creating a Washington D.C. inspired, institutionally secular, anti-religious machine.  Students success is based upon establishing a utopian social standard rather that academic achievement.  ‘Public’ should not be equated to a government mandated or administrated superstructure.

A Better Model

‘Public’ can mean parental.  Parent initiated, parent inspired, parent involved education.   King Solomon wisely charged, “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:  For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.”  -Proverbs 1:8-9.  This ‘parental’ distinction is one that makes ‘private’ education perform better and produce a better product.

‘Public’ can mean performance.  Funding should based on performance, and so should opportunity.  Schools that perform well should be funded well.  This would motivate others to copy or compete for more funding based upon successful models and hard work rather than be funded by artificial mandates.  Students that perform well should get additional schooling.  Who say’s we should have 20 years of available daycare for every student, especially poorly performing students?  Eight years of acceptable performance can open the door to two more then two more.  Of course, special needs children are always the exception. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  -II Timothy 2:15.

‘Public’ should include ‘choice’.  Local peculiarities should be allowed to be included in public offerings.  Farming classes, particular ethnic histories, even Bible surveys should be reflected in that localities ‘public’ education.  Most communities (80%)  would choose to allow academic instruction regarding the Bible.  ‘Public’ education could then be defined by wisdom and knowledge rather that by pride or Washington D.C.’s so called false measurements of equality in the classroom standards.

By Jason Georges, Executive Director of The Bible Nation Society

(see Gallup Poll video at bottom of article)

Soon U.S. legislators will again consider the inclusion of “gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation” into current hate crime legislation.  This legislation while inconsequential to many Americans has the potential to affect large societal change.  According to a recent Gallup Poll the majority of Americans including self-identified Bible supporters are in favor of expanding current hate crimes legislation to now include “gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity.”  The inclusion of these terms creates new social groups in America on par with those identified by race, ethnicity, or sex.  Should voluntary lifestyle choices be placed on the same status as identifiers in which the individual has no choice?

Behavior a mark of character not genetics

The founders of this nation went to great lengths to protect the God given rights of “created individuals.”  The declaration of independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”  The founder’s intent was to insure that all men regardless of what physical characteristics they were created with would have opportunity to enjoy these rights.  A man should not be limited by his genetics, but be afforded opportunity to prosper based on his own actions.  The equality of the races and sexes has been a great hallmark of this country that was initiated at its founding.

However, while protecting the rights of the created man the founders also left that man free to live with the consequence of his behavior.  His behavior would determine his success and standing in society.  The ingenious hard-worker would thrive and the sluggard would starve.  Behavior is not the result of genetics but of willful choices made by an individual.  Did the founders intend to protect behavior or the created man?

Crime judged on action not motivation

The legal system specifies consequences for certain behaviors by an individual.  For instance if an individual commits the behavior of murder he is tried by his peers and sentenced according to his actions.  The law, particularly in the case of murder, does distinguish between behaviors committed in passion or pre-meditated, but if justice is truly blind should she concern herself with motive once it has been determined a crime has been committed?  Some might argue that a noble motive might warrant a lesser punishment, but if an action was warranted then it should not be seen as a crime, therefore not punished.  Why then is harming an individual because of there sexual orientation any different than any other reason people harm each other.  Crime is crime and should be punished for the action without prejudice of motive.

Equality ends where behavior begins

The founder’s belief that all men are created equal is a Biblical principle.  “….God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” Acts 10:34b-35 This explains that God judges the behaviors of a person not their genetic make-up.  At the heart of hate crime legislation is the attempt to force what many believe as unacceptable behaviors into the category of created equality.  It removes from society the ability to determine what is moral or immoral.  This issue begs the continual question of upon what foundation should a society build itself.  It is the Bible supporter that understands that a society built upon the principles of the Bible affords the most opportunity and protection to all, believer or non-believer.  Freedom is lost when government prevents society to pass it own moral judgment.