TheTimesTribune.com, Corbin, KY

Editorials

Related Photos

  • John Burkhart

    John Burkhart.jpg

Discussion

December 10, 2012

Keeping American by keeping God

The Times-Tribune

CORBIN — Ten percent of Americans are atheists. The remaining 90 percent  claim a belief in God. This dominance of belief has proliferated the legal structure of the country from its inception. Such faith identified America as a place that has offered equal status and rights to all its citizens regardless of religious orientation or the absence thereof.

We are a pluralistic society representing every human variable found throughout the world; a melting pot of all peoples. America stands as a miraculous marvel of unity before the world.

May our long-standing commitment to be a united diversified people (“ex-pluribus Unum’’– one from many) continue to enhance the greatness of this country; ever open to accommodate each other.

Having said all this it is important to note that America has only a remnant of its godliness. In its place, secularism flourishes — a growing majority of Americans (60 percent) who believe in an abstract, distant, and mysterious deity with whom we can have little understanding or relationship; Americans who believe America should be run independent of any religious influence; Americans whose belief in God (and his revelation-the Bible) is so faint and diffused they have little interest in prayer or worship.

It is further conspicuous to me that if those of us who are God-believing Americans would ecumenically unite (practice what we preach), this rapid erosion of America’s spiritual foundation would cease. A solidarity of all Christians — Catholics, Protestants, evangelicals and fundamentalists — along with all non-Christian worshippers – Jews, Muslims and Hindus —  would securely affirm American’s “one nation under God.”

“How good and pleasant it is when people live together in unity… for there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” [Psalm 133: 1-3]

Overlooking America’s history of unity as an exclusive gift and strength from God, will soon end our blessing of unity and our nation as we know it – “with Liberty and Justice for all.”

The Rev. John Burkhart Ph.D, is a retired Episcopal priest and professor of psychology jandmburkhart@yahoo.com

Text Only
Editorials
  • 0502 Bobbie Poynter Say ‘thank you’ to military heroes this weekend

    Throughout the year, in rain, sun and snow, if you’ve been in a cemetery during a veteran’s funeral, you couldn’t help but notice the men and women dressed in white and black uniforms folding the American Flag, firing off a 21-gun volley or playing Taps. These uniformed people play a very important roll to many military families in this community. And Memorial Day is one of their busiest weekends.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • John Ross.jpg Weather can turn deadly in an instant

    Tuesday’s storm that swept through the region reminded me just how deadly the weather can turn.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Don McNay.jpg Will Main Street ever trust Washington again?

    The scandal at the Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department spying on the Associated Press came at the same time that I have been reading Moises Naim’s excellent book The End of Power.

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

  • 0203 Willie Sawyers.jpg Mistreatment doesn’t warrant story

    The man strode into the office with a purpose. He had been wronged, and he wanted the newspaper to do something about it. But regrettably, I had to inform him that we couldn’t help him.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Ronnie Ellis.jpg Controversies expose policies we should evaluate

    Scandals like those roiling Washington often look more or less nefarious as time and facts unfold. After all, what at first looked like a third-rate burglary turned into Watergate.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Brad Hall.jpg The world could use a little more ‘Tebow Time’

    I try to leave the sports writing and opinions to my friends, Les and Chris, here at the Times-Tribune, but as a big sports fan, the occasional story will grab my attention.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • John Burkhart.jpg Compliance cars and souls

    Within 12 years, it is projected; about 16 percent of cars on America’s roads will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEV).

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Tim Mills.jpg KY Mountain Laurel Festival - Reflecting Pool

    Kentucky is a most unique Commonwealth for many reasons.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • jim waters Coal problem worth tackling in Washington and Frankfort

    Despite hysterical cries from radical environmentalists, neither Sen. Rand Paul’s Defense of Environment and Property Act nor Sen. Mitch McConnell’s Coal Jobs Protection Act would allow activities that bring harm to Kentucky’s wildlife or waterways for the sake of propping up the coal industry.

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • John Ross.jpg Dress appropriately for the situation

    I stopped in a fast-food restaurant this week for a giant sweet tea, and while I waited in line I saw a girl in her early 20s filling out a job application.

    May 16, 2013 1 Photo