posted by Writer on Dec 16

If the LORD does not protect the city, it does no good for the sentries to stand guard.” Psalm 127:1

Prior to World War II, in rural regions of the US, kids brought their long guns to school. Once there, they handed them over to their teacher who kept them in a safe place until the day ended. In those days many kids walked to school and might hunt for dinner on the way home, or just stop to ‘plink’ with friends.

Many schools offered gun safety programs in conjunction with conservation clubs or hosted ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps). In some schools, weapons were kept on the premises in a secure place. Out west, many kids drove pick-ups to school with a long gun in the vehicle.

The country didn’t suffer then because of senseless acts of violence like we do today because there wasn’t a so called “gun problem.” The problem is a spiritual one because we don’t fear God (Romans 1:10-18).

As long as we followed the course set by the framers we would be blessed.

Since World War II ended, we departed from that path and paid a terrible price. Three significant US Supreme Court Cases, among others, about what is permissible in public schools have been disastrous. Engel v. Vitale, 1962; and Abington v. Schempp, 1963 removed prayer and Bible reading, while the third, Stone v. Graham 1980, had to do with posting the Ten Commandments on a classroom wall.

In the Stone decision the court ruled it was unconstitutional because “if the posted copies of the Ten Commandments are to have any effect at all, it will be to induce the schoolchildren to read, meditate upon them, perhaps to venerate and obey the Commandments…This…is not a permissible state objective under the Establishment Clause.” (1)

School kids were once taught from Scripture which kept a lid on things. As we push God further out of our lives things will only get worse.

(1) Barton, David, The Myth of Separation, p. 154

Photo top left is actor George Kennedy who portrayed L.A. beat cop Bumper Morgan in the t.v. series The Blue Knight (75-76, CBS)

 

One Comment to “Laboring in Vain”

  1. Susan Fulcher Says:

    Oh, how true are your words and thoughts! Our world and country will continue on its path of destruction if God’s people don’t wake up and realize the duty before them placed there by God. God has tried in many ways to get our attention, but most don’t listen–the last being the senseless killing of innocent lives in Connecticut. Wake up, America!!

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