On September 17th, we commemorate a pivotal moment in American history—the signing of the United States Constitution. It has served as the bedrock of our nation’s governance for over two centuries and is a testament to the foresight and wisdom of its framers. Yet, as we celebrate its enduring legacy, it is essential to reflect on a profound observation made by John Adams, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”[1]
At first glance, Adams’ statement might seem perplexing. After all, isn’t the Constitution a legal document, designed to provide a framework for governance, irrespective of the moral or religious inclinations of its citizens?
The framers of the Constitution were acutely aware that laws and institutions, no matter how well-crafted, could not by themselves guarantee justice, liberty, or prosperity. They recognized that the Constitution’s efficacy would ultimately depend on the character and virtue of the American people. In other words, the Constitution is not just a set of rules; it is a social contract that requires good men to lead and with wisdom, execute on the parameters set forth ensuring that the liberty secured therein would not be threatened by a government seeking to expand its power beyond that which it has been given.
Our nation is in crisis on multiple fronts – illegal immigration, globalism, inflation, weaponized federal agencies, centralized monetary policy, censorship, foreign enemies, a Marxist agenda, a failing education system, and the list goes on. Considering these seemingly insurmountable challenges, the importance of virtue and morality in leadership cannot be overstated. These qualities not only shape the character and decisions of leaders but also influence the culture of those around them that will implement policies over the populace.
The Founders believed that “a virtuous people would courageously defend the rights endowed by their Creator and restored by the blood of patriots. But a fearful people would readily cede these rights in exchange for a fleeting sense of security.”[2] We saw this play out right in front of our eyes beginning in March 2020.
How is it that so many leaders at all levels of government missed what so many people around the world innately knew to be true?
- People have a right to work and that work is essential.
- People have the liberty to move about freely and unrestricted.
- People have a right to bodily autonomy and make their own medical decisions.
There is much more to say, of course, regarding the tyranny we all experienced for far too long. But these are certainly a few of the basic tenets. And these truths while not necessarily spelled out word for word in our Constitution, can easily be inferred and generally embody a sentiment of freedom that the American psyche has held central since our founding.
Yet, in a time of crisis, the great majority of those in leadership missed it. They caved to the mob. Why? Perhaps, a lack of virtue.
During times of crisis or uncertainty, moral leaders remain steadfast in their values, providing stability and guidance. Their commitment to doing what is right, even in challenging situations, bolsters the resilience of those around them. Even in the midst of immediate challenges, resilient leaders maintain a long-term perspective. Their moral foundation ensures that they consider the future implications of their decisions, avoiding myopic solutions that might provide temporary relief but lead to greater problems down the line.
Resilience in crisis is not just about weathering the storm but navigating through it with a compass of virtue and morality.
Our Constitution was not only designed for this kind of leadership but demands it. Yet, we often find ourselves compromised by leadership that is either a lesser of two evils, or simply one’s lack of virtue is not as egregious as the other. And perhaps that is simply the human condition. But I believe that it is more appropriate to say that the sense of morality has degraded significantly in our culture and therefore our expectations of leadership have been significantly lowered.
That being the case, where do you suppose that leaves us in terms of addressing and navigating the multitude of crises that lay before us?
Is it too much to ask that the men and women who seek positions of leadership and authority in our government are not thieves, liars, murderers, adulterers, drunkards, slanderers, fornicators, cheaters, abusers, or cowards? Has America truly slipped so far that our attitudes at the ballot box are such that “we’ll just take what we can get?”
I would submit to you that our moral decline is intentional. Those who have funded pop culture through the decades and now fuel the godless agenda that is upon our children know full well that a culture in moral decline will eventually fall to the rule of its enemies. The Constitution cannot save us from ourselves.
The Constitution is not a self-executing instrument. In an era where societal norms and values are rapidly evolving, Adams’ words serve as a timeless reminder. The Constitution’s strength lies not just in its clauses and amendments but in the moral commitment of the American people to uphold, enforce, and defend it.
It is a living testament to the aspirations and values of one nation under God.
[1] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Founders online: From John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, 11 October 1798. National Archives and Records Administration. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102
[2] Martin, M. D., Schietzelt, M., & Lingo, B. J. (2021, March 9). Preserving a constitution designed for a moral and religious people. Robertson Center for Constitutional Law. https://constitutionallaw.regent.edu/preserving-a-constitution-designed-for-a-moral-and-religious-people/
A Constitution wholly dependent upon the virtue of men to preserve it.
On September 17th, we commemorate a pivotal moment in American history—the signing of the United States Constitution. It has served as the bedrock of our nation’s governance for over two centuries and is a testament to the foresight and wisdom of its framers. Yet, as we celebrate its enduring legacy, it is essential to reflect on a profound observation made by John Adams, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”[1]
At first glance, Adams’ statement might seem perplexing. After all, isn’t the Constitution a legal document, designed to provide a framework for governance, irrespective of the moral or religious inclinations of its citizens?
The framers of the Constitution were acutely aware that laws and institutions, no matter how well-crafted, could not by themselves guarantee justice, liberty, or prosperity. They recognized that the Constitution’s efficacy would ultimately depend on the character and virtue of the American people. In other words, the Constitution is not just a set of rules; it is a social contract that requires good men to lead and with wisdom, execute on the parameters set forth ensuring that the liberty secured therein would not be threatened by a government seeking to expand its power beyond that which it has been given.
Our nation is in crisis on multiple fronts – illegal immigration, globalism, inflation, weaponized federal agencies, centralized monetary policy, censorship, foreign enemies, a Marxist agenda, a failing education system, and the list goes on. Considering these seemingly insurmountable challenges, the importance of virtue and morality in leadership cannot be overstated. These qualities not only shape the character and decisions of leaders but also influence the culture of those around them that will implement policies over the populace.
The Founders believed that “a virtuous people would courageously defend the rights endowed by their Creator and restored by the blood of patriots. But a fearful people would readily cede these rights in exchange for a fleeting sense of security.”[2] We saw this play out right in front of our eyes beginning in March 2020.
How is it that so many leaders at all levels of government missed what so many people around the world innately knew to be true?
There is much more to say, of course, regarding the tyranny we all experienced for far too long. But these are certainly a few of the basic tenets. And these truths while not necessarily spelled out word for word in our Constitution, can easily be inferred and generally embody a sentiment of freedom that the American psyche has held central since our founding.
Yet, in a time of crisis, the great majority of those in leadership missed it. They caved to the mob. Why? Perhaps, a lack of virtue.
During times of crisis or uncertainty, moral leaders remain steadfast in their values, providing stability and guidance. Their commitment to doing what is right, even in challenging situations, bolsters the resilience of those around them. Even in the midst of immediate challenges, resilient leaders maintain a long-term perspective. Their moral foundation ensures that they consider the future implications of their decisions, avoiding myopic solutions that might provide temporary relief but lead to greater problems down the line.
Resilience in crisis is not just about weathering the storm but navigating through it with a compass of virtue and morality.
Our Constitution was not only designed for this kind of leadership but demands it. Yet, we often find ourselves compromised by leadership that is either a lesser of two evils, or simply one’s lack of virtue is not as egregious as the other. And perhaps that is simply the human condition. But I believe that it is more appropriate to say that the sense of morality has degraded significantly in our culture and therefore our expectations of leadership have been significantly lowered.
That being the case, where do you suppose that leaves us in terms of addressing and navigating the multitude of crises that lay before us?
Is it too much to ask that the men and women who seek positions of leadership and authority in our government are not thieves, liars, murderers, adulterers, drunkards, slanderers, fornicators, cheaters, abusers, or cowards? Has America truly slipped so far that our attitudes at the ballot box are such that “we’ll just take what we can get?”
I would submit to you that our moral decline is intentional. Those who have funded pop culture through the decades and now fuel the godless agenda that is upon our children know full well that a culture in moral decline will eventually fall to the rule of its enemies. The Constitution cannot save us from ourselves.
The Constitution is not a self-executing instrument. In an era where societal norms and values are rapidly evolving, Adams’ words serve as a timeless reminder. The Constitution’s strength lies not just in its clauses and amendments but in the moral commitment of the American people to uphold, enforce, and defend it.
It is a living testament to the aspirations and values of one nation under God.
[1] National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Founders online: From John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, 11 October 1798. National Archives and Records Administration. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102
[2] Martin, M. D., Schietzelt, M., & Lingo, B. J. (2021, March 9). Preserving a constitution designed for a moral and religious people. Robertson Center for Constitutional Law. https://constitutionallaw.regent.edu/preserving-a-constitution-designed-for-a-moral-and-religious-people/
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Gary Humble
Gary Humble