Lesson 10 - The American Experiment: Stepping Stones

Themes

At the outset, three guiding principles are established for this discussion. First, the nation itself is not to be elevated beyond its proper place. Second, its founders are not to be elevated beyond theirs. (The third principle is addressed at the conclusion of the session.) With these boundaries in place, attention is given to why this topic is significant.

The American Experiment is presented as unique in history. It represents a setting in which individuals influenced by a Christian worldview were able to establish a system of government from the ground up, shaped intentionally around principles consistent with earlier discussions about the role of the state.

To understand this foundation, attention is given to the beliefs that influenced early society. Materials from the colonial period reflect a way of life shaped strongly by Scripture. This influence is further seen in the writings and statements of early leaders, legal thinkers, and educators. While not all were personally devout, there was a shared agreement that the success of this form of government depended upon the character and morality of the people, and that these qualities were grounded in religious belief—specifically Christianity.

These early thinkers held that governing authority must remain accountable to a higher moral standard, often described as natural law or the law of God, in order to prevent the kinds of abuses that had occurred in other societies.

Over time, however, there has been a departure from these foundations. One contributing factor identified is the influence of evolutionary thinking on legal theory. In the late nineteenth century, the idea was introduced that law is not based on an unchanging standard, but instead develops gradually over time as a product of human thought. This perspective treats legal and ethical systems as continually changing rather than fixed.

This line of thinking was expanded further by the view that law reflects the goals and purposes of a society at any given time, effectively placing the determination of ethical standards in the hands of the state. These ideas were also applied in the field of education, where traditional religious foundations were set aside.

The session presents the position that, as these shifts have taken place, there has been a corresponding movement away from earlier principles. In this environment, the authority and influence of the state continue to grow. This development is presented as part of the broader conflict discussed throughout the series.

The conclusion reached is that the future of this system depends on intentional action. The responsibility for this rests particularly on those who hold to the original worldview, including the call to reflection, repentance, and alignment with what has been established. It is also stated that placing blame on those outside that belief system is not part of this responsibility.

Key Observations

• Throughout this session, emphasis is placed on the idea that this system of government is best understood in light of the worldview that shaped its origin.

• Just as it was established under those influences, its continuation is presented as dependent upon those who continue to hold and act upon those same convictions.

Key Scripture passages