You talk so much about the Declaration of Independence but once the Constitution along with the Bill of Rights was written doesn’t that make the Declaration of Independence obsolete?
Absolutely not!
Think of it this way…Without a good and solid foundation a building is weak and will fall apart eventually. Or, if a bridge doesn’t have sound piles and footers it will fail and collapse.
So the Declaration of Independence is the foundation of America, the foundation of freedom and liberty in the United States. Without it, the Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights, will fail, fall, and completely collapse because they have no solid foundation.
At the beginning the Declaration of Independence states that the sole purpose of government is to secure the rights that God has given people, all people. Additionally, the only power that government has comes from the consent of the governed. And when government no longer secures God-given rights, or assumes power that the people don’t willingly agree to…well, then the people have the right to alter or to abolish that government. Why? Because that failed/fallen government no longer has legitimacy.
Actually the Declaration of Independence is more direct and to the point in that matter. The Declaration of Independence states not only is it the people’s right, but it is their duty to throw off such government.
Therefore, the Declaration of Independence is the very foundation of the United States of America. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are built upon it and depend on it. Without the Declaration of Independence there is no ultimate authorization, right, or duty to correct the problems with government. And that authorization, right, and duty comes from God.
Here are some quotes from leaders of the Church I belong to, I hope they help…
“The signers of the Declaration of Independence and the framers of the Constitution were inspired from on high to do that work.” Brigham Young – July 4, 1854
“It was by and through the power of God, that the fathers of this country framed the Declaration of Independence, and also that great palladium of human rights, the Constitution of the United States.” John Taylor – April 8, 1883
“Those men who laid the foundation of this American government and signed the Declaration of Independence were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits, not wicked men. General Washington and all the men that labored for the purpose were inspired of the Lord.” Wilford Woodruff – April 1898
”Our government came into existence through divine guidance. The inspiration of the Lord rested upon the patriots who established it, and inspired them through the dark days of their struggle for independence and through the critical period which followed that struggle when they framed our glorious Constitution which guarantees to all the self-evident truth proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal: that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights: that among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Joseph Fielding Smith – April 1943
“Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were brought forth under the inspiration of God to establish and maintain the freedom of the people of this nation. I said it, and I believe it to be true. There is a miracle in its establishment that cannot be explained in any other way.” Gordon B. Hinckley – August 1999
So what is the problem and why do we need such documents as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and a Constitutional Republic with all its checks and balances on power?
The original Prophet of our church has said this about men, “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.”
One of the tenants of the religion that I subscribe to states, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” The ‘law’ being Constitutional law, laws instituted for the benefit of man.
I will leave you with this to ponder…
“4 And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.
5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.”
God has given us agency to choose, to make our own decisions, based on His will and guidance. As with the Founders, should a person decide to fight tyranny, oppression, and evil…we are free to do so. Actually the Declaration of Independence says it is our duty. However, that doesn’t make us immune to the repercussions in this life from evil men that are the tyrants and oppressors.
Thank goodness that our Founding Fathers fought tyranny and oppression of an evil government…and won. Not only that…they laid out the process by which to do so in the future should the need arise…the Declaration of Independence…an inspired document written by men inspired of God.
So for me…the Declaration of Independence will never become obsolete as long as the earth exists with governments run by man. The Declaration of Independence is what originally made America great.
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