America

“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.”

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The Declaration of Independence is easily the most well-known document in American history, right?

Not so fast….

We’re in the midst of another crazy political season…which is the perfect time to share some of history’s greatest thoughts on politicians and their practices. Here are the Top 10 quotes about the folks we elect to represent us:

In Bedford, England there’s a statue and museum dedicated to John Bunyan and his brilliant work The Pilgrim’s Progress. The book follows the incredible story of “Christian” as he travels from this world to the next.

And when Ravi Zacharias traveled to the museum, he had an incredible conversation with a curator.

In 1940, Langdon Gilkey, equipped only with a degree in philosophy from Harvard, went to China to teach English at Yenching University. Three short years later, he was taken prisoner when the Japanese Army came crashing into the city.

His confinement taught him a powerful lesson: fellow prisoners could be less merciful than the enemy.

Jesus came to change the world. By all estimates, He did a terrific job. Not only did He leave His mark on human hearts, He also left His mark on human history, dividing it between BC and AD.

His influence is even seen in the names we’ve given many places around the globe.

In 1796, Thomas Paine, the patriotic author of Common Sense – the pamphlet some claim started the Revolutionary War – wrote a letter to a colleague that was filled with scathing and accusatory criticism. In fact, the words to his friend were just as cutting as the words he’d used against the tyrannical English government a few years earlier.

The recipient of that letter may surprise you.

Everybody knows the famous comedic routine of Jeff Foxworthy in which he helps people identify themselves as Rednecks, but there are also tests to help people identify themselves as Yankees, if need be.

Here it is.

It’s pretty sad that Thanksgiving is being eclipsed by an annual sale, but that’s the state of our holiday mindset. Maybe there’s some wisdom for all of us embedded in the words of Paul from Colossians 3:15. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

For many Americans, Thanksgiving serves as an annual excuse to overdo it at the dinner table. There’s turkey, ham, stuffing, pie and many other favorites for you to enjoy…or abuse. And if you’re like most, you probably over did it at the dinner table.

If you’re not sure, use this simple checklist to find out if you went overboard.