Bring back the Black Robed Clergy

To the Editor

Was this nation founded on religious principles? Are we indeed a Christian nation? Do we support freedom of religion?

I believe the answer to these questions should be a resounding YES, based on a remarkable presentation to the Daughter's of the American Revolution at a recent meeting here in Poplar Bluff.

The speaker was Rev. Josh Reasons. Reasons holds a BS in Christian Studies and a Masters in Theology and is one of three pastors at the Palace of Praise.

In his presentation he offered to the audience the historical proof that the American Revolution was powered by the Colonial clergy.

He cited name after name of members of the clergy who often left the pulpit to join the battles which abounded in New England where the action was begun. The clergy called the citizens to arms to not only give them freedom from taxation but to allow them to worship as they had thought would be their privilege when they came to the colonies.

The information cited by Reasons included sermons by various clergy as they covered issues of the day from a Biblical perspective. And by the way do you know why Paul Revere was heading for the Old North Church? Sadly most students of history today are not getting the history that should be taught in our public schools and there seems to be an abundance of Revisionist History in our current texts. The "Black Robe Regiment" was a derogatory name given to the courageous and patriotic clergy by the British in the Founding Era and was based on the black robes they wore.

As a personal comment, I do not think we are any longer a committed Christian Nation and I do not think enough of us stand up for Freedom in the Christian Church because we have allowed one or two people to decide that certain activities infringe on their religion. There should be room for all of us!

Personally, I would like to hear a sermon or two dedicated to the issues of our time and see a rebirth of patriotism in our nation. What better place to start than where we are told time after time to "Love One Another, Do Unto Others As . . . " Well you get the idea!

Patricia Damewood

Poplar Bluff, Mo.