The Black Robe Regiment: a name given to those accredited by many to have had an elemental part in the American War for Independence. Fiery sermons proclaiming the actions of Britain as violations of God-given rights issued from pulpits throughout the colonies. Many of these members of the clergy served in various capacities of government as the fledgling nation came together.
In those times there were no warnings of The Separation of Church and State. Rather, Continental Congress procured funding for Christian ministers to serve as chaplains in each Regiment as indicated in General George Washington’s General Orders dated July 9, 1776. In these same orders, he later requires the troops to be gathered for the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The same delegates drafting the separation document also felt compelled to place Christian ministers as those guardians responsible for maintaining a continued vigil of study and worship for the “Divine Providence” upon whom they had placed “firm reliance.”
General Washington urged all in the army to “attend carefully upon religious exercises.” He further gave reason for such an order, and instruction for proper conduct. “The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger – The General hopes and trusts, that every officer, and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country.”
It was this same Commander-in-Chief, after several bitter defeats and experiencing an army ravaged by desertion, who is known to have gone to prayer for direction, (a common practice for him). With clear purpose he led the army in the now famous crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night, December 25, 1776, in total disregard for conventional wisdom in the conduct of war. It was the night which brought life to the Revolution. The engagement of that operation, which proceeded into the next morning, brought hope that would ultimately lead to the triumph over the enemy years later.
Is it mere coincidence that this effort began on the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus? On that day two thousand years ago the birth of the Savior brought hope that would ultimately lead to triumph over sin and death. Perhaps it is, but I would like to believe otherwise.
Today our nation faces crises that threaten our God-given liberties. Our mutual faith and freedoms guaranteed in the Amendments to the United States Constitution are consistently undermined in the name of “enlightenment.” Judges legislate from the bench with prejudice to adjust the precepts that govern society away from their original intent. Prayer and Bible reading have been removed from public education, and displays of Christian symbols are under attack in unrestrained litigation.
And in the midst of this, where are the champions of Christianity to take the lead as their predecessors so many years ago? Where is the Black Robe Regiment of our day? Who will work to proclaim the truth in reclamation of the foundational principles of religious freedom granted to Americans in the formation of this nation?
I recently attended the Freedom Congress on September 11th held at World Arena in Colorado Springs. At the conclusion a call was given for all pastors in attendance to come down front for a brief meeting on what one could do to engage in restoring religious liberty. One military chaplain, and one pastor, came forward.
A couple approached our small group and asked how they could encourage their pastor and church leadership to become involved. Unfortunately, their concerns are all too common. Many of today’s clergy have come to accept the notion of “the separation of Church and State.”
Both the United States Senate and House of Representatives issued statements in 1853 and 1854 respectively which proclaimed the United States as a Christian nation. The Senate Judiciary Committee said, “We are Christians, not because the law demands it, not to gain exclusive benefits or to avoid legal disabilities, but from choice and education; and in a land thus universally Christian, what is to be expected, what desired, but that we shall pay a due regard to Christianity?” The House of Representatives Judiciary Committee report stated, “Had the people, during the Revolution, had a suspicion of any attempt to war against Christianity, that Revolution would have been strangled in its cradle.”
It is time for those who carry within a heart for our nation, and a Christian faith, to step forward and be counted. You do not need to be a member of the clergy to be counted in the new Black Robe Regiment. You merely need to be willing to speak out for your God-given freedom.
