6 July 2011

Welcome to the birth of this column.  And when better than this time of year when we celebrate the birth of the United States of America, a time when it is beneficial to reflect on its foundation, in particular the following words:

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.  That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Quite a lot to chew on.  And all of it worthy of reflection.  But let’s just start with truths.  So confident were the founders in what is next expressed that they refer to them not only as truths, but self-evident truths.   

Truths are elements of the Truth which encompasses what is real, honest, whole.

Here we will seek the Truth the better to live by it, that we “may have life and have it abundantly.” –Life  

He who came for that purpose also promised that “the truth will make you free.” –Liberty

And with “truth” and “life” we also find “the way.” –Pursuit of Happiness.

Ultimately it all comes down to Love.  And what more could we sinners ask for in this temporal phase of life?