Independence Day is a day to give thanks for the rights and freedoms we enjoy in the United States. Ours was the first constitutional republic and has served as a model for the world in the 243 years since we established "a new nation, based on liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all... are created equal."

While it is well-known in Presbyterian circles, most in our nation do not appreciate the Presbyterian roots of our democracy. The only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence was John Witherspoon of New Jersey. From 1768-1794, Witherspoon was president of the College of New Jersey, which later became Princeton University. Among the courses he taught was Moral Philosophy, a required course which explored the theological and philosophical foundations of civil government, drawing heavily on John Calvin and Calvinist-influenced Scottish philosophers.

Among Witherspoon's most notable students was James Madison, widely regarded as the chief architect of the U.S. constitution. The checks and balances in our system of government derive directly from Calvin's doctrine of total depravity - that is, that the tendency towards sin and self-interest is universal and therefore needs to be held in check through systems of accountability. Likewise, Calvin's distrust of popular opinion lent itself to a representative system in which persons of high moral repute were to be selected to make decisions on behalf of the people. Whether or not our Congress fits that description is subject to debate, but the principle is the same: governance is not by popular will but by the decisions of persons entrusted by the people. This is the same principle at work in our sessions and higher councils of the Presbyterian Church.

Calvin's understanding of human depravity is balanced by his humanistic affirmation that human beings, created in the image of God, have an inherent goodness and value that should be protected by civil law. The notion of "inalienable rights" enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, and the freedoms protected by the Constitution are informed by this notion.

While our nation has been inconsistent in its application of these principles and values, it is important to remind ourselves that our society and its government regard them as having absolute importance. It is also important to recognize that the foundations of our government regard these as essential liberties that apply to all persons, regardless of nationality, citizenship, race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious belief. It is especially important that the government ensure these "blessings of liberty" not only to those who have wealth, power, or status but especially for those who lack such benefits.

When we encounter incidents where people are denied basic freedoms, are treated inhumanely, or are denied equality under the law it is incumbent upon all of us - not just those directly affected - to speak out and demand change. This is not just our civic duty, it is an expression of our faith as Reformed Christians.