Reflection on July 4th: The Spiritual Significance of Freedom and America’s Unfinished Journey

Reflection on July 4th: The Spiritual Significance of Freedom and America’s Unfinished Journey

July 4th, Independence Day, commemorates the birth of the United States as a nation founded on the ideal of liberty. The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, proclaimed the inalienable rights of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness," rooted in a belief that these rights are endowed by a Creator. This spiritual foundation suggests freedom is not merely political but a sacred gift, meant to align human life with divine purpose. Yet, as we reflect on this day in 2025, America’s freedom feels incomplete, constrained by ideologies, politics, and social constructs that undermine its spiritual and moral underpinnings. The Spiritual Significance of Freedom Freedom, in a spiritual sense, is the ability to live in accordance with truth, virtue, and purpose as ordained by a higher power. The Founding Fathers, influenced by Judeo-Christian principles, saw liberty as the condition for human flourishing, where individuals could pursue goodness without coercion. John Adams wrote, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other” (Adams, 1798, *Letter to the Massachusetts Militia*). This suggests that true freedom requires a moral framework, where self-governance aligns with divine law. Spiritually, freedom is not license to indulge in vice but the capacity to choose what is right. The Bible underscores this: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13, ESV). This perspective frames freedom as a responsibility to uphold life, dignity, and community, rather than a blank check for self-interest. America’s Unfreedom: Ideologies and Social Constructs Despite its founding ideals, America today grapples with forces that erode this spiritual vision of freedom. Ideologies and social constructs, often cloaked in the language of progress, seek to redefine norms in ways that conflict with traditional values. The push to normalize practices like abortion and assisted suicide, alongside the promotion of vices such as marijuana use, reflects a drift from the sanctity of life and moral clarity. Abortion and Assisted Suicide Abortion remains a profound moral issue, with approximately 600,000 abortions performed annually in the U.S. (Guttmacher Institute, 2023). The legalization of abortion in all 50 states following the 1973 *Roe v. Wade* decision (overturned in 2022) and ongoing state-level debates highlight a cultural shift that prioritizes individual autonomy over the sanctity of unborn life. This conflicts with the spiritual principle that life is sacred, as articulated in Psalm 139:13-14, which speaks of God’s role in forming life in the womb. Similarly, assisted suicide, legalized in states like Oregon and Washington, raises ethical concerns. In 2022, Oregon reported 278 deaths under its Death with Dignity Act (Oregon Health Authority, 2023). Advocates frame this as personal freedom, but critics argue it devalues life, particularly for the vulnerable, and normalizes a culture of death. Pope John Paul II warned against such trends in his 1995 encyclical *Evangelium Vitae*, describing a “culture of death” that undermines human dignity. Promotion of Vices The legalization of recreational marijuana, now permitted in 24 states as of 2025 (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2025), exemplifies the normalization of vice under the guise of freedom. While proponents cite personal choice, studies show marijuana use is linked to increased mental health issues, including anxiety and psychosis, particularly in young people (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023). This reflects a broader societal trend of redefining freedom as indulgence rather than discipline, contrary to the spiritual call for temperance (1 Corinthians 9:25). Weakening of Law and Order Laws relaxing police and judicial accountability further erode freedom by undermining public safety and justice. Policies in some cities, like defunding police or reducing penalties for certain crimes, have led to rising crime rates. For example, a 2023 FBI report noted a 7% increase in violent crime in major U.S. cities from 2020 to 2022. This leniency can embolden lawlessness, creating an environment where citizens’ freedom to live securely is compromised. The spiritual principle of justice, as seen in Romans 13:4, calls for authorities to uphold order as “God’s servant for your good.” Ideologies Rewriting Norms Ideologies promoting radical individualism, moral relativism, and secularism often clash with America’s spiritual roots. The push to rewrite social norms—such as redefining family structures or gender roles—can destabilize the moral fabric that supports true freedom. For instance, the rapid expansion of gender identity policies, including in schools, has sparked debates over parental rights and religious freedoms (Heritage Foundation, 2024). These shifts prioritize ideological conformity over open dialogue, stifling the very liberty they claim to advance. A Path Forward America’s journey toward true freedom requires a return to its spiritual moorings. This means reaffirming the sanctity of life, promoting virtues over vices, and restoring just governance. Citizens can engage by voting for leaders who uphold moral principles, supporting policies that protect life, and fostering community dialogue rooted in truth and charity. The spiritual significance of July 4th reminds us that freedom is not just a political achievement but a divine calling to live rightly, in service to God and neighbor. Conclusion On this July 4th, 2025, we celebrate America’s legacy of liberty while acknowledging its unfinished work. True freedom, grounded in spiritual truth, is hindered by ideologies that devalue life, promote vice, and weaken justice. By recommitting to the moral and spiritual principles of its founding, America can move closer to the freedom it was meant to embody—a freedom that uplifts the human spirit and honors the Creator who bestowed it.

Sources: - Adams, J. (1798). *Letter to the Massachusetts Militia*. John Adams Library.

- Guttmacher Institute. (2023). *Abortion Statistics in the United States*.

- Oregon Health Authority. (2023). *Death with Dignity Act Annual Report*.

- National Conference of State Legislatures. (2025). *Marijuana Legalization Status*.

- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023). *Marijuana and Mental Health*.

- FBI Uniform Crime Reporting. (2023). *Crime in the United States*.

- Pope John Paul II. (1995). *Evangelium Vitae*. Vatican Press.

- Heritage Foundation. (2024). *Cultural Shifts and Policy Impacts*.