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This segment introduces our topic, “America and the Dream.” Each of these following 7 segments explores the distinctive qualities of our nation.As we clarify what constitutes “The Dream” we recognize that America’s ideals have yet to be fully realized.
America is at a crossroads. Our citizens are calling for change, but we first need a clear perspective to guide us in making effective change. Political solutions alone will not suffice. The challenges we face require a deeper perspective that can lead to more comprehensive solutions. “America and the Dream” considers the principles and values that have been essential to our nation’s identity and progress.
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Segment #2 explores the first distinctive quality of the American Creed – that our rights are given not by an act of government, but endowed by the Creator. This is also the basis for the principle that “all are created equal.”
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This segment explores how the biblical narrative of a “promised land” shaped and encouraged the longing for a land of justice and righteousness that stood at the root of the Pilgrim’s vision of what would be possible in the “new world.” Essential to that model was the idea that Divine Providence guides the nation contingent upon the people’s faithful adherence to the “laws, decrees and commandments of God.” Thus, the notion of “covenant” was deeply embedded in the American Creed.
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Our fourth segment focuses on the reality that America is a work in progress. The story of America is the human story. It is the story of how people glimpse and grasp high and noble ideals but struggle and often fall far short in realizing those ideals. We explore the most notable failures, not to cast doubt upon the validity of the American Creed, but rather to bring into focus the “work in progress” and the pathway toward the completion of America.
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In part two, we focus on two dramatic examples of America departing from her noble ideals: America’s shameful treatment of the Native America population and the hypocrisy of her embrace of the institution of slavery. These woeful chapters in America’s past are highlighted not just to indicate what history already declares; that these were heinous acts. Instead, we seek a deeper discovery; recognizing that these unheralded Americans have made an essential contribution, as much as did the Pilgrims, toward the spiritual heritage that is at the center of the American Creed.
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That which bonds the American nation together and forms the basis of our unique American identity are not external commonalities such as race, religion or ethnic background. What bonds Americans together is the universal spiritual principles and values at the root of our founding ideals. “Out of many, one” is only achievable when all Americans adhere to the self evident truths.
This American Dream of “one nation under God,” a nation of virtuous, happy and prosperous people who honor God is a vision deeply rooted in the dream of a world where “the lion lays down with the lamb” where war is “studied no more” and where God’s love for all humanity is recognized and embraced.
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“The Dream” is yet to be realized. The quest of the American Dream of “one nation under God” is not for the sake of America alone. The laws of nature and of nature’s God that empower Americans with unalienable rights are not to be exclusive to Americans alone, but are meant for all humanity. America is to be a model for a world that is meant to be “one family under God.”
The fulfillment of the American ideal is “a work in progress.” Along the path toward her destiny, significant figures inspired by a faithful vision have been inspired to realign the nation. As we have “come this far by faith,” it will, likewise, be by faith that we continue on toward the realization of the American Dream of “One nation under God” in the hope of a future world defined as “one family under God.”
