Family Security Matters » Publications » Exclusive: William J. Federer’s

Not a member? Sign-up

SEARCH FSM

2008 Campaign

Family Security Matters does not stand behind or endorse any candidate for president (or any other public office). However, as the President is also Commander-in-Chief and is responsible for setting national security policy, we will be publishing a variety of articles on both the Republican and Democrat candidates for President during this election year. As always, the opinions of our Contributing Editors are their own, and do not necessarily reflect those of Family Security Matters.

IN THIS SECTION

August 16, 2008

Exclusive: William J. Federer’s

American Minute

Charles Finney died AUGUST 16, 1875. An attorney, he saw so many Scripture references in Blackstone's Law Commentaries that he bought a Bible and came to faith. Finney's 1835 Revival Lectures inspired George Williams to found the YMCA-Young Men's Christian Association-in 1844, and inspired William Booth to found The Salvation Army in 1865. Finney formed the Benevolent Empire - a network of volunteer organizations to aid with social problems - which by 1834 had a budget which rivaled the Federal Government. Concerning the Kingdom of God, Finney wrote "Every member must work or quit. No honorary members." While president of Oberlin College, 1851-1866, it served as a station on the Underground Railroad secretly bringing slaves to freedom, and it granted the first degree in the U.S. to a black woman, Mary Jane Patterson. Charles Finney wrote: "The time has come for Christians to vote for honest men, and take consistent ground in politics or the Lord will curse them...Politics are a part of a religion in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to their country as a part of their duty to God." Charles Finney concluded: "God will bless or curse this nation according to the course Christians take in politics."

Print This E-mail This

Share It: