Scripture influenced civil governance in the West at least from the time of Britain’s King Alfred in the Ninth Century AD, who translated Scripture passed on early Constitutional law to his sons and grandsons who would rule, and who would continue to defend the British Isles from Vikings.
Two notable laws which were not unknown to America’s founding fathers:
THE STATUTE OF WINCHESTER in 1285 emphasized the local militia made-up of men 15 to 60, and reminded citizens that open carry is permitted for their military-grade weapons. It also reminded men of their police powers to conscientiously keep the peace of their communities. This is based in Deuteronomy Chapter 22.
The Archery Laws of 1363 required practice of archery on Sundays and holy days and "forbade, on pain of death, all sport that took up time better-spent on war training especially archery practice."
In 1477, when the sport of Cricket began to replace archery range training, King Edward IV simply outlawed it, and imposed a massive fine “of fifty pounds and two years gaol for those who played the game, and one hundred pounds and three years’ gaol for anyone who allowed the game to played on his property.” That hundred-pound fine is equivalent to over $170,000 in today’s money.
“The decline of community in the modern world has as its inevitable religious consequence the creation of masses of helpless, bewildered individuals who are unable to find solace in Christianity regarded merely as creed.”
Robert Nisbet
American diplomacy should continue to stand up for genuine democracy, freedom of expression, and unapologetic celebrations of European nations’ individual character and history. America encourages its political allies in Europe to promote this revival of spirit, and the growing influence of patriotic European parties indeed gives cause for great optimism. Our goal should be to help Europe correct its current trajectory.
The White House
The National Security Strategy Document
Games stimulate the mind. Kids thrive on mental stimulation. Games teach kids to triumph over challenging problems.
This story out of India: Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha was born in 2022. At 30 months he started learning chess. By age three he had defeated five ranking members of the International Chess Federation, earning him his own official ranking. What’s next? Recognition as a grand master as he continues learn about how chess works, and how victory is achieved against some of the most active minds of his generation.