Prompt: Please write 700 words on a topic or thoughts you have enjoyed in class this past semester.

Response: I have never been a big history fan, but I was really excited to take this class with an emphasis on the spiritual aspect of the founding of America and the spiritual background of the Founding Fathers. This semester has been the best experience. I have learned so much more about the establishment of this nation in half a semester then I have in any other history class previous to this, I am so excited for the rest of the semester. This is the time period in history that actually intrigues me. I have loved discussing the spiritual influence the Founding Fathers experienced in order to create this country and the principles of freedom and liberty it is based upon. The way God had things planned out so events would occur to pave the way for the process of Independence to unfold is incredible. The perfect plan that was set in motion so his gospel could be restored to this earth in the circumstances necessary for it to flourish. I was so intrigued by our discussion on the Book of Mormon and the prophecy of the Founding of America. It is incredible to me that there was knowledge of this occurrence hundreds of years before it even came forth. I was very interested in the specific way the Book of Mormon describes the Founding of America how they were led by God and delivered.
             &nb sp;  One of the best readings we have had was Common Sense by Thomas Paine. I found what he had to say about government and the way a government should and should not be established very profound and they rang true to my beliefs. Maybe that is because that is the only form of government I have known in my lifetime but I think that what he had to say was brilliant. The title is also very appropriate for the work he wrote, because this is how our country has been setup.
             &nb sp;  I never thought about the fact that there was slavery long before African slavery. I have heard about a people being taken into bondage but whenever I heard the word slavery I always exclusively thought of the Black slaves I had heard about. It was not until this class that I made any sort of connection. I was amazed to realize the main difference between ancient and modern slavery was the fact that modern slavery was based on race and color of skin. I knew slavery was bad and everything but I never really understood much beyond that.  As I have read throughout the textbook and other readings from class I have been shocked to read about the treatment of blacks. I cannot even comprehend the fact that white people thought that blacks were not even considered people. They were property and were treated worse than their livestock. I just do not understand why they would even think that. It is so incomprehensible, I am in awe every time I try and think about it and make sense of it in my mind because I can’t. The fact that even some of the founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson, had slaves which made it possible to be wealthy and have the time to educate themselves in order to be fit for the task of participating in congress and having an active role in the Declaration of Independence, is kind of interesting to me.
             &nb sp;  I never realized the passion the founding fathers had for the cause of American Independence. Watching that movie about John Adams really helped put that into perspective. Looking back I think about the fact that nothing could hinder this work as long as God was at the head of it. Even when delegates from other states opposed the declaration, in the end it all came together because God was in this work. I begin to think would I have been so dedicated to such a cause. I have definitely gained a better appreciation and a deeper respect for our Founding Fathers because they knew the risks they were taking by signing that document. They knew if they failed they would be convicted of treason and yet they continued because they knew the importance of this country being independent.
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Tags: Spiritual Guidance Government America Declaration Of Independence Found

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