Fireworks and Faith: Uncovering America’s Sacred Roots

Hello, friends,

Greetings from 30,000 Feet: I’m writing to you during a flight from London to Orlando, soaring high above the Atlantic, eager to reconnect with family and friends and to celebrate the Fourth of July — a holiday rooted in history, faith, and the enduring pursuit of liberty. Living between the United Kingdom and the United States offers a unique perspective—moments of nostalgia, spirited debates, reflections on shared history, and hope for a future built on mutual understanding. Despite the conflicts of the past, including the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, our nations have forged a resilient relationship. Today, we stand side by side in the ongoing fight for peace and freedom, and I thank God for that unity.

Since it’s an afternoon flight, I’ve just enjoyed my last British Afternoon Tea for the week—delicate scones, clotted cream, tiny sandwiches. Soon, I’ll be trading that for ice-cold sweet tea, grilled hot dogs, and perhaps a side of my favorite American potato salad. It’s a staple of Independence Day celebrations—simple, nostalgic, and embodying the joys of American cuisine.

My go-to recipe is my mom’s Betty Crocker version—reliable, delicious, a perfect 10 out of 10. But once, I experimented by swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. Let’s just say, that’s a culinary experiment best left untried on the Fourth of July! No true American potato salad is complete without a dash of paprika—spices that remind us of how flavor and tradition are intertwined. For me, the quintessential Florida celebration involves barbecues with meats (no tofu hot dogs!), fireworks illuminating the night sky, brass bands, parades, and the lively spirit of community. And, of course, every great Southern celebration comes with its share of flies, ants, and heat—so stay hydrated!

While the fireworks, food, and festivities are joyful, the Fourth of July holds a deeper significance. It commemorates the birth of a nation—founded on the pursuit of freedom, rooted in history, faith, and divine grace.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring the thirteen colonies free from British rule. Though the vote took place on July 2, the 4th was chosen as the symbolic date—a day to celebrate the birth of a new nation committed to liberty and justice.

Authored chiefly by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration boldly proclaimed that all men are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” This language reflects a biblical worldview—affirming that human dignity and liberty are divine gifts. Many of the founding fathers, devout Christians themselves, believed true freedom could only be rooted in God’s sovereignty. John Adams, a fervent supporter of religious faith, argued that Independence Day should be celebrated with “solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” Samuel Adams emphasized the divine authority of their cause, declaring, “We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient.”

American symbols echo biblical themes. The Liberty Bell’s inscription from Leviticus—“Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof”—reminds us that liberty is more than a political slogan; it’s a divine truth rooted in Scripture.

The revolution was driven by faith. Pastors like Jonas Clark and John Witherspoon preached sermons blending Scripture with resistance against tyranny. The Great Awakening—a spiritual revival—stirred hearts and laid a spiritual foundation for independence.

However, our history also reveals contradictions. The omission of a paragraph condemning slavery in the Declaration—a political compromise—reminds us of human flaws. Yet, Christian abolitionists like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Beecher Stowe invoked biblical justice to challenge these injustices. It took civil war and sacrifice to move toward a more perfect union, culminating in the ratification of the 13th Amendment in 1865, which abolished slavery in the United States. Britain had abolished slavery earlier, in 1833, through the Slavery Abolition Act. These milestones remind us that the pursuit of liberty is an ongoing journey—requiring humility, perseverance, and faith.

For believers, July 4th is not only a day of celebration but also a call to stewardship. Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Our liberty, secured through divine grace and sacrifice, is a sacred trust—an opportunity to embody Christ’s love and justice both locally and globally.

As we enjoy barbecues, fireworks, and beach trips, let’s also pause to pray for our nation—asking for wisdom, unity, and strength. Patriotism rooted in faith becomes a powerful testimony: a declaration that our liberties are gifts from God, grounded in His divine sovereignty.

Take a moment and join me in prayer. Here’s a meaningful prayer from The Gospel Coalition:

May we celebrate with joy, courage, and humility, trusting that God’s divine plan for our nation—and the world—is unfolding in His perfect timing.

As George Washington famously said, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”

Happy Independence Day—a day of patriotic pride, spiritual reflection, and divine grace!