George Washington's Influence On Religion And Morality
996 Words4 Pages
George Washington served as the first President of the United States, and he was, unequivocally, the most reluctant to serve as president. In fact, in his address to the people of the United States, Washington stressed the fact that he did not want to serve as their president, much less fulfill two terms. Nonetheless, Washington put aside his hesitancy to demonstrate unity among the American people. But once the state of the nation’s affairs improved, he eagerly looked forward to the end of his second term in which he could withdraw from the affairs of the state and retire. However, before his departure, Washington felt compelled to provide his constituents with advice and warning for the future of the United States and the challenges ahead.…show more content… Washington (1796), unmistakably, regard religion and morality as not only indispensable to the structure of the government, but also as the government’s very source of strength. Further, he declared that a nation could not possibly possess morality without religion (Washington, 1796). It follows naturally that he expected all government officials to be righteous and to uphold and preserve religious values. Ultimately, his message on religion and morality is loud and clear. Religion and morality are vital to the security of the American life for it promotes political prosperity when established in the government, as well as promotes private and public happiness in individuals’ lives (Washington,…show more content… Notably, the American political parties are gradually breaking down every year. Consequently, the American people have lost faith in the government's ability and effectiveness. And Washington spoke about this very issue and its dire consequences: “But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction…” (para. 9). Instead of efficiently representing the publics' interests, politicians have put aside their responsibility to the people for vengeance against opposing parties; just as Washington predicted. Additionally, the two major political parties today are forcing problems on American citizens and compelling individuals to choose sides. As a result, there is a division within the nation that is causing Americans to turn against one another chaotically and restlessly. Unfortunately, because we did not heed Washington’s advice and steered clear of unnecessary problems, America is more hateful and divided than ever