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The transition from European monarchies’ dominance to the rise of the United States as a global power reflects profound shifts not only in global political power but also in cultural, religious, and societal norms.

During the era of European monarchies, Christianity played a central role, significantly influencing the policies and expansionist efforts of these empires, notably in the Crusades and the colonization of the Americas.

This period laid the groundwork for the complex governing of modern North and South America, where the remnants of monarchy and colonial influences persist amidst republicanism and democracy.

1. Monarchical Influence in North America: The British monarchy’s influence in North America is most visible in Canada, where the Queen of England is still recognized as the head of state, represented by the Governor General. This is a ceremonial role, reflecting Canada’s historical ties to the British Empire, even as the country functions as an independent nation with a robust democratic system.
2. Spanish and Portuguese Legacies in South America: In South America, the Spanish and Portuguese monarchies left indelible marks, from language and religion to legal systems and architecture. Countries like Brazil, once part of the Portuguese Empire, and numerous Spanish-speaking nations exhibit this heritage. Brazil’s transition from a monarchy to a republic in 1889 marked a pivotal shift, yet the cultural and societal imprints of its royal past remain.
3. The French Influence in the Americas: France’s colonial ventures in North America, particularly in Quebec and parts of the Caribbean, have left a linguistic and cultural legacy that endures. While France’s monarchy ended in revolution, its colonial history has shaped aspects of North American society, contributing to the continent’s multicultural identity.
4. Indigenous and European Interactions: The encounter between European monarchies and the Americas’ indigenous peoples led to significant cultural, social, and genetic exchange but also to conflict, subjugation, and the decimation of native populations. Today, the recognition and rights of indigenous peoples have become central to the political discourse in countries across the Americas.
5. Religious Legacy: The Christianization of the Americas, a key goal of European monarchies during colonization, profoundly impacted the religious landscape. The Catholic Church, in particular, established a lasting presence in South America and parts of North America, influencing social policies, education, and culture.
6. Legal and Political Systems: The legal frameworks in many American countries reflect their colonial legacies, with systems based on European models. This includes the widespread adoption of civil law in Latin America, rooted in the Napoleonic Code, contrasting with the common law system in the United States, a legacy of British colonial rule.
7. Language and Education: The languages of the former colonial powers—English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French—are dominant in the Americas, shaping national identities, literature, and media. Education systems, too, bear the marks of colonial and monarchical influences, with European models of schooling and academia widely adopted.
8. Economic Systems and Class Structures: The colonial era introduced European economic models, including plantation agriculture and resource extraction, profoundly affecting the Americas’ socioeconomic structures. Class systems, often mirroring European social hierarchies, were established, with lasting implications for social mobility and inequality.
9. Cultural Blending and Resistance: The blending of indigenous, African, and European cultures has created the rich, diverse tapestries of American societies. Yet, this blending was often marked by resistance and conflict, as indigenous peoples and enslaved Africans fought against colonial rule and oppression, shaping the continents’ histories of struggle and resilience.
10. Monarchical Ceremonies and Symbolism: In countries with current or former ties to European monarchies, ceremonial practices and symbols often reflect this heritage. This includes military honors, legal traditions, and state ceremonies, some of which have been adapted to fit republican or democratic contexts.
11. Republicanism and Democracy: The shift from monarchy to republicanism in the Americas, inspired by Enlightenment ideals and the desire for self-determination, has fundamentally shaped the political landscape. The United States’ emergence as a republic and its subsequent rise as a superpower marked a new era, influencing liberation movements across the continents.
12. Modern-Day Monarchies and Constitutional Changes: While few monarchies remain in the Americas, discussions about the relevance and role of constitutional monarchies, like that of Canada, continue. Debates about republicanism, sovereignty, and the legacies of colonialism reflect ongoing engagement with the continents’ monarchical pasts.

The legacy of European monarchies in the Americas is complex, and societies through language, religion, culture, and governance are constantly evolving. As the continents have evolved, these historical influences have merged with indigenous and other influences, creating unique societies that continue to grapple with their colonial legacies while forging their paths forward.

America needs to focus on a better path. In a world where people follow and get followed for no purpose or reason, it seems to be a distraction from something much greater. Pursuing a relationship with God on a daily basis, seeking daily to be a better partner/friend/parent/coworker etc.

Christian Libertarianism is not a new movement… it started in the first century. Mandatory Love is not love at all, but all those who choose to not follow the world, but follow Jesus will yield the fruit of life while the others yield the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil with not applicable ethics or morality to seize it.

New Testament Scripture and Christian Libertarianism: The New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus, emphasizes love, freedom of choice, and personal responsibility. Christian libertarianism draws from these principles, advocating for individual liberty and voluntary association as foundational to ethical living and societal organization. The notion that “mandatory love is not love at all” echoes the scriptural teaching that love must be freely given (John 13:34-35). This principle underscores the importance of free will in Christian thought — a choice to follow Jesus and his commandments is seen as a pathway to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

Modern Science and Ethics: Modern science, with its empirical approach to understanding the natural world, often seems at odds with religious faith. However, many argue that science and faith can be complementary, each offering unique insights into the human condition and the universe. From a Christian libertarian perspective, science is a tool for stewarding God’s creation responsibly, promoting human flourishing without coercing belief or action. This perspective values the ethical application of scientific discoveries, recognizing the potential for both good and evil in human endeavors.

Morality and the Knowledge of Good and Evil: The reference to yielding “the fruit of life” versus “the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil” invokes the Genesis narrative of the fall of man (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-24). This narrative highlights the consequences of disobedience and the loss of innocence, leading to a world where ethics and morality are complex and contested. In this context, Christian libertarianism suggests that true morality arises from an individual’s voluntary choice to do good, influenced by the transformative power of faith in Jesus. This stands in contrast to a morality imposed by external authorities, which may lack a heart-level commitment to ethical principles.

Ethics, Morality, and Free Will: The crux of Christian libertarian thought lies in the assertion that ethical living and moral decisions must stem from personal conviction and choice rather than coercion. This aligns with New Testament teachings that emphasize the heart’s role in obedience to God (Romans 6:17). In this view, ethical and moral living are the fruits of a life transformed by the gospel, reflecting the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Integration with Modern Contexts: Applying these principles in a modern context, Christian libertarianism advocates for societal structures that respect individual freedom and dignity while promoting mutual love and service as taught by Jesus. This includes freedom in economic transactions, speech, and religion, as well as the responsibility to care for one’s neighbor voluntarily. The movement suggests that a society based on these principles would be more just, compassionate, and reflective of the kingdom values Jesus preached.

In summary, the integration of New Testament scripture, modern science, and Christian libertarianism offers a nuanced framework for understanding personal and societal ethics. It champions the role of free will in ethical decision-making, the complementarity of faith and reason, and the transformative potential of living according to the teachings of Jesus. This perspective invites believers to engage with the world critically and compassionately, using the gifts of faith and reason to navigate the complexities of modern life.

As always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson