JESUS & DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE INCOMPATIBLE?
On the surface, that headline carries a strange question! But is really? I was studying the Book of Ecclesiastes recently and in Chapter 2, the “Preacher” – King Solomon – expounds pleasure. This led me to a study of the philosophy of Epicureans. The comparison with King Solomon and 21st Century America is uncanny! Solomon in his corrupt heyday did what was right in his own eyes, just like people today. He was the ultimate Epicurean.
Now, there is a misconception that Epicureans believe only in “wine, women and song”…..or “eat, drink and be merry because tomorrow we die” and many carnal christians themselves believe and practice that lifestyle. Unfortunately, this included one of the most liked of America’s Founding Fathers and most famous author of the American Declaration of Independence – Thomas Jefferson.