Core Integrity

What is a core value?  According to Webster’s Dictionary, core refers to that which is central and foundational, distinct from the enveloping parts.  It goes on to say that core is the internal memory, such as in a computer.  It provides the common background for all that exists on the surface.

Taking these definitions and applying them to the “core values” of the United States should provide the cohesive building blocks for our nation.  If ideas, politics, actions, etc., do not fit with the original core, then they do not fit with the nation.  Both political camps claim to have the interest and security of America at the heart of their concerns regarding the other camp.  So, how do we know which side is correct in knowing what those foundational and core values are?

As in all history, it is extremely important to study original sources.  Further, it is also important to understand the perspectives and word meanings of the time that is being examined.  In other words, what was life like?  What issues, difficulties, and circumstances surrounded and contributed to the needs being addressed?

At the core of America, we find our founders and the founding documents they wrote establish the core of ideals, philosophy, and politics that make this nation function and continue.  Without the core in place, the nation fails.

Today, the core of our nation is torn apart and improperly mixed in a solution of false history and misunderstood foundational values.  In our current American political arena, the core of our nation is being purposely broken down.  Philosophies like CRT (Critical Race Theory) and organizations, such as BLM (Black Lives Matter) are tearing apart our core foundations.

Psalm 102:25 and Hebrews 1:10 both remind us that, “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, the heavens are the work of Your hands.”  The more we know and understand the Creator, the more we understand what He has made.  It follows that the more we know and understand our national founders and what they produced, the more we keep our core values solid and operational.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel