Freedom of Choice

By Andrew, FPP Intern

“There are three constants in life… change, choice and principles.” – Stephen Covey

One of the most controversial issues in America’s history is that of slavery. Why did the founding fathers fight for their own freedom, but refuse to free the slaves? The original Constitution had absolutely no reference to slavery at all. Some people think it was because the founding fathers felt they needed their slaves, or at least enjoyed the benefits of them. Yes, most of the founders of America did own slaves.

However, there was one reason that is often overlooked by historians. Freedom of Choice. One freedom that the founders did not include in the Bill of Rights. By not abolishing slavery, they were allowing the people to choose whether or not they owned slaves. This was simply following a Biblical principle established by God at the very beginning of time. God gave humans the ability to choose, even if they chose something that was morally wrong. It is a gift that the founding fathers did not want to rip from the people.

So does this makes Abraham Lincoln wrong to abolish slavery correct? It is precisely the opposite. Freedom of Choice only goes so far. People make bad choices, it is in their nature. There comes a point where we have to say “enough.” Bad choices must be dealt with once they have crossed this line. Abraham Lincoln did not enter his presidency with the goal to abolish slavery. In a speech given on March 6, 1860, Lincoln said, “We think slavery a great moral wrong, and while we do not claim the right to touch it where it exists, we wish to treat it as a wrong in the territories, where our votes will reach it.”

Even after the secession, in his first inaugural address given on March 4, 1861 he repeated himself, “I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that “I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so.” He made it very clear that he would allow Freedom of Choice to stand.

That was until slavery tore apart his nation. While Lincoln had already condemned the secession of seven southern states, led by South Carolina, he tried to find a peaceful solution. Attempts failed, and the South fired on Union controlled Fort Sumter off the coast of South Carolina. The line had been crossed. Lincoln fought doggedly against slavery and refused to stop short of complete abolition. If slavery was going to divide his nation he was going to get rid of it.

Even God takes action. A perfect example is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham convinced God to turn away from His wrath if He found ten righteous people in the two cities. He couldn’t. Two cities could not produce ten righteous people.  The people had gone too far and God utterly destroyed both cities, save for one righteous family.

As humans, we have been given the freedom to choose. We will be rewarded for good choices, and eventually judged for bad ones. We must be wise in what we choose to do.