America Quote by John Ashcroft
“Unique among the nations, America recognized the source of our character as being godly and eternal, not being civic and temporal. And because we have understood that our source is eternal, America has been different. We have no king but Jesus.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on American Identity, John Ashcroft, 2002
America bases its character on eternal divine principles rather than temporary civic values, distinguishing it from other nations.
In simple terms: America’s character is rooted in God, not politics.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the spiritual foundation of national identity.
Themes
nationalism
spirituality
identity
history
politics
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- educational curricula
- public policy debates
- civic ceremonies
Key Concepts
theocracy
civil religion
foundational myth
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a divine self‑image affect policy?
- Can national identity be both spiritual and inclusive?
A Different Perspective
Critics argue this view can blur church‑state separation.
![“We know that there is a standard set for us in the heavens, a standard revealed to us in this book [the Bible] whih is the fixed and eternal standard by which we judge ourselves... Nothing makes America great except her acceptance of those standards of judgement which are written large upon the…” quote by Woodrow Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/000/woodrow-wilson-534_books_we-know-that-there-is-a-standard-set-for_328863.jpg)
![“Jesus [was the] first American” quote by Jerry Falwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f3c/jerry-falwell-3658_firsts_jesus-was-the-first-american-2829912_2829912.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
