Eleanor Finch
The phrase appeal to heaven is not in the US Constitution, but the concept is implied in the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The phrase originates from British philosopher John Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government, written in 1690, in which he posits that when people are oppressed under tyranny and have no earthly recourse, they have a natural right to appeal to heaven and even take up arms against such tyranny. This idea was reflected in the Appeal to Heaven flag, which featured a pine tree and the phrase An Appeal to Heaven or An Appeal to God. The flag was used during the American Revolution to symbolize colonial resistance to British rule and their reliance on God's power for justice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | The phrase "appeal to heaven" was first used by John Locke in his work "Two Treatises of Government". |
| Usage | The phrase was emblazoned on George Washington's Revolutionary War flag. It was also used by Patrick Henry in his "Liberty or Death" speech and by the Second Continental Congress in the Declaration of Independence. |
| Meaning | The phrase means that when people face injustice and have no one on Earth to defend them, they must rely on a higher power and even take up arms in the fight for justice. |
| Symbolism | The flag featuring the phrase "appeal to heaven" has become a symbol of resilience, justice, and the pursuit of liberty. It represents a moral compass for many, reminding them of the fundamental values upon which America was built. |
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What You'll Learn
The Pine Tree Flag
The phrase "appeal to heaven" is attributed to John Locke's Second Treatise on Government, where it is used to describe the right of revolution. It was also used by liberty activists and enthusiasts of the American Revolution to commemorate the Pine Tree Riot, one of the first acts of resistance by the American colonists to British royal authority, which eventually led to the American Revolution.
Colonists had adopted the pine as a symbol on flags and currency in the 17th century, including variants of the flag of New England and coinage produced in Massachusetts. A flag with a pine tree on it was used in New England as early as 1704 and may have flown at Bunker Hill in 1775. The Pine Tree Flag was also used by state navy vessels in addition to privateers sailing from Massachusetts.
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John Locke's Second Treatise on Government
John Locke's "Second Treatise of Government" was published in 1690. The treatise outlines a theory of civil society, with a focus on natural liberty and natural rights. Locke begins by describing the state of nature, and appeals to God's creative intent in his case for human equality. He argues that the only legitimate governments are those that have the consent of the people, and that any government that rules without the consent of the people can theoretically be overthrown. Locke's work was later translated into French by David Mazzel in 1691, although this translation left out several key sections, including Locke's "Preface" and the entirety of the First Treatise.
Locke's "Second Treatise of Government" introduces the concept of the right of revolution, which became a key part of his social contract theory. According to Locke, under natural law, all people have the right to life, liberty, and property. The social contract allows the people to instigate a revolution and replace the government if it acts against their interests. In some cases, Locke even deemed revolution an obligation, viewing it as a safeguard against tyranny.
The phrase "appeal to heaven", which appears in Locke's "Second Treatise of Government", was used to describe the right of revolution. It was emblazoned on George Washington's Revolutionary War flag, reminding those under it that after all other alternatives of seeking justice have been exhausted, only an "appeal to heaven" remains. The phrase was also used by liberty activists and enthusiasts of the American Revolution to commemorate the Pine Tree Riot, one of the first acts of resistance by American colonists against British royal authority.
Locke's "Second Treatise of Government" had a significant impact on political thought, particularly in the context of the American Revolution. His ideas on natural liberty and the consent of the governed became hallmarks of American revolutionary ideology. Locke's work challenged two thousand years of Western political thinking, as the liberal state repudiated the classical and Christian vision of politics.
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George Washington's Revolutionary War flag
The phrase "appeal to heaven" is not in the US Constitution. However, it was used by John Locke in his work "Two Treatises of Government." The phrase was also emblazoned on George Washington's Revolutionary War flag, also known as the Pine Tree Flag or the Appeal to Heaven Flag.
The Pine Tree Flag was used by a squadron of six schooners commissioned under George Washington's authority as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army beginning in October 1775. The pine tree is a traditional symbol of New England, and the flag may have served as partial inspiration for liberty trees and liberty poles. The central image of the pine tree stood for wealth and power, as the tall trees were important for the Royal Navy's masts.
In addition to the Pine Tree Flag, there was also a headquarters flag associated with George Washington. This flag, light blue with 13 white stars, is known as the Commander-in-Chief Standard and marked Washington's presence on the battlefield during the Revolutionary War. It has been displayed at the Museum of the American Revolution and travelled into space with astronaut John Glenn in 1999.
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Separation of church and state
The phrase "appeal to heaven" is not in the US Constitution. However, the concept of an appeal to heaven is related to the separation of church and state, a principle often attributed to Thomas Jefferson.
The phrase "appeal to heaven" was used by the British philosopher John Locke in his Second Treatise on Civil Government, published in 1690. Locke argued that when people face injustice and have no one on Earth to defend them, they must rely on a higher power and even take up arms in the fight for justice. This concept, also known as the right of revolution, was later invoked by liberty activists and enthusiasts of the American Revolution.
During the Revolutionary War, George Washington commissioned a small number of ships, known as Washington's secret navy, which flew a flag with the motto "An Appeal to Heaven" or "An Appeal to God." This flag, known as the Pine Tree Flag, featured a pine tree, a symbol of strength and resilience in New England. The phrase "appeal to heaven" served as a reminder to colonists that they were reliant on Heaven and the God who reigns supreme, and that they should live by their convictions without fear of worldly retribution.
While the separation of church and state has been used to argue that citizens can survive without the Providence of Almighty God, this interpretation is disputed by some religious groups. They argue that the separation of church and state does not imply a disregard for the teachings of Scripture and that individuals have the right to worship God freely without government intrusion.
In conclusion, while the phrase "appeal to heaven" is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the concept is aligned with the separation of church and state. Both ideas emphasise the importance of protecting individual rights and ensuring that people can seek justice and defend their convictions, whether through earthly means or by appealing to a higher power.
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Christian nationalism
While the phrase "appeal to heaven" is not explicitly mentioned in the US Constitution, it has been used by some Christian nationalists to support their interpretation of the nation's founding principles. The phrase originates from the Revolutionary War era, when it was used as a rallying cry for colonists seeking independence from Britain. It implied that the colonists' cause was just and that they were appealing to a higher power for guidance and protection.
Christian nationalists often emphasize the importance of religious freedom and the role of Christianity in the public sphere. They may advocate for the display of religious symbols in government buildings, the inclusion of prayer in public schools, and the consideration of religious beliefs in policy-making. In their view, the US was intended to be a nation governed by Christian principles, and any deviation from this is seen as a threat to the country's moral fabric.
Critics of Christian nationalism argue that it misrepresents the separation of church and state intended by the Founding Fathers. They emphasize that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, protecting the rights of individuals to practice their faith without government interference. Additionally, they highlight the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religious group over another.
The debate surrounding Christian nationalism and its interpretation of the US Constitution remains ongoing. While some see it as a return to traditional values and a way to instill morality in public life, others view it as a distortion of the nation's founding principles and a threat to religious freedom and inclusivity. The phrase "appeal to heaven" continues to be invoked by those seeking to emphasize the religious aspects of the nation's founding, even as scholars and legal experts debate the intended separation of church and state in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the phrase "appeal to heaven" is not in the US Constitution. However, the concept of appealing to a higher power in times of injustice and when there is no earthly authority to turn to is believed to have influenced the Constitution's guarantee of certain rights.
The phrase "appeal to heaven" is attributed to British philosopher John Locke, who used it in his work "Two Treatises of Government," also known as the "Second Treatise on Civil Government." Locke argued that when people face oppression and have no earthly recourse, they have a natural right to "appeal to heaven" and even take up arms to defend their rights.
The phrase "appeal to heaven" was used during the American Revolution. It appeared on a flag known as the Pine Tree Flag or the Appeal to Heaven Flag, which featured a pine tree and the motto "An Appeal to Heaven." This flag was flown during the war and symbolized colonial resistance to British rule. The phrase was also invoked by the Second Continental Congress in the Declaration of Independence.
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