In preparation for speaking at the Memorial Day Gathering of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, I watched the movie "The Patriot" and read a number of colonial writings. I was struck by the degree to which values and talk about honor and duty were a normal part of public discourse. "Poor Richard's Almanac", published by Benjamin Franklin, regularly contained thoughts like, "Half the truth is often a great lie" and "To serve the publick faithfully, and at the same time please it entirely is impracticable." We can learn from the culture that spawned the American Revolution to make the way in which our society functions a matter of concern and discussion.

A 20th century peacemaker has left us some very appropriate warnings. Gandhi used these as a teaching tool for students at his ashram in India, but they go right to the heart of the values of the culture we live in (reported by Jim Wallis in "Faith Works").

The seven deadly sins are these:

1. Politics without principle
2. Wealth without work
3. Commerce without morality
4. Pleasure without conscience
5. Education without character
6. Science without humanity
7. Worship without sacrifice