HANNIBAL — TV star Kirk Cameron spent most of his recent appearance at Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLG) telling of his faith in Jesus Christ, but he took a few minutes to discuss his upcoming Christian worldview documentary, “Monumental: In Search of America’s National Treasure.” The movie will tell the story of the Forefathers Monument in Plymouth, Mass. and explores America’s rich Christian heritage. It will be released March 1.
“America has always been known as ‘the land of the free’ and ‘the home of the brave,’” Cameron told the crowd at the HLG Booster Banquet Nov. 19. “It’s the richest, freest nation the world has ever seen. But as I look around, I’m left with a sinking feeling that America is losing her way. The soul of our country is sick, and history shows me we are headed for disaster if we don’t change course now.
“I turn on the news looking for answers, but all I hear is noise. Time is flying by too quickly for petty arguments. My children’s future won’t wait. I’ve got to do something now.”
The star of the 1980s hit TV series “Growing Pains” said the way to “change course” is to look to the founding principles that were present at America’s birth. In “Monumental,” Cameron retraces the footsteps of the Founders from England to America searching for the lost “true national treasure.”
Cameron said that treasure can be found on the National Monument to the Forefathers. This 81-foot tall granite statue built in 1888, depicts the heroic figure of “Faith.” The four buttresses are seated figures representing the founding ideals held dear to the Pilgrims that came to the New World seeking religious freedom: Freedom, Morality, Law and Education. Under “Freedom” stand “Tyranny” and “Peace;” under “Morality” stand “Prophet” (John) and “Evangelist” (Paul); under “Law” stand “Justice” and “Mercy;” and under “Education” are “Youth” and “Wisdom.”
The inscription on the a panel contains a quote from Governor William Bradford’s history, Of Plymouth Plantation: “Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all praise.”
It is these truths, coupled with a people that turn back to God, that Cameron said will lead the nation back to greatness.
“This is one of the most important journeys of my life,” he said. “America is worth fighting for, and so are our families. We can still be a ‘city upon a hill.’ But we need to work together. With God’s help, we can turn this thing around. ‘If My people who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, then will I hear from heaven and heal their land’” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
BRIAN KOONCE / staff writer
bkoonce@mobaptist.org