#43 Thank you Subscribers!
Dr. Stephen Phinney: Mark and I are dedicating the week of Thanksgiving to our nation, embracing the spirit of gratitude and unity.
To the readers of the Identity Politics series by Judge Mark Boonstra and Dr. Stephen Phinney, thank you for your engagement and dedication. Your willingness to explore complex and often challenging topics is commendable. By delving into these works, you contribute to a deeper understanding and dialogue essential for societal growth, unity, and growth in the Body of Christ. Your support and thoughtful consideration of the ideas presented are invaluable. Together, we can advance a more informed and empathetic community for all indwelt believers and those who seek a Biblical worldview. Thank you for being a part of this important journey. The IOM America Team
Listen to this essay in our audio version.
A WEEK OF THANKSGIVING
Mark and I are dedicating the week of Thanksgiving to our nation, embracing the spirit of gratitude and indwelling faith of our forefathers. In these challenging times, it's more important than ever to come together and support one another. We're committed to advancing a sense of community and national Biblical thanksgiving, remembering the values that unite us. By dedicating this week to our country, we hope to inspire others to reflect on our shared blessings and work towards a brighter, more hopeful future for all.
I wholeheartedly endorse the Identity Politics series, as it stands out as a unique and invaluable resource on Substack. This series adheres to the Biblical doctrines of America's forefathers, offering a thoughtful and principled perspective on contemporary issues. The depth of research, clarity of thought, and unwavering commitment to foundational values make this series an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of faith and politics. Thank you for your dedication to producing such insightful and impactful content. -Dr. Heymann
The Identity Politics series is purposed to reestablish our country's founding members' investment in modern America. By delving into the core principles and values that shaped the nation's foundation, this series aims to reignite a sense of unity and purpose. It encourages readers to reflect on the vision and sacrifices of the founding members, advancing a renewed commitment to the ideals of liberty, justice, Biblical beliefs, and equality. Through thoughtful analysis, research, writings, and discussion, the series seeks to bridge the gap between historical intentions and contemporary anti-Biblical challenges, inspiring a collective effort to uphold and advance the nation's foundational values in today's complex eroding landscape.
WE THANK THE DESCENDANTS
Like some of our readers, I have a rich history regarding some of America’s founding members, as well as Mark’s connection to early Dutch leaders who influenced our founding doctrines. For example, one of my direct grandfathers came over on the Mayflower, and another signed the Declaration of Independence. We are their children and compelled to advance what they gave their lives for!
To the descendants of our founding fathers, our deepest gratitude for your place in American history. The odds are, some of you carry the legacy of visionaries who forged the path for our nation, laying the foundations of liberty, justice, and democracy. If so, you continue their presence and serves as a reminder of the ideals and sacrifices that have shaped our country. We thank you for upholding and honoring this heritage and inspiring future generations to cherish and build upon the principles that define America. Your place in our history is invaluable, and we are profoundly grateful for your enduring contributions.
THE THANKSGIVING TABLE
When I sit down at the Thanksgiving table, I remember my grandfathers, John Phinney & Thomas Roger, who John Phinney II married Roger’s daughter (the woman with John in the picture above), as our family history states, sat with the Native Americans on America's first Thanksgiving. His presence at that historical event, sharing a meal and bridging two cultures, fills me with deep gratitude and motivates me to write the Identity Politics series.
The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a momentous occasion of unity and gratitude, as the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians gathered together to celebrate the successful harvest.
This historic feast symbolized the joy of cooperation and mutual support between the two groups, who had faced immense challenges and hardships. For the Pilgrims, it was a time to express their deep gratitude for the assistance and knowledge shared by the Wampanoag, which had been crucial to their survival. The gathering was marked by a sense of camaraderie, warmth, and hope, as both the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag shared food, stories, and laughter, forging bonds of friendship and trust that would have a lasting impact on the future of the Plymouth Colony.
This legacy of unity and respect reminds me of Thanksgiving’s true spirit— togetherness, gratitude, and mutual appreciation.
As I celebrate with my family, I honor their memory and the foundational values my grandfathers and their comrades and their children’s children passed forward to descendants to help embody and ensure the founding principles they sacrificed their lives to solidify - through the generations.
Regarding my historical connection to our founding fathers, the Archivist from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) assigned to me confirmed our family history. Immediately upon this confirmation, she contacted her supervisor, the Director. The director said, "Mr. Phinney, we consider you American royalty. Our archives are at your beckoning call." This opened the door to research I use within this series.
Mark also has a genuine and unique history regarding his love and loyalty to our founders. I will say no more and allow his forthcoming essay to share his story.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed readers of the Identity Politics series for your engagement and thoughtful reflection.
Your dedication to exploring the intricate history of our nation's shared story is invaluable. As we delve into the complexities of identity and politics, we are reminded of the foundational principles that have shaped the United States of America—the land of Biblical freedom. Your support and commitment to understanding these themes contribute to a richer, more informed dialogue that honors the legacy of our founding ideals and our Lord Jesus Christ being the focal point of its foundation.
Thank you for being a part of this journey and for your unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and unity within the gift our forefathers gave us - the United States of America.
Dr. Stephen Phinney
Dear readers,
As we embark on the journey to publish the Identity Politics series, we are reminded of the words of Proverbs 3:27: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act." This series aims to shed light on important issues and advance understanding and unity among diverse communities. While we typically avoid pleading for donations, your support in covering the expenses of this publication for 2025 will enable us to reach a wider audience and make a meaningful impact.
We humbly ask you to consider contributing to the IM Writers Association, knowing that your generosity will help spread knowledge of Christ and promote positive change in our readers.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration and support. Together, we can make a difference and advance the mission of this important work. All donations are used to advance IOM America’s mission. DONATE
BEFORE MOVING ON
We challenge you to recommend our Identity Politics series to others, sparking meaningful conversations and advancing a deeper understanding of our nation's shared history.
Identity Politics | Co-writer: Judge Mark T. Boonstra