Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
I agree in part. I think his treaty provision went too far when it said "in NO sense."
Given the First Amendment, I agree that it is not founded AS a Christian nation -- or as a Jewish Nation -- or as a Deist Nation -- or as a Muslim Nation -- etc. Freedom of Religion means that no one religion is dominant or favored.
On the other hand, there IS a sense in which the founding of the Republic was premised -- at least in part -- upon our Judeo-Christian roots.
That particular clause in the treaty was meant to appease the Muslims with whom the treaty dealt. It was meant as an assurance to them that religion would not govern how the treaty was interpreted and enforced.
Now, I do agree that one of the primary concerns of the Founding Fathers was religious freedom, not the advancement of a state religion. I believe they felt that individuals, not the government, would define religious faith and practice in the United States.
So I guess my answer would be, based on your use of the Treaty of Tripoli to make the argument... I disagree.
But I also agree...
It was not founded on the Christian religion, but that doesn't mean a default to no religion.
Why doesn't it? Should we go on which branch has the most people? Which religion? Catholics?
What is the majority?
I agree in part. I think his treaty provision went too far when it said "in NO sense."
Given the First Amendment, I agree that it is not founded AS a Christian nation -- or as a Jewish Nation -- or as a Deist Nation -- or as a Muslim Nation -- etc. Freedom of Religion means that no one religion is dominant or favored.
On the other hand, there IS a sense in which the founding of the Republic was premised -- at least in part -- upon our Judeo-Christian roots.
It was not founded on the Christian religion, but that doesn't mean a default to no religion.
Why doesn't it? Should we go on which branch has the most people? Which religion? Catholics?
What is the majority?
The founders did not found a nation of atheists. If they intended to do thatm they would have done so.
The Constitution was written for a moral and religious people. It is whollly inadequate to the government of any other.
John Adams.
We are talking about very thoughtful men. Had they intended the United States to be atheist, they would have undoubtably said so. Yet over and over the references are to God, Creator, Providence, and religion, not necessarily a Christian religion but one that shared Christian philosophy
-- John Adams - WikiquoteWhile our country remains untainted with the principles and manners which are now producing desolation in so many parts of the world; while she continues sincere, and incapable of insidious and impious policy, we shall have the strongest reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned us by Providence. But should the people of America once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another, and towards foreign nations, which assumes the language of justice and moderation, while it is practising iniquity and extravagance, and displays in the most captivating manner the charming pictures of candour, frankness, and sincerity, while it is rioting in rapine and insolence, this country will be the most miserable habitation in the world. Because we have no government, armed with power, capable of contending with human passions, unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge and licentiousness would break the strongest cords of our Constitution, as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. Oaths in this country are as yet universally considered as sacred obligations. That which you have taken, and so solemnly repeated on that venerable ground, is an ample pledge of your sincerity and devotion to your country and its government.
Letter to the Officers of the First Brigade of the Third Division of the Militia of Massachusetts, 11 October 1798, in Revolutionary Services and Civil Life of General William Hull (New York, 1848), pp 265-6.
I agree in part. I think his treaty provision went too far when it said "in NO sense."
Given the First Amendment, I agree that it is not founded AS a Christian nation -- or as a Jewish Nation -- or as a Deist Nation -- or as a Muslim Nation -- etc. Freedom of Religion means that no one religion is dominant or favored.
On the other hand, there IS a sense in which the founding of the Republic was premised -- at least in part -- upon our Judeo-Christian roots.
What "sense" is that? I would hypothesize that the hoi polloi held a variety of beliefs though the founders - the intellectuals - were primarily Deists. Are there letters or other historical documents of the founders where Jesus Christ is discussed? The Torah? The Puritans were Christian and not unlike the Social Conservatives of today.
Of course the Puritans burned and drowned 'witches'; today's 'Puraitans' simply call them sluts and chose to deny them rights.
That particular clause in the treaty was meant to appease the Muslims with whom the treaty dealt. It was meant as an assurance to them that religion would not govern how the treaty was interpreted and enforced.
Now, I do agree that one of the primary concerns of the Founding Fathers was religious freedom, not the advancement of a state religion. I believe they felt that individuals, not the government, would define religious faith and practice in the United States.
So I guess my answer would be, based on your use of the Treaty of Tripoli to make the argument... I disagree.
But I also agree...