"I have recently been examining all the known superstitions of the world, and do not find in our particular superstition (Christianity) one redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology." --Thomas Jefferson -3rd President
"God is an essence that we know nothing of. Until this awful blasphemy is got rid of, there never will be any liberal science in the world." --John Adams -2nd President
Treaty of Tripoli: Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.
2007-05-07T04:41:56Z
Authored by American diplomat Joel Barlow in 1796, the treaty was sent to the floor of the Senate, June 7, 1797, where it was read aloud in its entirety and unanimously approved. John Adams, having seen the treaty, signed it and proudly proclaimed it to the Nation.
cmw2007-05-07T04:57:37Z
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I'm one of the few Chrisitans I know who does not insist that the founding fathers definitively and intentionally formed a Christian nation.
Those that you refer to as the founding fathers certainly expounded a variety of ideas on the subject. I can find numerous quotes that support each side of the argument, with the same person saying both.
The Mayflower Compact was the first official document, which reads: "Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together…” so it's clear that the first settlers believed it was to be a Christian nation.
Of course, it also says it was founded for the King of England, and we all know what we did about that.
I don't think it was. Even if it was the USA has changed a lot since then. Slavery is no longer practiced. Women can vote. Non property owners have more rights. Another reality is that people of many faiths and non faith now live in the USA. What should be important is protecting the freedom and liberty of all US residents. History while important can not answer every issue faced in the present.
"Our judeo-christian heritage" I hear and read that all the time. All it means is that most Americans over the years have been jews or christians; that's a cultural thing and has nothing to do with the founding of the US. The founding was a political, and perhaps moral, event. No one at that time intended for any particular religion to guide our governmental process. And I am astonished and disappointed and scared each time I hear a politician quote scripture or refer to his or her "God" as the basis for some decision. Why has this become so much more frequent since the 1980s?
More like cessation of taxation without representation.
The break from exorbitant taxes and dependency. This is why the Boston Tea party holds a prominent place in history. It symbolizes the break of dependency on England.
There were several points of separation between what the people of the American colonies and the what English Crown dictated.
Religious "freedom" was one of many points. This is non interference in how or if a person wishes to believe.
They make separation of church and state. i think of they did for sturdy reason. history shows that faith and politics is an awful blend. If something what they pronounced and did shows that they do no longer desire this to be a non secular u . s . a . in any respect. "the government of usa isn't in any experience based upon the Christian faith." 1797 the treaty of Tripoli, signed by President Washington, and approved by the Senate of usa