Was the USA founded as a Christian nation?

Question

http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/treaty_tripoli.html

Article 11 is particularly interesting
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.

Your thoughts?

Answer 1

No, it was founded as a secular nation.

Answer 2

Let me please have leave to post this...

First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

This says "religion". It doesn't state only the Christian religion and therefore encompasses all forms of religion.

And, as so many here like to point out, if Atheism is considered a religion (as many like to believe it is), then it too is protected under the First Amendment.

This means that the United States government can't force religion, or a lack of religion, on anyone but can protect the rights of it's citizens from persecution from other religions.

This also means that such things as Satanism, Wicca, Jewish, Muslim, etc, are as welcome in the country as any other religion despite what the Christians would like to believe.

The Founding Fathers were mostly Deist and were intelligent enough to be very careful in the wording of the Constitution to prevent any one religion from getting the upper hand.

The problem is that, in recent years (since the advent of the Bush administration) an attempt at circumventing the First Amendment rights of every American citizen has been made.

As well, the words "under god" were not added to the pledge until the 1950's during the cold war in an attempt to present a unified front against the communist "enemy". Thus, they hold no water and their addition to your pledge is against the First Amendment as the Amendment guarantees freedom of religion and from governmental interference in religion of any form.

Answer 3

maximum of them have been deists? the place are you getting this innovations from? (I actually p.c. to appreciate. i can understand if a number of them have been. yet maximum?) whether maximum of them have been deists, they probable attended church and have been formally Christians. it particularly is probable why human beings think of that u . s . a . of america grow to be based as a Christian usa. of direction, those persons who've examine the form understand that it promotes freedom of religion, and there is no point out of Christianity (or God, for that count) in the form. So of course, those Christians are incorrect in saying that u . s . a . of america is a Christian usa. in addition, you would be incorrect in case you claimed that u . s . a . of america grow to be a Jewish usa or an Islamic usa or a Buddhist usa. besides the fact that, you're superb in claiming that Christian values are the comparable values that are held by employing maximum civilized societies. yet in making this fact, are not you admitting that they are one and the comparable? are not you moreover mght admitting that one isn't actual incorrect if one is claiming that u . s . a . of america grow to be in accordance with Christian values? besides, if I have been a sort of Christians which you're addressing, i might experience that your fact will strengthen extra questions than solutions (as do maximum non secular/philosophical questions).

Answer 4

Okay, let me set some of you straight. The founding fathers were neither atheist nor Christian. They were Deists, which is totally different. As for article 11, they can say all they want that church and state are separate, but when it comes right down to it, they've really blurred the lines of separation.

Answer 5

I belive the US was founded in the belief that you could be free and believe whatever. Although I think we all know that isn't the case given the current state of the US.

Answer 6

No but it certainly was founded by Christians. Thank you for pointing out Article 11. It teaches those "USA wants everyone to be Christian" conspiracy monkies a thing or two.

Answer 7

Please read history, it is not too far, few hundred years ago, so it is very recent.
They had nothing to do with Christianity, other wise you want to blame Christianity for all the killing millions of Native Americans"Red Indians" and Africans...no sir, religion has nothing to do with the creation of America.

Answer 8

I'm not american, so I have limited opinion and education on this. I know the mayflower compact was pretty much like an oath signed before G-d to "further the Christian faith"

Blessings
David

Answer 9

i suppose the founders of the USA were christians, but i don't care. they were smart people (a dying breed now, and i don't presume i am one of them )
and they created a country for freedom, with no religious bias. what it is now is a slightly different matter with the fanatical believers who hold too much power.

Answer 10

Some pretty smart guys founded the USA.