I have heard Christians make the claim that America was founded on Christianity. This is a claim I reject. But even granting that this were true, it raises another important question. Even if we grant this nation is founded on Christianity, should it be? Germany was a Nazi nation in 1933, but is that good? Christians commit a historical fallacy in claiming that since something is historical, it is correct or good. Based on that logic, slavery should be reinstated and only wealthy male landowners should be allowed to vote. Even if this nation were founded on Christianity, which it isn't, I believe that we should "UNFOUND" and employ a separation of church and state. Not just because its in the Constitution in the very first amendment, but because it is the right thing to do.
2007-05-31 15:55:41 · 11 answers · asked by doogsdc 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Couldn't have said it much better myself.
Like you, I do not agree that America was founded on Christianity. Yes, many of the early colonists were Christians, but then most of the people in Europe at the time were Christians, so that is only natural. The only colony which was expressly founded on Christian principles BY Christians was Plymouth Colony, which was actually founded by a Christian sect facing persecution in England -- namely, the Puritans.
The men who wrote and ratified the U.S. Constitution belonged to a number of different religions, and there were many who belonged to no religion at all. Those men made a point of establishing a separation of church and state, and that is the way it should remain.
Christianity is still the majority religion in the United States, but it is by no means a dominant religion. Therefore, the United States government has no business trying to enforce "Christian ideals." In fact, since every major religion in the world actually follows the same general rules of "good behavior," there is not even a need for this country to establish one religion's ideals over another.
2007-05-31 16:32:43 · answer #1 · answered by oldironclub 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course. Sure, the country might have Judeo-Christian influence in how it's set up and run. But the founding fathers obviously wanted nothing to do with a theocracy of any kind. Taking influence from religion in developing government isn't the same as making a religiously governed nation. There is a separation of church and state employed, but sometimes it's a bit sluggish in defending itself.
2007-05-31 16:05:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The United States was founded by people who believed in Christianity. I don't know what more you are looking for, its not like a Christian has the right, anymore, to put a picture of the 10 Commandments on public property. Its the same law that a Jew, or an Arabic, or a Buddhist has to follow.
2007-05-31 16:18:14 · answer #3 · answered by electrosmack1 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Our nation was founded by a group of men who understood the danger of mixing religion and government. Jefferson was a diest...he believed in God but subscribed to no particular religion. Franklin was probably the world's happiest athiest. These men wanted to be sure that government and religion did not mix because humans have a tendancy to look down on people of different faiths...
2007-05-31 16:41:37 · answer #4 · answered by Barrett 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. i've got self belief some Christian techniques inspired and formed the founding of united statesa., yet united statesa. isn't a 'Christian united states of america,' inspite of what some now could decide directly to have self belief. The founders of our united states of america have been very freethinking. Having been raised close to Philadelphia, i recognize many friends, or human beings of the Quaker faith, basically like Ben Franklin etc. have been. a lot of them are informed they do no longer look to be 'actual Christians' basically because of the fact their procedures of worship are distinctive, and that i'm effective that comparable and greater severe habit replaced into what led human beings to the hot international interior the 1st place. Quakerism is a sect of Christianity, so definite, i've got self belief the founders have been Christian. Their particular purpose replaced into for united statesa. to be open to human beings of distinctive faiths (and races: initially Thomas Jefferson needed slavery to be outlawed interior the announcement, even though it replaced into ignored because of the fact it would not have been ratified). briefly, real Christian virtues had a hand in shaping our united states of america, yet our united states of america replaced into based on the muse of religious freedom, no longer a faith itself.
2016-10-09 05:43:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know that much about USA history but I believe its time governments start to get disconnected from religion. As a non-believer I can not take seriously any politician who says he is doing the will of god. To my eyes he is either nuts or a liar.
2007-05-31 21:29:04 · answer #6 · answered by dimitris k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people seem to think that all traditions are good. If that were so we would still be having medical operations with just a bottle of whiskey for pain control.
2007-05-31 17:38:53 · answer #7 · answered by brainstorm 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what is , is. you don't want to believe so, that's your choice. if you think it needs to be changed, work on it within your abilities. if you want to compare belief systems, the nazi one seems way bizarre. unless you are comparing hitler to Jesus, which i guess you r. separation of church and state,always a first class idea. so vote and get your buddies to vote, and don't let the far right take this country over. r u old enough to vote?
2007-05-31 16:04:50 · answer #8 · answered by jujuma2 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
US wasn't founded by Christianity, it was founded by people who are Christians or Protestants.
2007-06-01 01:04:03 · answer #9 · answered by this is madness!!! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely.
2007-05-31 15:59:19 · answer #10 · answered by NONAME 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋