What justification do some people have for saying the US is a Christian nation?

Question

I'm just curious. It seems to me that anybody who examines the writings of the "Founding Fathers" in depth would come to the conclusion that they absolutely did NOT intend the US to be a Christian nation, or a nation governed by the laws of any religion. In fact, they viewed government based on religion as an inherently bad thing. Just look at the treaty of Tripoli which says "the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion;" Thomas Jefferson, for one, has some notable very anti orgainzed religion thoughts.

So I'm wondering where people got the idea that this country was founded as a Christian nation. Historians are welcome to answer...

An in an aside... what place does that leave for Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists, etc... are we to have no place in the governance of the nation we live in and pay taxes to? Or should I just move?

Also, the "one nation under God" thing doesn't work because LOTS of religions believe in god, not just Christians!

Answer 1

My opinion as an historian? Twisted facts, revisionist history and manipulated statistics. Yes, currently, Christianity is the leading religion in the U.S. This makes some people believe that it must always have been that way, even though statistically, people in the midwest in the mid 1800s were more likely to be athiest or non religious - Iowa alone had a rate of 68& of the population claiming no religion or religious practice, and/or no belief in god.

It;s clear, to hose who read the original writings and documents, that while many of the founding fathers were religious men - not all, but many - they clearly wanted religion and the state to be separate entities, with freedom of choice of religion - including none at all - for every citizen.

Answer 2

Part of the country was founded by Puritans, who wanted to have a land based on their religion, so if this nation is any religion, it's Puritan. However, Puritans don't have much influence today, so I think that that view would not be accepted.
A popular argument is that America was originally populated by religious people. However, in the colonial period church attendance was very low. In the 1750's, however, there was the Great Awakening, a religious event that unified the Americans somewhat. In the 19th century, there was a Second Great Awakening. However, these events were focused on increasing Christian participation in religious affairs, not making America strictly Christian.
Also, Pennsylvania was founded specifically to be a land of tolerance, especially since Penn, the owner of the colony was a Quaker.
In addition, most of the founding fathers weren't Christians at all. They were Deists.

Clearly, America is a land of freedom of religion, not a theocracy. The first amendment clearly states that congress shall not make a law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free speech thereof. (I'd put that in quotes, but I'm writing out of memory.) In addition, the first amendment guarantees freedom of religion, which extends to all faiths.
The people who want America to be a Christian nation are just a group of highly observant Christians who live in areas where they are not exposed to people of other faiths. They feel that non-Christians are going to hell, so their souls must be saved. However, unless one can prove that Christianity is the true religion, that view is not applicable. In addition, which denomination would become the official one? There are Catholics, Episcopalians, Methodists, etc. Besides, if one denomination became the national religion, all other faiths would rebel and/or break off into their own countries.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

My opinion is just a saying look at when the founding fathers signed the declaration of independence most of the population was Christian and their beliefs were of christian value. I think now with all the different religions in the US you can pretty much discount that.

Answer 5

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The Supreme Court has referred to this as a Christian nation. The founding fathers invoked the providence of the almighty.

The principles of our government are only possible for a Christian people. Christian people are not simply those who profess membership in a sect, they are rather those who practize the values endorsed by that creed.

I could give you a myriad of examples, but let me suffice by sharing this.
De Tocqueville upon his review of American government made this observation :
Despotism may govern without faith, but liberty cannot. Religion is much more necessary in a republic…than in a monarchy…it is more needed in democratic republics than in any others. How is it possible that society should escape destruction if the moral tie is not strengthened in proportion as the political tie is relaxed? And what can be done with a people who are their own masters if they are not submissive to the Deity?

I am very familiar with the works of Jefferson. I've read everything he ever wrote that I could get my hands on. He opposed a theocracy, but never did he disparage the exercise of Christian principles in the exercise of duty to God and country.

Have you read the Constitution? If so, you did not understand it.

Answer 6

Why don't you visit the nations capitol sometime and read the writings on the cornerstones of the buildings for starters.

Also visit this site for another: http://www.eadshome.com/QuotesoftheFounders.htm

Oh, BTW... Have you ever read the 1st amendment that supposedly separates Church and State?
Here it is in its fullness. ONE SENTENCE LONG.

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.


Therefore it is a single thought. If it means to religion everything people claim today then it also means the same to freedom of the press, speech, assembly, complaints to the government.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Well, if you are speaking of the "in god we trust" and the "one nation under God..." I have also put alot of thought into this.

In all honesty, IF ANYTHING, we are not a nation of christians but a nation of heathens ruled by occultists. Look at the Bohemian grove in which most of our big business men (including past and our current president) meet and often have rituals by fire. Or the symbology on the old dimes which point into occults. The list is long and I'm to weary to get technical on this matter...

Anyhow, if you really think about it Christian religeon and our USA republic government is pretty much the same. As long as citizens are fearful of a wrathful god, they will also be fearful of a wrathful government. Think aboout it, God and government are the same (in concept). without one, the other will certainly fail; and god forbid someone find enlightenment without paying a church to "guide them". OH HELL NO!

Answer 9

Well, not being a historian I can't say for sure but one little document comes to mind...The Declaration of Independence...."we believe these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed BY THEIR CREATOR certain unalienable rights....." You know the quote.

Perhaps it's the "In God We Trust" on our money.

Maybe it's "one nation under God" in our pledge of allegiance.

Then again, it could be this:
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=2441

Answer 10

You're right , but theres another side to the coin. Our founding fathers were also deeply concerned the government not encroach on religious beliefs and rights.