The notion that America is a Christian nation, or was founded as a Christian nation, is debated widely. But I see two possible meanings here. It could mean that the nation was founded on Christian principles (in conjunction with Enlightenment philosophies) and continues to be overwhelmingly Christian in its populous. Another meaning is that it was founded to be Christian and remains so, as an extension of pursuits towards Christ in governance.
2007-09-07 11:42:01 · 12 answers · asked by Aspurtaime Dog Sneeze 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
John B, if it is not, one must know what is being rejected. Your understanding of the term?
2007-09-07 11:52:47 · update #1
It is scary but lately a lot of people believe it is the latter or both. That it was founded by Christians FOR Christians and must always reflect Christian values with regard to rule of law and all public policies.
However you cannot have a theocracy and Freedom and Justice for all at the same time. And even though America is overwhelmingly Christian in demographic, many people forget that it is not ONE brand of Christian. There are Roman Catholics, Protestants of varying doctrines and social values.
For America to become a "Christian" nation in the way fundamentalists want it to be, we would first have to decide WHICH Christian sect will be given preference. That will result in the same kind of violence you see in Muslim societies between Sunnis and Shiites.
2007-09-07 11:47:16 · answer #1 · answered by pixie_pagan 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Should it ever become a Christian nation, it would probably be worse than living in an Islamic nation such as we see in the Middle East.
2007-09-07 18:57:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To me it's a term of division. It's the majority prefixing the word "nation" with their identity.
It's correct that the US is majority-Christian, but it's majority-a-lot-of-things. Even though the country is 80% white, you don't hear (very many) people insisting that it be a "White Nation". And even though the people who drafted the US Constitution were males, relatively few people would insist the US be a "Male Nation".
But it's not politically correct to marginalize blacks or women. It is, however, politically correct to marginalize non-Christians. And when I hear the words, "Christian Nation" without extra context, I hear intentional divisiveness. Meanness.
2007-09-07 18:48:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
it means the fundie rebels who left England, only to institute another christian monarchy.
the only reason the fundies made our country based on Christianity is because they were burning all the atheists and witches who debated them over religion.
For the first time in history, we have a chance to turn America into a atheist country, free from religion.
thank Zeus!
2007-09-07 18:52:00 · answer #4 · answered by WINDIWS VISTA ULTIMATE RULES!!!! 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Of course the correct answer is that America is not a Christian nation.
2007-09-07 18:45:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Um...the first thing you said, it was found on Christian and Enlightenment philosophies...amongst others....as for a "Christian Nation" if this nation becomes that, then I'm forming a rebellion to take it on....to Hell with that...I'm gonna live in a land with freedom of religion (or lack thereof) denied us and which no man-made divinity rules over me! WHO'S WITH ME???!!!
2007-09-07 18:49:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
It is being used to mean the second although the first definition is more likely the correct one based on the historical evidence.
2007-09-07 18:48:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anne Hatzakis 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A very small percentage of those that claim to be Christians, actually are Christians by the Bible's definition.
2007-09-07 18:47:02 · answer #8 · answered by CJ 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
means Christian in its populous to me
2007-09-07 18:46:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The term Christian Nation makes me want to run far away...
I'm completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death...
2007-09-07 18:47:07 · answer #10 · answered by Highlander 4 · 5⤊ 2⤋