What Religious Book Was on the Mayflower? The Koran?

Question

Did Jefferson, Franklin, Washington and Adams know which way Mecca was from Independence Hall?

Answer 1

Does it matter?

The founders of this country made it very clear -- in Article VI of the Constitution -- in the 1st Amendment -- and in many other documents -- that the US is NOT founded on any particular religion, and that no one religion can be considered dominant over any other.

So, it really doesn't matter what religion any of those people chose to follow -- because in the US, people are allowed to follow any religion they choose. That's one of our core founding principles.

As for your question about Mecca -- yes, they knew where it was -- because the US Congress enacted the Treaty of Tripoli in 1797 -- which specifically set forth the good relations between the US and the followers of Islam.

Article 11 reads:

"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 [Muslim]; 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."

If you would rather be in a country that has a national chosen religion -- there are plenty out there. Starting with England -- which is why we split off in the first place.

Answer 2

The version of the Bible that the Pilgrims believed in was certainly on the Mayflower since they were fleeing religious persecution and wished to establish a colony where they could freely practice their brand of Christianity.

Jefferson studied the Koran, and some of the others may have too. They were intellectuals with a broad range of interests that included religious as well as political philosophy.

In fact, Keith Ellison, the first Muslim member of Congress, took his private ceremony oath of office on Thomas Jefferson's copy of the Koran.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/03/AR2007010300075.html

Answer 3

Sorry, but the people of the Mayflower were in fact Puritans. The religious book they used was the Geneva edition of the bible.

Answer 4

The Bible of course. Early Americans used it to justify genocide of Native Americans, slavery, "Manifest Destiny," and the burning of "witches." Good thing the founders were wise enough to provide for freedom of religion in this country or their descendents may have used it to turn this country into yet another theocracy.

Answer 5

The Puritans on the Mayflower were expelled for their religious fervor, that means they were attempting to impose their beliefs on others. Sound familiar?
Really, who cares what religious book was the first European book in the New World. Oh, maybe it wasn't, weren't the Spanish here first from Europe, oh no, it was the Vikings.

Answer 6

of course they knew where Mecca was. they were very affluent and educated men.

did you also know that the founding fathers which you mention were not on the Mayflower, nor were they protestants as you so cleverly imply?

Answer 7

they knew but didn't care as it had no input or influence on our founding fathers who were incredibly wise and smart, they had much forethought on all their views.

what happened to great leaders and where did they go. is what we have now products of our current educational system...too sad.

Answer 8

I am thinking it was the Deluxe Bound copy of the best years of Mad Magazine. It got passed around alot too.

Answer 9

What religious book was used at the Salem Witch Trials?

Answer 10

The pilgrims were Puritans..bible yo.