Is America a Christian nation?
Yes
Side Score: 7
|
 |
No
Side Score: 11
|
|
|
|
|
Even though people try to pretend its not it definately is, In God We Trust and God in the Pledge Of Allegiance, Bigotry against Homosexuals and Gay Marriage and every time this is challenged the only defence is scripture. Even though people are free to believe what they want in private being open about those beliefs in public is not exactly welcome if it is not a Christian belief. Side: Yes
1
point
1
point
1
point
John Jay {Delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774-76; Member of the New York Constitutional Convention, First Chief Justice of New York, 1777; Delegate and elected President of Continental Congress Contributor to The Federalist, 1788; First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States,} Made this statement "Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers. And it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." (October 12, 1816. The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay) John Adams said "It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. Religion and virtue are the only foundations ... of republicanism and all free governments." "The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States", Vol. IX, p. 401, to Zabdiel Adams on June 21, 1776, Vol. IX p. 636, to Benjamin Rush on August 28, 1811, He also said "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. ... Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States", Vol. IX, p 229, October 11, 1798, The general principles, on which the Fathers achieved independence, were the only Principles in which that beautiful Assembly of young Gentlemen could Unite, and these Principles only could be intended by them in their address, or by me in my answer. And what were these general Principles? I answer, the general Principles of Christianity, in which all these Sects were United: And the general Principles of English and American Liberty, in which all those young Men United, and which had United all Parties in America, in Majorities sufficient to assert and maintain her Independence. "Now I will avow, that I then believe, and now believe, that those general Principles of Christianity, are as eternal and immutable, as the Existence and Attributes of God; and that those Principles of Liberty, are as unalterable as human Nature and our terrestrial, mundane System." (Adams wrote this on June 28, 1813, excerpt from a letter to Thomas Jefferson.) "The idea of infidelity [a disbelief in the inspiration of the Scriptures or the divine origin of Christianity] cannot be treated with too much resentment or too much horror. The man who can think of it with patience is a traitor in his heart and ought to be execrated [denounced] as one who adds the deepest hypocrisy to the blackest treason." "Atlas of American Independence", Second President of the United States under the Constitution, "The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States", Early Court Decisions on the Separation of Church and State Runkel v. Winemiller, 1799 "Religion is of general and public concern and on its support depend, in great measure, the peace and good order of government, the safety and happiness of the people. By our form of government, the Christian religion is the established religion; and all sects and denominations of Christians are placed upon the same equal footing and are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty." The People v. Ruggles, 1811 "[W]e are a Christian people and the morality of the country is deeply engrafted upon Christianity and not upon the doctrines or worship of those imposters [other religions].... [We are a] people whose manners... and whose morals have been elevated and inspired... by means of the Christian religion. Though the constitution has discarded religious establishments, it does not forbid judicial cognizance of those offenses against religion and morality which have no reference to any such establishment... This [constitutional] declaration, noble and magnanimous as it is, when duly understood, never meant to withdraw religion in general, and with it the best sanctions of moral and social obligation from all consideration and notice of the law..." Updegraph v. The Commonwealth, 1824 "The assertion is once more made that Christianity never was received as part of the common law of this Christian land; and... if it was, it was virtually repealed by the Constitution of the United States... We will first dispose of what is considered the grand objection -- the constitutionality of Christianity... Christianity, general Christianity, is and always has been a part of the common law... not Christianity founded on any particular religious tenets; not Christianity with an established church... but Christianity with liberty of conscience to all men. Thus this wise legislature framed this great body of laws for a Christian country and a Christian people.... [T]hus it is irrefragably proved that the laws and institutions of this State are built on the foundation of reverence for Christianity.... In this the Constitution of the United States has made no alteration nor in the great body of the laws which was an incorporation of the common-law doctrine of Christianity." City of Charlston v. Benjamin, 1846 "Christianity is part of the common law of the land, with liberty of conscience to all. It has always been so recognized.... If Christianity is a part of the common law, its disturbance is punishable as common law. The U.S. Constitution allows it as part of the common law.... The observance of Sunday is one of the usages of the common law recognized by our U.S. and State Governments.... Christianity is part and parcel of the common law.... Christianity has reference to the principles of right and wrong... it is the foundation of those morals and manners upon which our society is formed; it is their basis. Remove it and they would fall... it [morality] has grown upon the basis of Christianity." "What constitutes the standard of good morals? Is it not Christianity? There certainly is none other.... The day of moral virtue in which we live would, in an instant, if that standard were abolished, lapse into the dark and murky night of Pagan immorality...." "In the Courts over which we preside, we daily acknowledge Christianity as the most solemn part of our administration. A Christian witness, having no scruples about placing his hand upon the book, is sworn upon the holy Evangelists -- the books of the New Testament which testify of our Savior's birth, life, death, and resurrection; this is so common a matter that it is little thought of as an evidence of the part which Christianity has in the common law...." Lindenmuller v. The People, 1860 "It would be strange for a people Christian in doctrine and worship, many of whom or whose forefathers had sought these shores for the privilege of worshipping God in simplicity and purity of faith, and who regarded religion as the basis of their civil liberty and the foundation of their rights, should, in their zeal to secure to all the freedom of conscience which they valued so highly, solemnly repudiate and put beyond the pale of the law the religion which was dear to them as life and dethrone the God who they openly and avowedly professed to believe had been their protector and guide as a people." "All agreed that the Christian religion was engrafted upon the law and entitled to protection as the basis of our morals and the strength of our government." John Witherspoon {Signer of the Declaration of Indepencence }said "Whoever is an avowed enemy of God, I scruple not to call him an enemy to his country." Samuel Adams "Let ... statesmen and patriots unite their endeavors to renovate the age by ... educating their little boys and girls ... [and] leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system." - Samuel Adams and John Adams, "Four Letters: Being an Interesting Correspondence Between Those Eminently Distinguished Characters, John Adams, Late President of the United States; Side: Yes
1
point
|
4
points
Well it depends on what youre talking about, foundation or population. If were talking population percentages of religious peoples then most certainly we are a "christian nation" as we are a nation of mostly christians. However, if were talking about the fundamental ideals that this nation was founded on then we are absolutely NOT a christian nation in that we were NOT founded on the christian religion. I point to the constitution: Amendment 1 (Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; What this means is that congress cannot value one religion over another. As in, we cannot privledge christianity over islam or wicca over judaism or any other combination. Religion is religion and it is all to be treated the same way. If we were founded BY christians FOR christians, then this would certainly not be the case as the constitution would value christianity over all others. The second part says that the government cannot restrict you from practicing any religion you want (unless of course the practices are harmfull to society). This would also not be the case becasuse any christians would never allow the practicing of blasphemous religions other than christianity in their country. Thomas Jefferson called the above: "A wall of separation between church and state" All of the founders at the constitutional convention supported this idea of secularity. Obviously if they were deeply religious, they would not. Which brings me to my next point: The US was not founded by Christians. Or at least majority christians. There were different christians at the constitutional convention, but the majority were not deeply religious. And more importantly the big founders were absolutely not. Im talking about Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Madison. The big guys. Many of these were diests and it is also highly probable that Washington and Jefferson were closet atheists. Everyone at the convention, whether athiest, diest, or christian, had one thing in common: THEY WERE CRITICAL OF CHRISTIANITY. Nearly every single person in attendance of the convention is quoted as saying something critical of christianity. They all had a bone to pick with organized religion and the bible. It is because of this that they all supported a SECULAR government and established it through the constitution. NOT A CHRISTIAN ONE. Article 6: but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States This means that ANY religious denomination (or lack therof) can hold ANY office of government in the united states. If the counrty was founded on christianity they would only allow christians OR at the very least judeo christian religious types such as Jews, Catholics, and MAYBE muslims. My final point is perhaps the most obvious and most concrete piece of evidence i have: 1796 Treaty of Tripoli- Signed between the US and Tripolitania on November 4, 1796 by PRESIDENT JOHN ADAMS 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 tranquility, of Mussulmen [Muslims],—and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan [Mohammedan] 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. This is absolute proof straight from the horses mouth. John Adams himself one of the big founders of our nation stating we are NOT a christian nation. It doesnt get any more solid than that. Now the pledge and our money was brought up, and i will now dispute how this is not proof we are a christian nation. The Pledge of Alliegance did NOT originally have "Under God" in it when it was first written. And our country's motto was NOT: "In God we trust" (that's whats printed on our money). Both of these were added in the mid 1950s as a result of the Red Scare when America was terrified of communism and the government was pushing to seperate our beautiful capitalism from it. Because we did not want us to look like those "Godless" communists the "Under god" was added and motto changed. It made our country look more religious and less communist. It was easy to get them passed at the time because of this and because the VAST majority of the US population was Christian at the time and didnt care if it VIOLATED THE CONSTITUTION. That's my next point. These two changes violate the constitution. They are clear examples of the government valuing one religion over all others. This violates the Establishment Clause and is absolutely unconstitutional and both should be changed. They also violate freedom of religion because they push a certain religious belief on others by making them say it and adhere to a certain religious label. I wrote you an essay. This debate is over Side: No
2
points
Here are a few quotes from the founding fathers to back up what AveSatanas said. Thomas Jefferson: Although Jefferson was a follower of Jesus at one point in his life, he despised what Christianity had become, as he explains below. "To the corruptions of Christianity I am indeed opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian, in the only sense he wished any one to be; sincerely attached to his doctrines, in preference to all others; ascribing to himself every human excellence; & believing he never claimed any other." - Letter to Benjamin Rush (12 April 1803) Even though he was a follower of Jesus he didn't want religion in our government, and he makes that very clear in the quotes below. "I am for freedom of religion, & against all maneuvres to bring about a legal ascendancy of one sect over another." - Letter to Elbridge Gerry 1799 "Christianity neither is, nor ever was, a part of the Common Law." -letter to Dr. Thomas Cooper, 1814 "History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance, of which their political as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purpose." - to Baron von Humboldt, 1813 "Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor morum over each other. Is uniformity attainable? Millions of innocent men, women and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined, imprisoned: yet we have not advanced one inch towards uniformity. What has been the effect of coercion? To make one half the world fools, and the other half hypocrites. To support roguery and error all over the earth." -- Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVII George Washington: "Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause. Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by the difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be depreciated. I was in hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see the religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of society." - letter to Edward Newenham, 1792 "Gouverneur Morris had often told me that General Washington believed no more of that system (Christianity) than did he himself." -Thomas Jefferson, in his private journal, Feb. 1800 James Madison: "Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise." -letter to Wm. Bradford, April 1, 1774 "The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe in blood for centuries." -1803 letter objecting use of gov. land for churches "During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What has been its fruits? More or less in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity; in both, superstition, bigotry, and persecution." Side: No
1
point
1
point
You just think the debate is over. Article one simply means the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT can't establish any law regarding religion, not the STATE Government. Jefferson attended church in the Capitol building his whole term as president. He even got the Marine Corps band to play the music in the church services. Jefferson even made the statement "I am a real Christian" although he would not be considered that because he did not believe in the Trinity. Benjamin Franklin said "Here is my Creed: I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by his Providence. That he ought to be worshipped. That the most acceptable Service we can render to him, is doing Good to his other Children…. I think the System of Morals [devised by Jesus] and his Religion as he left them to us, the best the World ever saw, or is likely to see; but I apprehend it has received various corrupting Changes, and I have with most of the present Dissenters in England, some Doubts as to his Divinity." Look at his speech at the constitutional convention " I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest." John Adams said " The general principles, on which the Fathers achieved independence, were the only Principles in which that beautiful Assembly of young Gentlemen could Unite, and these Principles only could be intended by them in their address, or by me in my answer. And what were these general Principles? I answer, the general Principles of Christianity, in which all these Sects were United: ... "Now I will avow, that I then believe, and now believe, that those general Principles of Christianity, are as eternal and immutable, as the Existence and Attributes of God; and that those Principles of Liberty, are as unalterable as human Nature and our terrestrial, mundane System." (Adams wrote this on June 28, 1813, excerpt from a letter to Thomas Jefferson.) John Jay said "“"Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers. And it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." (October 12, 1816. The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay) Early Court Decisions on the Separation of Church and State Runkel v. Winemiller, 1799 "Religion is of general and public concern and on its support depend, in great measure, the peace and good order of government, the safety and happiness of the people. By our form of government, the Christian religion is the established religion; and all sects and denominations of Christians are placed upon the same equal footing and are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty." The People v. Ruggles, 1811 "[W]e are a Christian people and the morality of the country is deeply engrafted upon Christianity and not upon the doctrines or worship of those imposters [other religions].... [We are a] people whose manners... and whose morals have been elevated and inspired... by means of the Christian religion. Updegraph v. The Commonwealth, 1824 "The assertion is once more made that Christianity never was received as part of the common law of this Christian land; and... if it was, it was virtually repealed by the Constitution of the United States... We will first dispose of what is considered the grand objection -- the constitutionality of Christianity... Christianity, general Christianity, is and always has been a part of the common law... not Christianity founded on any particular religious tenets; not Christianity with an established church... but Christianity with liberty of conscience to all men. Thus this wise legislature framed this great body of laws for a Christian country and a Christian people.... [T]hus it is irrefragably proved that the laws and institutions of this State are built on the foundation of reverence for Christianity.... In this the Constitution of the United States has made no alteration nor in the great body of the laws which was an incorporation of the common-law doctrine of Christianity." Treaty of Tripoli This article was placed in by a man named Barlow. it was not approved and it is not in the Arabic version. Founders Deist? not a single one Washington to the Delaware Indians "You do well to wish to learn our arts and our ways of life and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are. Congress will do everything they can to assist you in this wise intention." George Washington's Speech to Delaware Indian Chiefs on May 12, 1779, in John C. Fitzpatrick, editor, The Writings of George Washington, Vol. XV (Washinton: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1932), p. 55. Here are some quotes from the founders. Notice how many mention Jesus, redeemer, etc. Samuel Adams Father of the American Revolution, Signer of the Declaration of Independence I . . . recommend my Soul to that Almighty Being who gave it, and my body I commit to the dust, relying upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins. Will of Samuel Adams Charles Carroll Signer of the Declaration of Independence On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for salvation and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts. From an autographed letter in our possession written by Charles Carroll to Charles W. Wharton, Esq., on September 27, 1825, from Doughoragen, Maryland. William Cushing First Associate Justice Appointed by George Washington to the Supreme Court Sensible of my mortality, but being of sound mind, after recommending my soul to Almighty God through the merits of my Redeemer and my body to the earth . . . Will of William Cushing John Dickinson Signer of the Constitution Rendering thanks to my Creator for my existence and station among His works, for my birth in a country enlightened by the Gospel and enjoying freedom, and for all His other kindnesses, to Him I resign myself, humbly confiding in His goodness and in His mercy through Jesus Christ for the events of eternity. Will of John Dickinson John Hancock Signer of the Declaration of Independence I John Hancock, . . . being advanced in years and being of perfect mind and memory-thanks be given to God-therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die [Hebrews 9:27], do make and ordain this my last will and testament…Principally and first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it: and my body I recommend to the earth . . . nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mercy and power of God. . . Will of John Hancock Patrick Henry Governor of Virginia, Patriot This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed. Will of Patrick Henry John Jay First Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court Unto Him who is the author and giver of all good, I render sincere and humble thanks for His manifold and unmerited blessings, and especially for our redemption and salvation by His beloved son. He has been pleased to bless me with excellent parents, with a virtuous wife, and with worthy children. His protection has companied me through many eventful years, faithfully employed in the service of my country; His providence has not only conducted me to this tranquil situation but also given me abundant reason to be contented and thankful. Blessed be His holy name! Will of John Jay Daniel St. Thomas Jenifer Signer of the Constitution In the name of God, Amen. I, Daniel of Saint Thomas Jenifer . . . of dispossing mind and memory, commend my soul to my blessed Redeemer. . . Will of Daniel St. Thomas Jenifer Henry Knox Revolutionary War General, Secretary of War First, I think it proper to express my unshaken opinion of the immortality of my soul or mind; and to dedicate and devote the same to the supreme head of the Universe – to that great and tremendous Jehovah, – Who created the universal frame of nature, worlds, and systems in number infinite . . . To this awfully sublime Being do I resign my spirit with unlimited confidence of His mercy and protection . . . Will of Henry Knox John Langdon Signer of the Constitution In the name of God, Amen. I, John Langdon, . . . considering the uncertainty of life and that it is appointed unto all men once to die [Hebrews 9:27], do make, ordain and publish this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say-First: I commend my soul to the infinite mercies of God in Christ Jesus, the beloved Son of the Father, who died and rose again that He might be the Lord of the dead and of the living . . . professing to believe and hope in the joyful Scripture doctrine of a resurrection to eternal life . . . Will of John Langdon John Morton Signer of the Declaration of Independence With an awful reverence to the great Almighty God, Creator of all mankind, I, John Morton . . . being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and memory-thanks be given to Almighty God for the same, for all His mercies and favors-and considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the times thereof, do, for the settling of such temporal estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life . . . Will of John Morton Robert Treat Paine Signer of the Declaration of Independence I desire to bless and praise the name of God most high for appointing me my birth in a land of Gospel Light where the glorious tidings of a Savior and of pardon and salvation through Him have been continually sounding in mine ears. Robert Treat Paine, The Papers of Robert Treat Paine, Stephen Riley and Edward Hanson, editors (Boston: Massachusetts Historical Society, 1992), Vol. I, p. 48, March/April, 1749. [W]hen I consider that this instrument contemplates my departure from this life and all earthly enjoyments and my entrance on another state of existence, I am constrained to express my adoration of the Supreme Being, the Author of my existence, in full belief of his providential goodness and his forgiving mercy revealed to the world through Jesus Christ, through whom I hope for never ending happiness in a future state, acknowledging with grateful remembrance the happiness I have enjoyed in my passage through a long life. . . Will of Robert Treat Paine Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Signer of the Constitution To the eternal, immutable, and only true God be all honor and glory, now and forever, Amen!. . . Will of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Rufus Putnam Revolutionary War General, First Surveyor General of the United States [F]irst, I give my soul to a holy, sovereign God Who gave it in humble hope of a blessed immortality through the atonement and righteousness of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. My body I commit to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian manner. I fully believe that this body shall, by the mighty power of God, be raised to life at the last day; 'for this corruptable (sic) must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality.' [I Corinthians 15:53] Will of Rufus Putnam Benjamin Rush Signer of the Declaration of Independence My only hope of salvation is in the infinite, transcendent love of God manifested to the world by the death of His Son upon the cross. Nothing but His blood will wash away my sins. I rely exclusively upon it. Come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly! Benjamin Rush, The Autobiography of Benjamin Rush, George Corner, editor (Princeton: Princeton University Press for the American Philosophical Society, 1948), p. 166, Travels Through Life, An Account of Sundry Incidents & Events in the Life of Benjamin Rush. Roger Sherman Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Signer of the Constitution I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. . . . that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God. . . . that God did send His own Son to become man, die in the room and stead of sinners, and thus to lay a foundation for the offer of pardon and salvation to all mankind so as all may be saved who are willing to accept the Gospel offer. Lewis Henry Boutell, The Life of Roger Sherman (Chicago: A. C. McClurg and Company, 1896), pp. 272-273. Richard Stockton Signer of the Declaration of Independence I think it proper here not only to subscribe to the entire belief of the great and leading doctrines of the Christian religion, such as the Being of God, the universal defection and depravity of human nature, the divinity of the person and the completeness of the redemption purchased by the blessed Savior, the necessity of the operations of the Divine Spirit, of Divine Faith, accompanied with an habitual virtuous life, and the universality of the divine Providence, but also . . . that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; that the way of life held up in the Christian system is calculated for the most complete happiness that can be enjoyed in this mortal state; that all occasions of vice and immorality is injurious either immediately or consequentially, even in this life; that as Almighty God hath not been pleased in the Holy Scriptures to prescribe any precise mode in which He is to be publicly worshiped, all contention about it generally arises from want of knowledge or want of virtue. Will of Richard Stockton Jonathan Trumbull Sr. Governor of Connecticut, Patriot Principally and first of all, I bequeath my soul to God the Creator and Giver thereof, and body to the Earth . . . nothing doubting but that I shall receive the same again at the General Resurrection thro the power of Almighty God; believing and hoping for eternal life thro the merits of my dear, exalted Redeemer Jesus Christ. Will of Jonathan Trumbull John Witherspoon Signer of the Declaration of Independence I entreat you in the most earnest manner to believe in Jesus Christ, for there is no salvation in any other [Acts 4:12]. . . . [I]f you are not reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, if you are not clothed with the spotless robe of His righteousness, you must forever perish. John Witherspoon, The Works of John Witherspoon (Edinburgh: J. Ogle, 1815), Vol. V, pp. 276, 278, The Absolute Necessity of Salvation Through Christ, January 2, 1758. Side: Yes
1
point
And? The founders either contradicted themselves or changed their minds having different viewpoints at different stages in their lives and thus in different age documents. This wasn't even a significant point of my argument (which I don't even remember so long ago). I only used their words and religious views to display how their intending the US govt to be secular is highly likely. Even if they were devoutly Christian (which I still doubt) the constitution ultimately speaks for itself. The government can't favor one religion over another and endorse said religion in any way. Period. Side: No
1
point
In 1776 the population was only 2,500,00. The population did not hit 3,000,000 until 1782. http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/ Side: Yes
1
point
1
point
Show me PROOF that even one, other than Thomas Paine was a deist. You can't. Here is Poof they were Christians. Samuel Adams Father of the American Revolution, Signer of the Declaration of Independence I . . . recommend my Soul to that Almighty Being who gave it, and my body I commit to the dust, relying upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins. Will of Samuel Adams Charles Carroll Signer of the Declaration of Independence On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for salvation and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts. From an autographed letter in our possession written by Charles Carroll to Charles W. Wharton, Esq., on September 27, 1825, from Doughoragen, Maryland. William Cushing First Associate Justice Appointed by George Washington to the Supreme Court Sensible of my mortality, but being of sound mind, after recommending my soul to Almighty God through the merits of my Redeemer and my body to the earth . . . Will of William Cushing John Dickinson Signer of the Constitution Rendering thanks to my Creator for my existence and station among His works, for my birth in a country enlightened by the Gospel and enjoying freedom, and for all His other kindnesses, to Him I resign myself, humbly confiding in His goodness and in His mercy through Jesus Christ for the events of eternity. Will of John Dickinson John Hancock Signer of the Declaration of Independence I John Hancock, . . . being advanced in years and being of perfect mind and memory-thanks be given to God-therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die [Hebrews 9:27], do make and ordain this my last will and testament…Principally and first of all, I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it: and my body I recommend to the earth . . . nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mercy and power of God. . . Will of John Hancock Patrick Henry Governor of Virginia, Patriot This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed. Will of Patrick Henry John Jay First Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court Unto Him who is the author and giver of all good, I render sincere and humble thanks for His manifold and unmerited blessings, and especially for our redemption and salvation by His beloved son. He has been pleased to bless me with excellent parents, with a virtuous wife, and with worthy children. His protection has companied me through many eventful years, faithfully employed in the service of my country; His providence has not only conducted me to this tranquil situation but also given me abundant reason to be contented and thankful. Blessed be His holy name! Will of John Jay Daniel St. Thomas Jenifer Signer of the Constitution In the name of God, Amen. I, Daniel of Saint Thomas Jenifer . . . of dispossing mind and memory, commend my soul to my blessed Redeemer. . . Will of Daniel St. Thomas Jenifer Henry Knox Revolutionary War General, Secretary of War First, I think it proper to express my unshaken opinion of the immortality of my soul or mind; and to dedicate and devote the same to the supreme head of the Universe – to that great and tremendous Jehovah, – Who created the universal frame of nature, worlds, and systems in number infinite . . . To this awfully sublime Being do I resign my spirit with unlimited confidence of His mercy and protection . . . Will of Henry Knox John Langdon Signer of the Constitution In the name of God, Amen. I, John Langdon, . . . considering the uncertainty of life and that it is appointed unto all men once to die [Hebrews 9:27], do make, ordain and publish this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say-First: I commend my soul to the infinite mercies of God in Christ Jesus, the beloved Son of the Father, who died and rose again that He might be the Lord of the dead and of the living . . . professing to believe and hope in the joyful Scripture doctrine of a resurrection to eternal life . . . Will of John Langdon John Morton Signer of the Declaration of Independence With an awful reverence to the great Almighty God, Creator of all mankind, I, John Morton . . . being sick and weak in body but of sound mind and memory-thanks be given to Almighty God for the same, for all His mercies and favors-and considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the times thereof, do, for the settling of such temporal estate as it hath pleased God to bless me with in this life . . . Will of John Morton Robert Treat Paine Signer of the Declaration of Independence I desire to bless and praise the name of God most high for appointing me my birth in a land of Gospel Light where the glorious tidings of a Savior and of pardon and salvation through Him have been continually sounding in mine ears. Robert Treat Paine, The Papers of Robert Treat Paine, Stephen Riley and Edward Hanson, editors (Boston: Massachusetts Historical Society, 1992), Vol. I, p. 48, March/April, 1749. [W]hen I consider that this instrument contemplates my departure from this life and all earthly enjoyments and my entrance on another state of existence, I am constrained to express my adoration of the Supreme Being, the Author of my existence, in full belief of his providential goodness and his forgiving mercy revealed to the world through Jesus Christ, through whom I hope for never ending happiness in a future state, acknowledging with grateful remembrance the happiness I have enjoyed in my passage through a long life. . . Will of Robert Treat Paine Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Signer of the Constitution To the eternal, immutable, and only true God be all honor and glory, now and forever, Amen!. . . Will of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Rufus Putnam Revolutionary War General, First Surveyor General of the United States [F]irst, I give my soul to a holy, sovereign God Who gave it in humble hope of a blessed immortality through the atonement and righteousness of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. My body I commit to the earth to be buried in a decent Christian manner. I fully believe that this body shall, by the mighty power of God, be raised to life at the last day; 'for this corruptable (sic) must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality.' [I Corinthians 15:53] Will of Rufus Putnam Benjamin Rush Signer of the Declaration of Independence My only hope of salvation is in the infinite, transcendent love of God manifested to the world by the death of His Son upon the cross. Nothing but His blood will wash away my sins. I rely exclusively upon it. Come, Lord Jesus! Come quickly! Benjamin Rush, The Autobiography of Benjamin Rush, George Corner, editor (Princeton: Princeton University Press for the American Philosophical Society, 1948), p. 166, Travels Through Life, An Account of Sundry Incidents & Events in the Life of Benjamin Rush. Roger Sherman Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Signer of the Constitution I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. . . . that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God. . . . that God did send His own Son to become man, die in the room and stead of sinners, and thus to lay a foundation for the offer of pardon and salvation to all mankind so as all may be saved who are willing to accept the Gospel offer. Lewis Henry Boutell, The Life of Roger Sherman (Chicago: A. C. McClurg and Company, 1896), pp. 272-273. Richard Stockton Signer of the Declaration of Independence I think it proper here not only to subscribe to the entire belief of the great and leading doctrines of the Christian religion, such as the Being of God, the universal defection and depravity of human nature, the divinity of the person and the completeness of the redemption purchased by the blessed Savior, the necessity of the operations of the Divine Spirit, of Divine Faith, accompanied with an habitual virtuous life, and the universality of the divine Providence, but also . . . that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; that the way of life held up in the Christian system is calculated for the most complete happiness that can be enjoyed in this mortal state; that all occasions of vice and immorality is injurious either immediately or consequentially, even in this life; that as Almighty God hath not been pleased in the Holy Scriptures to prescribe any precise mode in which He is to be publicly worshiped, all contention about it generally arises from want of knowledge or want of virtue. Will of Richard Stockton Jonathan Trumbull Sr. Governor of Connecticut, Patriot Principally and first of all, I bequeath my soul to God the Creator and Giver thereof, and body to the Earth . . . nothing doubting but that I shall receive the same again at the General Resurrection thro the power of Almighty God; believing and hoping for eternal life thro the merits of my dear, exalted Redeemer Jesus Christ. Will of Jonathan Trumbull John Witherspoon Signer of the Declaration of Independence I entreat you in the most earnest manner to believe in Jesus Christ, for there is no salvation in any other [Acts 4:12]. . . . [I]f you are not reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, if you are not clothed with the spotless robe of His righteousness, you must forever perish. John Witherspoon, The Works of John Witherspoon (Edinburgh: J. Ogle, 1815), Vol. V, pp. 276, 278, The Absolute Necessity of Salvation Through Christ, January 2, 1758. Side: Yes
|
