Hello Christians:

We have a nice argument going on about Obamas pastor. Most people think he's a separatist. I dunno that he's not.....

But my questions are about YOU. Does YOUR church teach that America is a Christian nation? Certainly, my experience on these boards tell me that it’s not an unpopular belief among Christians. Do you believe it? If you don't, and you hear it in church, do you say anything about it? Do you stay in that church? If your church doesn't teach that, do you know of other churches that do? What do you do about that?

Do you think that the belief that America is a Christian nation is a belief that divides us, or brings us together? Do you care?

excon

ScottGem

Define Christian nation?

RickJ

I think the idea that America is (or was) a Christian nation
1. Has never been true, so is a huge urban legend, and
2. Does more to divide than bring us together.

Our nation was founded with the presumption that there is a God but that's about as far as it goes.

Sort of related but sort of not: Even the founding fathers were unclear about their faith and even hypocritical in that they affirmed equality and "inalienable rights" yet many had slaves.

excon

Hello Scott:

Well, that's the question, isn't it? If there are those who believe that we ARE Christian nation, maybe THEY can define it.

excon

excon

Hello Rick:

I dunno. I hope what you're saying is true. Frankly, my experience with what Christians believe is pretty much limited to these boards. I do, however, recall quite a few Christians declaring on these boards that America is, indeed, a Christian nation. No?

excon

RickJ

You are right. that's why I call it a huge urban legend

Anyone who reads even a little can fairly easily find that very few of the founding fathers were even Christian at all. Most were Deists.

excon

Hello again Rick:

I'm not arguing whether we ARE a Christian nation or not. It's clear that we're not. I just wondered what the people think who don't share our beliefs.

excon

tomder55

let me ease your mind. John Adams was one of the most Christian of the Founders . He signed a treaty of friendship with the Tripoli jihadists ...ooops pirates . Article 11 of the treaty states :


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 Musselmen, - and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan 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

We inherited a Judeo-Christian heritage no doubt about it .It is reflected in many of our laws and traditions .But it is also true that the Enlightement played a crucial role in our founding .

ScottGem

Tom,
If this forum allowed ratings I would give you a huge Greenie for that post. I think it was the perfect answer.

Dark_crow

Excon

You’re simply mixing categories, a nation cannot be baptized; therefore it cannot be Christian nor can it have any other human qualities.