Dis Ducibus

The Blog "Political Me" addresses an issue that has been in perpetual debate since the founding of this country, the concept of the separation of church and state and if this country was founded on christian principles.  Many point to President John Adams and the Treaty of Tripoli as an early indication of this point, for he stated the United States was "not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." This was an assurance to the Muslims that regardless of religious beliefs and differences, this would at no way affect diplomatic interaction. Prior to the formation of the Republic, individuals came to this new land, in part, with hopes of escaping religious persecution. There were highly successful religious-based government societies such as the Puritans, or ones of abject failure such the Communistic Rappites.





So are we a christian country?





"[W]e have solved by fair experiment the great and interesting question whether freedom of religion is compatible with order in government and obedience to the laws" ~Thomas Jefferson.  Thomas Jefferson was a strong proponent for a secular government, yet he saw the importance of a spiritual existence as he was a Deist; he even wrote his own version of the bible.   He stated that man was capable of following both God's and Man's laws, regardless of denomination and lack of state support for any one in particular. History lists numerous examples of state sponsored religion, and the suffering of those who did not follow along, hence risking the perilous journey of crossing an ocean by these individuals.  Jefferson knew this.  He also would have been aware, that regardless of the numerous ideologies, they were all Christian in design.  It was as though with the separation of church and state, Jefferson knew that there would be an allowance for a moral compass to guide a man. Then the new government could stay true to its purpose without having to legislate compulsory behavior.  It set up a system of community standards. It allows for the freedom of association.

He understood the importance of religion in society and the separation necessary with government, stating
"I am for freedom of religion and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendancy of one sect over another" for it provided the opportunity to worship as one pleased."I may grow rich by an art I am compelled to follow; I may recover health by medicines I am compelled to take against my own judgment; but I cannot be saved by a worship I disbelieve and abhor." ~ Thomas Jefferson.

In place in the Constitution is the Freedom of Religion.  This keeps the government from discriminating or supporting any particular religion, an echo from times past when people risked everything to come here. That in of itself to me is all the evidence I need that supports the intended separation of church and state within the U.S. government. But still that question remains,

  
                                                                   Are We?


President Eisenhower signed into law the placement of "In God We Trust" on all currency. He was not trying to combine church and state but to stress the importance of Christianity in public life.

 His own words on the subject.

 "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war."

This calls into question what religion is and what role it plays in society.  People have pointed to various individuals and their actions as a measure of all associated with Christianity.  Some use this narrow thinking as a soapbox on which to espouse their anti-religious views. So caught up in their self-righteousness they fail to see the actual reality, when it is not twisted by a man's greed.

Christianity places importance on the individual, just like our Constitution does.

Think about it

How many of our laws are based on the Ten Commandments?

Religion provides a guideline for moral behavior.  Honor thy parents, do not commit adultery....
It creates an ideal: a point of reference on which to judge our own actions on
It instills a sense of integrity:  Who are you when no one is looking?
It provides a commonality amongst diversity, regardless of race or class.
It promotes hard work "One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys." Proverbs 18:9
It promotes social values such a selflessness and giving, and consideration of others.
"Love your neighbor as yourself " ~ Leviticus 19:18

Most importantly, it provides hope for a better tomorrow.


It is when the government begins to outlaw religion that I will begin to worry.  U.S.S.R. and China are great examples of this. Socialists dictators, such as Mao and Lenin knew this. Take away any hope, that way the populace will not rebel. 

Yes, there needs to be a separation of church and state, and for the most part we have it, but it is foolish to think that we are not a christian country, regardless of what the very vocal, very small in numbers ideologues may declare.  Our laws, customs, and social norms were all based upon Christianity in some form. Government regulates, it does not teach character. That is the point and importance of being a christian country.

As they say, denial is not a river in Egypt

"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." ~ Theodore Roosevelt

  
Remember: Big Brother is Watching You.