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In a 2007 interview with beliefnet.com, John McCain stated that “the Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation.” While some were encouraged by McCain's words, others took great offense, reigniting a passionate debate about the intentions of America’s founders. Was the U.S. built on Christian principles, or are we a purely secular nation?
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Judaeo-Christian Beliefs Form Basis for Constitution and Legal Code
No, not anymore....Yes, at one point in time
I believe America was built on christian priniples in the sense that the founding fathers believed in "One nation under God". This can be seen all over historical manuscripts such as the "Decleration of Independence", to name one.
However it was never a Theocracy, nor was our great Nation ever meant to be one. Radical extremities was never to be our partisanship. On the other hand, the nation was to be based on tolerance and freedom for the "Pursuit of Happiness".
Yet, since the term "Christian Nation" differs from the term "Theocracy", It wouldn't be inaccurate to state that America was ounce a Christian Nation; being so that the overwelming marjority were fervent believers. Today however, this would not be as accurate. Meaning the United States of the 21st century is not a Christian Nation.
Habib Kimso
His 101
- habibk October 9, 2008 1:27AM
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I wouldn't even say "at one point in time"
The Pledge of Allegiance was not written until 1892, over 100 years after the founding of the nation. “One nation under God” was added to the pledge in 1954.
God is only mentioned once in The Declaration of Independence: “...the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them...” This sentence does not reflect Christian principles, nor does the rest of the document.
I know you didn’t mention it, but... Since the Constitution, the Presidential Oath of Office, money and the motto often are mistakenly thrown in with these as references to God in the founding, I’ll add them here too.
The Constitution doesn’t contain the word God. The Presidential Oath of Office requires neither the Bible nor the phrase “So help me God.” In fact, technically the Chief Justice should not prompt “So help me God” as it could be considered illegal or at the very least invalidate the oath. "In God We Trust" did not appear on money until 1864; and was not declared as the national motto until 1956.
Even with the mentions of God, Jesus –the very icon of Christianity- is never mentioned.
- Johnny
April 8, 2009 5:23PM
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