Let's get something straight- this country was not founded on Christian principles. Our founding fathers, some Deists, purposely left Christ out of the equation in order to preserve the sanctity of freedom of religion- all beliefs, not just Christian beliefs. Separation of church and state was designed to avoid the problems inherent in countries with combination governments. Freedom of religion also includes freedom from religion and its potential restraints and influence. The conversation within and without the Republican party emphasizing and focusing on Christianity, Mormonism, Islam and Catholics simply fractures and weakens the party by spending time on a subject best left on the back burner. I'm much more interested in policy than in a candidate's religious motivations.
3 comments:
Amen
"The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God."
-- John Adams wrote this on June 28, 1813, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson.
How do you ignore a quote like that?
John Adams wasn't a Deist, Jefferson was. Ultimately, it was decided that no declarations or bills would specifically identify Christianity or Christ. Adams conceded his own beliefs would change the identity of freedom of religion. He differed with TJ on this, but neutrality and separation of church and state was more important than personal preference.
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