CNHI
—
You cannot prove what is not true. In recent rants, several writers state their opinion that this is not a Christian nation and that there is a separation of church and state. Not surprisingly, these rants, which are short by nature, are not supported by any facts.
The purpose of this article is not to go over the evidence printed previously in The Tifton Gazette of our nation's Founding Fathers and the role religion played, for a simple search on the Gazette's web pages will give good results and once your appetite is wetted with those simple examples, you can really dig into our nation's founding history.
The real purpose for this article is two parts. The first is simple for those who still think our nation was not founded on Jew Dao Christian principals: Prove that all the documented evidence of our Founding Fathershas nothing to do with said values. What better document for you to start with than the first official act of our Founding Fathers and this nation, the Declaration of Independence?
The second reason is to discuss the whys that some fear the fact of our nation was and is a Christian nation. There is but one truth; yet with so many denominations in Christianity, how can this be? Why does the Constitution state, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;" and lastly all rights are given to mankind by God, why is this so important?
The history of Europe is the key to understanding the religion clause in the First Amendment. Various countries were ruled by specific denominations and anyone who believed differently than the national religion was persecuted.
This was one of the reasons the first settlers came to the Americas. Our founders understood there were differences in some of the beliefs of the various denominations, but they also knew the foundation of what would become the United States laws. The uide was the 10 Commandments and Jesus knew the Commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself" was common and God's intent for the basis of a ociety/nation. As the Declaration clearly shows, our founders firmly believed God gave mankind their rights.
They knew that when a nation had the 10 Commandments and the teachings of Jesus in common, this would be the best chance for peace andprosperity. They also knew they did not want one specific denomination in charge, for they saw how man, with all his failings, even with best intent, would try to force one's will over another.
Thus, "no law respecting an establishment of religion," but with the intent any and all, including government officials, are free to express their religious beliefs, also clearly stated, "or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
Many insinuate the Constitution states, "separation of church and state," but as written in past articles and quoted from the Constitution above, no such thing exists, only the fact that the government cannot force any specific religion on We the People.
We the People, being the real power, can and should pick and elect people who have true values, found in Christianity, such as, Honesty, Reverence, Humility and Personal Responsibility. When an elected official veers from these values, as can happen for we are all human, they should be held accountable.
We the People also have the power to change current events. When a school stops praying, let's say at a game or event because two people may be offended, then it is time for the other 99 percent to peaceably take action, such as praying out loud, overwhelming the PA system and also by attending the next school board meeting.
Remember, the First Amendment also has the quotes, "or abridging the freedom of speech," and "or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The reason for so many denominations is simple. We are human and we err and sin. There are many common messages in the different Christian denominations and there are also many differences, such as alcohol consumption. Some denominations believe even one drink is wrong and others believe drinking in moderation is fine. Should laws be based on this? No, for freedom of personal choice and responsibility are the keys to this.
This is just one example, but considering there are thousands of recognized denominations, there are a few more differences you will find and thus again, the reason our founders did not want the government to establish one religion over others.
The main reasons many dislike Christianity is because of the values it exposes. Many do not like to be told what they are doing is wrong.
Understand, there is a difference between unlawful and wrong. Just because something is wrong in the eyes of God, does not mean it is or needs to be unlawful.
God gave us Free Will to make our own decisions. These were the basis our Founding Fathers used, God-given rights, a foundation for laws and freedom from oppression i.e., 'Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
The other big reason is because of an agenda some have to demean any Christians and separate them from God by placing man/government in-between them. Changing the understanding of God-given rights to government-given rights. Thus, changing faith from faith in God to a faith in government.
I would like to hear from some of those who still believe our nation was not founded on Jew Dao Christian principles. Show me where our Founding Fathers aspired not in faith but in some other belief system. For my Christian counterparts, the question is: Have you fulfilled your obligations as a Christian? Have you spoken up and spread the good news of Jesus, His message and what the Holy Spirit has left in your heart?
Jeff Korson
Alapaha
