B.H., I would agree that America was founded on Christian principles.  Even the Deist Jefferson spoke favorably of the teachings of Jesus and invoked God's blessings for the government.  My question is this:  does this necessarily mean that America is a Christian nation (or was founded as such)?  As far as that goes, what does it mean to be a Christian nation?

I'm particularly interested in your opinion on this last question.  This is something I have unsuccesfully attempted to define before, and the answer will (of course) have a bearing on the answer to my first queston.

Amen,

I agree. America was began as a Christian nation. Democrats want to change that and make it a humanistic, liberal nation.

Chris

About 30 seconds on the web can produce enough evidence to refute the idea that the "good guys" and "the bad guys" are not defined by any one political body.

http://www.democratsforlife.org/

http://www.LogCabinWA.com/

Well, to be absolutely honest I think the phrase was referring to Christ.  However I believe that it was included to deaden the opposition of some people who wanted a reference to God in the constitution.  The writers of the constitution were wanting a stronger national government to make trade more profitable as well as deal more effectively with foreign nations interfering with American affairs.  This was their main goal to achieve and they put that phrase in as a slick but succesful political move.

The first amendment was included later out of fear of persecution of smaller denominations by the larger ones.  Remember, back then the denominations each had the view they were the "true church" and this was paired with the fact a lot of them would not mind at all using force to get  conversions going.  They held a dogmatism that would put the most conservative Church of Christers to shame  .  Also, as we all know where there is a state church there is a lot of political power too.  I do not think the founders wanted a church-state political monopoly for each to feed off of.  This was allowed for a time regarding the states;each state had the power to select a state state church, but many of them chose not to.  I think Virginia made the Anglican Church its state religion but did not forbid others.

When the founders allowed for freedom of religion did they have Christianity in mind as the primary religion?  Yes, but only because that was the dominate religion at the time and not because they did not think a muslim should not be allowed to worship freely.

To use the phrase "in the year of the Lord..." as a way to interpret the first amendment as referenced to Christianity only would be incorrect.  Too many atheists and deists held office later for this to be true.  George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were both deists and contrary to popular belief Jefferson did not think highly of the Bible overall.  Aaron Burr, Jefferson's first V.P. was an outright atheist as well as New York governor Dewitt Clinton. If the first amendment was referring only to Christian sects why were the leaders of the nation (and authors of the constitution) allowing atheists and deists to get top positions in the governmet?

Well these are my thoughts for you to reject or accept.

Personally speaking, if a Christian was in power and had the chance to do good or outlaw some evil practice he/she should do it regardless of whatever some constitution says.  God ordained government in the Christians eyes so what his will is in the Bible is what should be followed by a believing leader or politician regardless of what anyone else thinks.  I think this applies to abortian, blood transfusions of Jehovah Witnesses(make them do it if they are too young to make the decision for themselves), as well as it being moral to regulate and supress some cults that are dangerous to their followers and tthe nation at large.  I also see no problem in using tax money to support charitable institutions,unemployment aid, job training and welfare for the poor.

As a conservative Republican elected official, (Judge) I thought I might add a caution regarding our approach to those who differ with us politically.  Seems to me that it might be a little unfair to say that the "domocrats" are trying to do us in.  Most of the democrats I know are good folks and, I believe, love their country.  I disagree with them on some, not all, issues, but have not discovered any horns protruding from their heads.  Conversely, I have known a few Rebublican elected officials who were some of the most ungodly people I have ever met.  Generally, I might agree that Democracts are usually more liberal politically.  But does that make them any less a citizen of God's Kingdom?  I'm not sure whether Jesus is a Democrat or Republican, but I'm fairly certain that He loves every one of us whether we are represented by an elephant or donkey! :D