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Is the US great because it was founded on Christian principles? (edited title)

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The nation is of the people and hence, the population decides what the country is. Considering that the majority of the country is "Christian", I would definitely say it is a "Christian country". However, that definition would change as soon as any other religion or lack thereof gains popularity. However, that is not to say that because the majority is Christian, the rights of minority religions to have equal opportunities is to be cast asside. One of the main founding principles and the basis for the Bill of Rights.
As for the principles for the foundation of the country. It was more based on certain "inalienable rights" which were "self evident". "God" was used simply as a reason because the majority back then (and even nowadays but more so back then) was Christian. The focus on the "God" part is incorrect. If the majority had been Muslim, it would have been "Allah" and the same "inalienable rights" would still exist (try as I might I cannot find anything in the Bible about inalienable rights).
That is not to say that some principles were not Christian-base. Indeed some may have, some good, some bad. The whole witch thing for one and later, persecution of members of other religions, etc. As for whether it should be entirely based on Christianity, if 100% of the country were Christian and not a single member of other religions existed, then absolutely. However, as I stated above, the country is of the people and for the people and if a certain percentage of the people are not Christian, then making policy based on Christian principles and applying it to them would be....what's the word......oppression.
 
Those christian principles were used to justify slavery and near extermination of American Indians...better do a little "soul"searching and self evaluation.

<< all religion is a psychosis.. >>

 
the US was founded on Locke's political writings and with a trust of adam smith, but it is the protestant work ethic that made it a great country. Catholics of the period saw work as punishment for sin, which is why the wealthy did no work. protestants saw work as for the greater glory of God, so they worked hard. i'm not very well educated on other religions, but i do know that buddism pulled china away from industrial revolution as they were on the cusp of it and that the islamic world was largely stagnant by the 1600s.
 
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof

First Ammendment to the Constitution of the United States.

In other words, according to our founding fathers, they never had ANY intention of this being a Christian nation. The idea of the first ammendment is that all religions are equal in the eyes of Americans.
Ben Franklin was also a deist for reference.
 


<< I have no choice but to use our religious money. I live in America. I do, however, take a black marker and cross out "In God We Trust." One can question the legality of my activity. >>



That might be one of the best idea's for a movement I've ever heard. I did it as soon as I read it and I think I might make that my project for the year...getting others to do it too. Thanks.
 
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