Is America a Christian nation?

JimNasium · 12-13-2006, 04:48 PM

Good read

A Nation of Christians, Not a Christian Nation

Is America a "Christian nation?" The question is not as simple as might first appear. Better to say that this is a nation whose citzens are overwhelmingly Christian. This is a distinction with a difference.

Is America a "Christian nation?" The question is not as simple as might first appear. Some Christians imagine a version of history in which the republic was established as a Christian nation in something like a constitutional sense. An honest look at the historical record indicates that this was not the case. Christianity has never been an established religion in any official sense at the national level. The establishment clause of the First Amendment forbids a national church.

Yet, even at the time of the ratification of the Constitution, some states still had established churches. Congregationalism was the established church of Connecticut until 1818. Furthermore, several of the colonies and settlements had been established with explicitly Christian identities.

The founders were themselves a mixture of devoted Christians, apparent Deists, and some freethinkers. An honest look indicates that some, like Jefferson, were fairly radical in their skepticism. Others, like Franklin, were eccentrics of one sort or another. Washington was probably a committed Christian marked by some reticence to speak of his personal beliefs. Others included explicitly evangelical Christians.

Nevertheless, the worldview shared by the founders and the colonists was explicitly and unquestionably Christian. The plausibility structures that made the world sensible to Americans -- the intellectual principles and moral habits that guided their actions -- were clearly based in the Christian tradition and the Bible. In fact, this truth was stated clearly, openly, and honestly by American presidents, political leaders, jurists, and others until recent decades.

America is not a Christian nation by constitution or charter. There has never been a time when all Americans were Christians or that Christian identity could be assumed as evangelical.

But, American citizens are overwhelmingly Christian. This has always been so, and is so now. This is why G. K. Chesterton would refer to America as the "nation with the soul of a church." The American experiment in religious liberty has produced a nation that, unlike most of Europe, has resisted complete secularization.

The vast majority of Americans identify themselves as Christians. This simple fact points to the "Christian" character of the nation. America is not Christian by constitutional provision or creedal affirmation -- but its people are overwhelmingly Christian by self-affirmation. Thoughtful evangelicals will not overestimate the convictional character of this self-identification. Secularists ought not to overestimate its superficiality.

It is manifest nonsense to act as if the vast majority of Americans do not share a common Christian identification. This is certainly apparent at Christmas, when most Americans celebrate a specifically Christian holiday. When such an overwhelming majority of citizens celebrate a common holiday, the presence of imagery and symbolism does indeed saturate the country. It could not be otherwise.

The allergic reaction of some cannot nullify the rights of the many. As America recognizes and respects the diversity of the beliefs of its citizens, we should expect to see more symbolism representing different religions rather than less. Christians should not be offended by the public display of the Menorah at Hanukkah or the display of other religious symbols at other occasions. Religious liberty means liberty for all.

Should America be a Christian nation? No. Not in a constitutional or creedal sense. But, as a believer in Jesus Christ, my hope is that every American would come to a saving knowledge of Christ. My hope could be nothing less. But that would mean a nation of Christians, not a Christian nation.

According to the Bible, the Kingdom of God will include believers in Christ from every tongue and tribe and people and nation. There will be no American section in Heaven. Faith does not come to nations, but to individuals. Yet, nations are shaped by the faith and worldview of their citizens.

Is America a Christian nation? No. But it is a nation with a majority of its citizens identifying themselves as Christians. This is a distinction with a difference.

**Easy 6** · 12-13-2006, 06:14 PM

Nice read, i agreed with all of it. thanks for posting it Jim

ZepSinger · 12-13-2006, 06:54 PM

Great read indeed- I couldn't agree more.

I am sick to death of the ridiculously overarching political correctness of the last few years. I sense a backlash against it finally! Chains like WalMart are discarding their PC 'Happy Holidays' in favor of Merry Christmas. Awesome.

Z

kc-nd · 12-13-2006, 06:57 PM

What is a Christian?

MichaelH · 12-13-2006, 07:18 PM

Interesting read.

I always find it ironic that the first settlers left Europe in search of a place to practice their religion on their own terms. Then they forced it upon everyone they came across in the new country. Those that disagreed where savages or better yet, witches.

Hammock Parties · 12-13-2006, 07:24 PM

It wants to be. There are oodles of skeletons in the closet. America is in denial and really needs to stop being so uptight about it.

FAX · 12-13-2006, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelH

Interesting read.

I always find it ironic that the first settlers left Europe in search of a place to practice their religion on their own terms. Then they forced it upon everyone they came across in the new country. Those that disagreed where savages or better yet, witches.

If you like American History, Mr. MichaelH, it's interesting to delve into Jefferson's efforts to relax the Anglican hold on political power in Virginia. They were an intolerant bunch and tax-happy, to be sure. The common notion of the "separation" of church and state seems to have its roots in that endeavor.

FAX

Simply Red · 12-13-2006, 08:19 PM

Rational, Responsible, Historical, Mature well thought out article.

Chiefs_Fan_n_64081 · 12-13-2006, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simply Red

Rational, Responsible, Historical, Mature well thought out article.

To the point and not self important.
I wish there was more like this, out there to read.

Simply Red · 12-13-2006, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefs_Fan_n_64081

To the point and not self important.
I wish there was more like this, out there to read.

myself as well.

SB06CHARGERS · 12-13-2006, 09:25 PM

WE USED TO BE UNTIL THE LIBERALS STARTED CHIPPING AWAY

Sully · 12-13-2006, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FAX

If you like American History, Mr. MichaelH, it's interesting to delve into Jefferson's efforts to relax the Anglican hold on political power in Virginia. They were an intolerant bunch and tax-happy, to be sure. The common notion of the "separation" of church and state seems to have its roots in that endeavor.

FAX

I've heard of all this...

(funny if you saw what I just finished my thesis on.

Sully · 12-13-2006, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SB06CHARGERS

WE USED TO BE UNTIL THE LIBERALS STARTED CHIPPING AWAY

LOL
Yeah those rascally liberals like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison ruined the great run we had as an uncontested Christian nation.

Ultra Peanut · 12-13-2006, 10:19 PM

LALALALALA I CAN'T HEAR YOU LALALALALA

Believer · 12-13-2006, 11:30 PM

America isnt mentioned in the Bible. Israel is.
While all Nations are God's, its Israel that is the apple of his eye. Christians who know their Bible understand this.

12-13-2006, 04:48 PM
JimNasium Voodoo Chile Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: At the crossroad Casino cash: $-763143	Is America a Christian nation? Good read A Nation of Christians, Not a Christian Nation Is America a "Christian nation?" The question is not as simple as might first appear. Better to say that this is a nation whose citzens are overwhelmingly Christian. This is a distinction with a difference. Is America a "Christian nation?" The question is not as simple as might first appear. Some Christians imagine a version of history in which the republic was established as a Christian nation in something like a constitutional sense. An honest look at the historical record indicates that this was not the case. Christianity has never been an established religion in any official sense at the national level. The establishment clause of the First Amendment forbids a national church. Yet, even at the time of the ratification of the Constitution, some states still had established churches. Congregationalism was the established church of Connecticut until 1818. Furthermore, several of the colonies and settlements had been established with explicitly Christian identities. The founders were themselves a mixture of devoted Christians, apparent Deists, and some freethinkers. An honest look indicates that some, like Jefferson, were fairly radical in their skepticism. Others, like Franklin, were eccentrics of one sort or another. Washington was probably a committed Christian marked by some reticence to speak of his personal beliefs. Others included explicitly evangelical Christians. Nevertheless, the worldview shared by the founders and the colonists was explicitly and unquestionably Christian. The plausibility structures that made the world sensible to Americans -- the intellectual principles and moral habits that guided their actions -- were clearly based in the Christian tradition and the Bible. In fact, this truth was stated clearly, openly, and honestly by American presidents, political leaders, jurists, and others until recent decades. America is not a Christian nation by constitution or charter. There has never been a time when all Americans were Christians or that Christian identity could be assumed as evangelical. But, American citizens are overwhelmingly Christian. This has always been so, and is so now. This is why G. K. Chesterton would refer to America as the "nation with the soul of a church." The American experiment in religious liberty has produced a nation that, unlike most of Europe, has resisted complete secularization. The vast majority of Americans identify themselves as Christians. This simple fact points to the "Christian" character of the nation. America is not Christian by constitutional provision or creedal affirmation -- but its people are overwhelmingly Christian by self-affirmation. Thoughtful evangelicals will not overestimate the convictional character of this self-identification. Secularists ought not to overestimate its superficiality. It is manifest nonsense to act as if the vast majority of Americans do not share a common Christian identification. This is certainly apparent at Christmas, when most Americans celebrate a specifically Christian holiday. When such an overwhelming majority of citizens celebrate a common holiday, the presence of imagery and symbolism does indeed saturate the country. It could not be otherwise. The allergic reaction of some cannot nullify the rights of the many. As America recognizes and respects the diversity of the beliefs of its citizens, we should expect to see more symbolism representing different religions rather than less. Christians should not be offended by the public display of the Menorah at Hanukkah or the display of other religious symbols at other occasions. Religious liberty means liberty for all. Should America be a Christian nation? No. Not in a constitutional or creedal sense. But, as a believer in Jesus Christ, my hope is that every American would come to a saving knowledge of Christ. My hope could be nothing less. But that would mean a nation of Christians, not a Christian nation. According to the Bible, the Kingdom of God will include believers in Christ from every tongue and tribe and people and nation. There will be no American section in Heaven. Faith does not come to nations, but to individuals. Yet, nations are shaped by the faith and worldview of their citizens. Is America a Christian nation? No. But it is a nation with a majority of its citizens identifying themselves as Christians. This is a distinction with a difference.
Posts: 7,133

12-13-2006, 06:14 PM	#2
Easy 6 pie is never free Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: the drivers seat Casino cash: $37775	Nice read, i agreed with all of it. thanks for posting it Jim
Posts: 98,241

12-13-2006, 06:54 PM	#3
ZepSinger Veteran Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $10004900	Great read indeed- I couldn't agree more. I am sick to death of the ridiculously overarching political correctness of the last few years. I sense a backlash against it finally! Chains like WalMart are discarding their PC 'Happy Holidays' in favor of Merry Christmas. Awesome. Z __________________ test
Posts: 2,740

12-13-2006, 06:57 PM	#4
kc-nd Starter Join Date: Feb 2003 Casino cash: $1674900	What is a Christian?
Posts: 595

12-13-2006, 07:18 PM	#5
MichaelH Go Chiefs! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Gastonia, North Carolina Casino cash: $9192006	Interesting read. I always find it ironic that the first settlers left Europe in search of a place to practice their religion on their own terms. Then they forced it upon everyone they came across in the new country. Those that disagreed where savages or better yet, witches.
Posts: 3,187

12-13-2006, 07:24 PM	#6
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $1020478	It wants to be. There are oodles of skeletons in the closet. America is in denial and really needs to stop being so uptight about it. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 296,731

12-13-2006, 08:19 PM	#8
Simply Red You Sweetie! Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $2021206219 VARSITY	Rational, Responsible, Historical, Mature well thought out article.
Posts: 71,691

12-13-2006, 09:25 PM	#11
SB06CHARGERS Rookie Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Vista Casino cash: $10004900	WE USED TO BE UNTIL THE LIBERALS STARTED CHIPPING AWAY
Posts: 8

12-13-2006, 10:19 PM	#14
Ultra Peanut v^V^v^V^v^V^ Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Holland* Casino cash: $10005177	LALALALALA I CAN'T HEAR YOU LALALALALA __________________
Posts: 39,518

12-13-2006, 11:30 PM	#15
Believer Starter Join Date: Nov 2006 Casino cash: $10004900	America isnt mentioned in the Bible. Israel is. While all Nations are God's, its Israel that is the apple of his eye. Christians who know their Bible understand this.
Posts: 531