"... a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape ... A cross you ask? Why a cross?"
Posted on 09/30/2020 3:56:30 AM PDT by sodpoodle
One detail that is seldom mentioned is that in Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument. With all the uproar about removing the Ten Commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time.
I was not aware of this amazing historical information. On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., are displayed two words: "Laus Deo". No one can see these words.
In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know.
These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
"Laus Deo"! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words.
Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.
So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean?
Very simply, they say 'Praise be to God!'
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public.
It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo, 'Praise be to God!'
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments.
From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles L'Enfant ..... a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north, The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. A cross you ask? Why a cross?
What about separation of church and state?
Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was NOT, is NOT, in the Constitution. So, read on.
How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy 'One Nation, Under God.'
I am awed by George Washington's prayer for America ... Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.
And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love MERCY, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Laus Deo! It is hoped you will send this to every sister, brother, father, mother, or friend.
They will not take offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school.
With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see this because someone failed to send it on.
Amen.
Thank you. I did not know this information.
In the mean time, leftists are plotting to topple it.
The words “separation of church and state” may not be in the constitution but it EXPLICITLY says the government will not create or run with any religion. (”Shall make no law respecting the establishment of Religion”)
So- the government is meant to be separate from the church. Although those exact words are not in there.
I’m surprised no one (ACLU, the nut who had s beef about his daughter saying the pledge of allegiance or that creep atheist Ron Reagan) has brought a lawsuit to remove the saying.
This was to protect the church, not the government. Surely you can see that? Otherwise we’d be in danger of what Islamic states have. Worship like this, or die.
The words “respecting the establishment” beg the question as to whether that means what has already been established, or what may be established. Obviously the aim is not to have self-government that is sectarian in nature, but to use this phrase as a way to refrain from implementing any reference to God or the content of the Ten Commandments is to abuse ourselves and our posterity.
Sorry, faulty conclusion.
Primarily, the words “separation of church and state” are not stated in the Bill of Rights.
Secondly, the absence of law does not prohibit related expression.
>> So, the government is meant to be separate from the church
Definitively incorrect. Furthermore, what is the definition of “government”?
BTW, good morning ;)
Uuuhh. Hmmmm. Somehow that just doesn't "sound" right to me.
Amiright or is this just from the result of my public school education?
Actually, the exact words you quote are in the US Consitution along with some you did not want to quote:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;”
It’s clear enough to me what is being prohibited, without your poor translations. These are protections OF religion.
I saw that and didn’t like it either.
I agree with your interpretation.
The people who talk about “separation of church and state” seem to usually mean that churches are “on their own” and not protected by the government (to protect a religious viewpoint, the thinking goes, would be to show favoritism. Therefore, for example, public display of the Ten Commandments is bad).
But I think the opposite reading if more accurate. Religion is protected from government and people may freely exercise their faith without some law or some judge coming along and declaring it to be “offensive” and banned from the public square.
I think he was praying that the People would tolerate a government.
They had recently had revolution to get rid of one, and I think such a prayer might be reasonable.
Of course, today we have a well-established government with many very comfortable on the teat. Such a phrase rubs us the wrong way.
At least, that is my take on it. :)
"... a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape ... A cross you ask? Why a cross?"
When referring to the “Separation” issue, you must remember what the Founders had just escaped.
In England, the Government and the Church of England are intertwined. The British Monarch IS the Head of their Church.
The Founders wanted no part of this concept in their new country and took steps to prevent it by preventing the government from establishing a religious body.
More people should know history.
Perhaps you are referring to the dead-in-spirit children of the god of this world, who is the prince of the power of the air, who desires to achieve equality and dominance--through violence--of the God of The Heavens and His Incarnate Son the Prince of Peace?
The West arm and the South tip do not exist.
here is the first amendment in its entirely:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The word separation is no where in there.
I grant you that is what it implies.
Wait.. what were we talking about again?
:)
Please tell me what the phrase “run with religion” means, and where it is explicitly mentioned in the Constitution or its amendments.
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