Religion and the Founding of the American Republic

Library of Congress ^ | 1998 | Library of Congress

[DJ MacWoW]

This is an overview of Religion and the founding of our country that is an exhibit in the Library of Congress. I thought it appropriate to post it on this 4th of July weekend.

[DJ MacWoW]

ping

[cripplecreek]

Is it necessary that any one should [ask], “Did General Washington avow himself to be a believer in Christianity?" As well may we question his patriotism, his heroic devotion to his country. His mottos were, "Deeds, not Words"; and, "For God and my Country."

Nelly Custis-Lewis (Washington’s adopted daughter)

“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.”

George Washington

“What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ.”

George Washington. [speech to the Delaware Indian Chiefs May 12, 1779]

"To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian"

George Washington. [May 2, 1778, at Valley Forge]

Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.

Ben Franklin's personal motto.

"We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come.”

Samuel Adams

[Huck]

At least two of those quotes are bogus.

[cripplecreek]

Which ones?

[BiggieLittle]

The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason: The Morning Daylight appears plainer when you put out your Candle.
Ben Franklin

Christianity neither is, nor ever was, a part of the common law.
Thomas Jefferson

Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise, every expanded prospect.
James Madison

I have found Christian dogma unintelligible. Early in life I absented myself from Christian assemblies.
Ben Franklin

All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.
Tom Paine

My best advice to anyone who wants to raise a happy, mentally healthy child is: Keep him or her as far away from a church as you can.
Frank Zappa

[cripplecreek]

You really don’t want to know what I think of someone who would include Frank Zappa with our nation’s founders.

[BiggieLittle]

Forget about me what about the quotes???

[DJ MacWoW]

Well I know what I think of someone who comes on a thread and comments without looking at the historical proofs in the article. And includes a modern fool, uh, icon.

[DJ MacWoW]

Forget about your quotes. What about the historical proofs in the Library of Congress?

[cripplecreek]

I’ve been doing a lot of deep reading on our founders in recent months and have been amazed at how much we don’t teach anymore. College libraries are a great source of info that unfortunately aren’t used by college kids.

The attacks and attempts to discredit our founders goes back to before the revolution. The british papers of the day warned colonists of the danger of following violent godless men like Samuel Adams and George Whitfield, Religion was an important part of America and the british used claims of atheism and paganism to discredit.

[DJ MacWoW]

Religion was an important part of America and the british used claims of atheism and paganism to discredit.

The modern left uses the same ploy. Btw, check the posters history.

[cripplecreek]

Very often partial quotes are used to discredit. I often hear liberals quote Jefferson as saying "Question with boldness even the existence of a God" as a means of proving his atheism or deism. Unfortunately its only part of a far more beautiful and explanatory full quote.

"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear."

At best it only suggests an agnostic Jefferson but its only one quote out of a whole lifetime up public and private writings and speeches.

[DJ MacWoW]

Jefferson was a Believer. The left just finds him an easy target.

From the LOC at the link.

Proposed Seal for the United States

On July 4, 1776, Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams "to bring in a device for a seal for the United States of America." Franklin's proposal adapted the biblical story of the parting of the Red Sea. Jefferson first recommended the "Children of Israel in the Wilderness, led by a Cloud by Day, and a Pillar of Fire by night. . . ." He then embraced Franklin's proposal and rewrote it. Jefferson's revision of Franklin's proposal was presented by the committee to Congress on August 20. Although not accepted these drafts reveal the religious temper of the Revolutionary period. Franklin and Jefferson were among the most theologically liberal of the Founders, yet they used biblical imagery for this important task.

If they weren't believers, they wouldn't have used the Bible.

[BiggieLittle]

It’s a common tactic to issue ad hominem attacks when you can’t address the issue presented. I don’t care what you think of me nor does anyone else. Try responding to the quotes. BTW Zappa was a strong libertarian and more of a conservative then the Holy Rollers who want to subvert the Constitution to their religious beliefs. There already is a political party interested in telling people how to live their lives. It’s called the Democrat Party.

[DJ MacWoW]

It’s a common tactic to issue ad hominem attacks when you can’t address the issue presented.

YOU didn't address the issue presented. Read the article noob.

Try responding to the quotes.

Try responding to THE ARTICLE THAT"S POSTED or take your agenda elsewhere.

[cripplecreek]

I believe the seal depicted here was eventually adopted by Ben Franklin for his personal use. Pretty interesting imagery for an "atheist". A burning bush, Moses leading the Israelites, the pharaoh's soldiers drowning in the sea...

[DJ MacWoW]

Pretty interesting imagery for an "atheist".

It is. But we know that the left has an agenda that has nothing to do with truth and reality. God stands in the way of their plans. So does anyone who believes in Him. Including the Founders.

[BiggieLittle]

Thank you DJ MacWow I think you proved my point. No one here can respond to those quotes. I must now declare victory and move on. Have a great 4th of July and don’t forget the ideals of the great men who established this wonderful country, a country who’s founding was based on reason.

[DJ MacWoW]

You can ignore historical documents in the LOC. It’s your loss. Just glad that you’re gone.