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.
Yes, the use of the term “establishment” is important here. It does not mean “setting up” (e.g. “establishing a colony at XYZ”). After all, in 1776 most of the major religions we know already existed. It means incorporating a religious body into the government and laws, essentially nominating a state religion. In Britain today there is a movement known as Disestablishmentarianism, their goal is to separate the bodies of Church and State. And a spin off is the longest word in the English language, antidisestablishmentarianism.
Depemds on what seperate means. The government is suppose to not pass religious laws or regulate religion. They can however praise God and declare an official day of prayer..while they cant mandate anybody pray or regulate how they pray. In short, the be openly thankful to God and pray etc, but cant pass laws about religion. So the words “separation of church and state” are not true in all the senses modern Americans sometimes think. Holding as a “self evident” “truth” that God exists and is why governments should respect the rights of all is foundational to our governments principals....thougb it certainly involves what modern Americans would call a religious point of view.
yes!
They can make NO LAWS but letting people have a Christmas tree or putting the 10 commandments (good rules to live by0 in a building are NOT ‘creating laws’
4 words
The Church of England
you either belonged or you died
This is what the original colonists were fleeing from
This is what was meant by those words
It goes further than that. Not only does the First Amendment NOT forbid a government entity from openly celebrating Christmas or putting up the ten commandments...it actually forbids the Federal Legislature from making any law to stop a local government from doing so. I don’t think the founders anticipated they had to explicitly state that the federal courts were not to pass such laws in the Bill of Rights (rather some argued that the Bill of Rights was already all implied anyway) since the courts are not supposed to pass any laws at all but only apply them.
Out of the five lines in that graphic, only one follows a street, and the other four just cut across buildings diagonally. And the pentagram isn’t even a regular one. Would work way better on the pentagon probably.
oh wait, two of the 5 follow a street...my bad. But still, pentagon would work better.
I believe that no building can be taller than the Capital, not the WM.
>> I am confused- are you saying the words “separation of church and state” ARE in the Constitution?
Now I’m confused as to why you’re confused...
My related remark:
“Primarily, the words “separation of church and state” are not stated in the Bill of Rights.”
If I’m not mistaken, that “sep” clause appeared in one of Madison’s essays.
>> Wait.. what were we talking about again?
LOL, agreed...
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