The American Funding Fathers wrote over and over again about the fact our Nation was founded on the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the bible, and that we was NOT to be a “Christian State Church”…
It is sometimes very hard to discern between the Religious Right wingers, and REAL bible believing Christians because they have so much in common ! There are two core believes that discern between the two groups:
First, is that a person’s rights are from God and NOT the government.
Second, is that through the gospel and faith in the bible are the ways to return a nation back to God, and NOT through laws forced upon us as a nation.
America was NEVER a Christian nation, it was a Nation made up of Christians !
“Among other strange things said of me, I hear it is said by the deists that I am one of their number; and, indeed, that some good people think I am no Christian. This thought gives me much more pain than the appellation of Tory, because I think religion of infinitely higher importance than politics; and I find much cause to reproach myself that I have lived so long and have given no decided and public proofs of my being a Christian. But, indeed, my dear child, this is a character which I prize far above all this world has, or can boast. ” The life of Patrick Henry, of Virginia by Arnold, Samuel Greene, 1821-1880, Published 1854, p. 250, to his daughter Betsy on August 20, 1796.
“Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader ! whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others. P. Henry”
Patrick Henry: Life, Correspondence and Speeches, William Wirt Henry, editor (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1891), Vol. I, pp. 81-82, on the back of the paper containing the resolutions of the Virginia Assembly in 1765 concerning the Stamp Act.
“Thomas Jefferson believed strongly in religious freedom and the separation of church and state. While President, Jefferson was accused of being a non-believer and an atheist. Jefferson attended church services in the Capitol and on several occasions expressed his beliefs including this letter explaining his constitutional view. “I consider the government of the US. as interdicted by the constitution from intermedling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises. this results not only from the provision that no law shall be made respecting the establishment, or free exercise of religion, but from that also which reserves to the states the powers not delegated to the US.””
Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson to Rev. Samuel Miller January 23, 1808. http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/jefferson/jefffed.html
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 (left). 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 (right). 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.”
Library of Congress, http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel04.html#obj104
“our particular principles of religion are a subject of accountability to our god alone. I enquire after no man’s and trouble none with mine; nor is it given to us in this life to know whether yours or mine, our friend’s or our foe’s, are exactly the right.”
Library of Congress, Thomas Jefferson to Miles King, September 26, 1814
http://www.loc.gov/resource/mtj1.047_0844_0845/?sp=1