We were NOT founded on Christian values
July 16th, 2007
As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion…
This is my new favorite statement from the founding fathers. It’s the first line of Article 11 of the US Treaty with Tripoli, written in 1796, and signed by John Adams, the second president of these united States of America.
So, the next time I hear someone spouting “this nation was founded on Christian values,” I’ll have this shoe of a citation to shove in their mouth.
The United States of America was founded by Christians, presumably possessing "Christian values". Those Christian Founders included John Adams.
“The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity… I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.” –John Adams in a letter written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress
They were, however, wise enough to recognize the dangers of a government which recognizes one religion above all others.
But what does this have to do with Ruby programming?
The United States of America was founded by Deists, atheists, and a mix of various Christian denominations.
So America was founded on the _general principles_ of Christianity (goodness to others and such), but not on the primary identifying principal: belief in Jesus Christ as the messiah.
@machiavelli: It has nothing to do with Ruby, this is a personal blog too. :)
Anyway, that’s interesting thanks for the quotes. It seems he has a bit of a conflict in writing between the quote I found and the quote you found. I just get tired of hearing that "Christian values" stuff – the Christians didn’t invent morals, but they love to take credit for it.
@Darek: Yep – my point exactly – belief that Jesus was the Christ is not necessary for good morals.