While in Turkey recently, our president said of the United States that we are not a Christian nation. We are Christian, but that statement, along with the administration's acts of funding abortion and embryo cell research, appear predictive of a future that he has in mind for our nation.
The late Rev. Richard John Neuhaus said: "Politics is chiefly a function of culture, at the heart of culture is morality, and at the heart of morality is religion."
The United States has prospered on the understanding that we are a nation under God, and Christian principles have set the cultural tone that has shaped our political practices.
That recognition of Christian principles appears threatened by a politically created new culture of populism based on a "morality" of hazy platitudes on self-righteousness, and promulgated by attacks aimed not at religion or at Christianity itself but at Catholic tenets on the sanctity of life -- in our president's words, by placing "science over ideology."
The administration's case for so proceeding is that the Catholic Church's teachings on the sanctity of life are most rigid; and if those tenets can be dispelled -- and like others to follow -- a moral vacuum will be created that can be filled with the new culture of populism. Hence, the success of that new morality depends upon the majority being duped into replacing religion as the source of culture.
I am an American who loves what America is, and the Chrisitan origins from which she has come; and I am a Christian not accustomed to putting concerns for our Christian culture out of mind. If the administration's new morality prevails, the future will hold with nothing more than a residue of our Christian culture. So I just can't forget it -- nor can any thinking person afford to.
James Wetzel
Aiken, S.C.
Comments
Mr. Wetzel, you and I both understand that when President Obama said that the "United States (is) not a Christian nation," he meant that we are a nation made up of citizens that practice many religions, with the christian religion being but just one of them. Your deliberate disregard of that fact is merely an attempt to ignore the truth and to suggest that we are all chrisitans; somewhat presumptuous, sir! GGpap
America is a "Christian" nation in that it was founded on Judeo-Christian principles. It was never exclusionary of other religions but was founded on the idea that God created us and God gives us freedom - not governments. The governance in America was (in the beginning) set up so that government got out of the way and allowed men to be free (even slaves were to be free in the beginning). But free governments, because they require good people to run them, have a way of evolving into something the founders never meant to be. The government in America today is very far from what it was meant to be. Go to a TEA party today and let your voice be heard!
JIC, then I suppose you're fine if I decide to call the U.S. a "Jewish nation". Please spare me that bogus "Judeo-Christian" label. You folks mean CHRISTIAN. And GGpap is absolutely correct. We are NOT ONLY a Christian nation. If you disagree, then you aren't living in the real world.
United States has no state religion. The establishment of a state religion is precluded by the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, by definition, United States is not a Christian nation but a secular state which allows and encourages freedom of religion. The founding fathers wisely chose this course because they were well aware of the many wars that were fought in England and continental Europe over religion. BTW, modern day Turkey founded by Kamil Ataturk is also a secular state. 98% of Turks are Muslims, but Islam is not the state religion of Turkey. Turkey has no state religion. Therefore Turkey is not a Muslim nation. President Obama's words were appropriate especially when considered they were spoken in Turkey. The letter writer's attempt to construe the meaning of Obama's words into something they are not is indicative of the misleading rhetoric coming out of the "Christian" religious right. These people do NOT have exclusive ownership of religion or of the truth.
What do you expect from a Muslim president???!!!???
One of the reasons this country was founded is freedom of religion and worship. If the founding fathers wanted this country to be only Christian then why hasn't there been a law, all of these years, prohibiting other religions from practicing. Moreover, if this is setting the stage for "the final battle" and the return of Jesus then why are Christians so upset with current events? If we believe that this is God's plan as laid out in scripture, then why be so worried and up in arms?
Well there you go. According to GGAP, CAIN, MIDWEST, and others, God apparently has nothing to do with the blessings our country has enjoyed for over 200 years. Only one word comes to my mind when reading your posts, sad. I'm sad that the same God that our forefathers honored by putting IN GOD WE TRUST on our coins is now ignored and "dissed" by these modern day icons of intellect, including our illustrious national leader. It is so sad! Sorry fellas...I gotta say it. God help us!
Some "Americans" don't understand that for some people religion is a way of life. It is not a convenience they use when needed. Their religion is woven into every aspect of their daily lives. How many of us, no matter our religion or denomination can say that? That is where some fall short and other religions have strength. Also, being a "Christian American" does not make others who are not any less loyal or patriotic than you. It also does not give you a free ticket to heaven just because you use a particular religious label.
Granted, I am no expert on religions, however, doesn't each major religion believe in God? They may call him by a different name, but the idea of a "supreme being" seems to be in each religion.
And CH, by "forefathers", you do mean the congress of 1864, right? That's when the motto, "In God We Trust," was put on the one cent coin. In 1865, it followed with other coins and in 1873, the Coinage Act had the motto for every coin.
What is a Christian?
It's politically correct to hate Christians and Christianity. By doing so, we're empowered to hate all they stand for. With no moral judgment, then right and wrong are always relative. No absolutes. VOILA! All personal responsibility is absolved. What a fine idea.....for sheeple.
teh:Beat me to it. Placed on coins 1864.Became motto 1956. I think the Repubs like it there since money is their God. wiz: Perhaps Grandwizard? Obama is not a Muslim. Please come back to reality.
PT:I and most don't hate Christians. As a matter of fact I am one. What I dont like is people trying to push their particular religious beliefs on others. That's no different than the Taliban.
True Christanity is not a religon. Brushing your teeth every morning is a religion. Christanity is a life changing relationship that the carnal mind cannot understand.
True Christianity is also not a political platform.
Some of these letters are ridiculous. I do not know of any movement to ' push out religion".
Your premise is based on "heart of morality is religion". Not sure if history proves this statement. There have been some hideous immoral acts done in the name of religion. That said, this is just one more example of conservative hysteria. Christianity is doing just fine in America. Have faith and relax.
I appreciate Mr. Wetzel use of the quote by Rev. Neuhaus discussing morality. Morals are best defined as how we behave when others are watching. Ethics are how we behave or think when no body is watching. Christianity in America is truly moral but with highly questionable ethics. Those who focus on morality and Christianity when it comes to politics will always be led astray by unethical people. Our founding fathers knew this and did their best to protect us. Unfortunately, we have a long history as a people for letting down our founding fathers. For the first time in a long time we have an ethical President and there is hope for our nation; Christian or otherwise.
I believe the AC will take a letter from any fool that sends one to them...lol
And publish it,,,
mie... And AC also allows 'any fool' to post ...lol. So have at it.
You are so right Phish with your posting at 7:51am. So many people use the label "Christian" and have no clue what it actually means. teharper428, to answer your question "doesn't each major religion believe in God?", the answer is no. Every religion may have what they call a supreme being or god, if that's what you want to call it, but there is only ONE TRUE GOD, and that is Jesus Christ.
converted:Pot, meet kettle.
Tech...I thought pushing your beliefs on someone was the dems way. You know, hate Bush, love Obama.
Georgia=#2: Seems you're free to hate all you want. No one's pushing anything on you.
Legalize Pot. Tax it and then tax religion too! The economy will recover by the end of the summer.
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