Is the United States a Christian Nation?

The “debate” continues over the founding of the United States on Christian principles. When Sarah Palin stated the US is a Christian Nation, atheists went into full spin mode. Can the question be decided as a matter of facts, or is it only a matter of opinion?

Since this topic repeatedly comes up as atheism attempts to stomp out God from society, we’ll begin to run posts documenting from historical records exactly why the atheist belief comes up short, and looks ridiculous when they try to deny the Christian heritage of the country. They may wish the country hadn’t been founded on Christian principles, but as a matter of fact (not opinion), it was.

For today’s factoid, consider an 1892 Supreme Court decision:

But, beyond all these matters, no purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, state or national, because this is a religious people. This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour, there is a single voice making this affirmation.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY V. UNITED STATES, 143 U. S. 457 (1892), 465

If we examine the constitutions of the various states, we find in them a constant recognition of religious obligations. Every Constitution of every one of the forty-four states contains language which, either directly or by clear implication, recognizes a profound reverence for religion, and an assumption that its influence in all human affairs is essential to the wellbeing of the community.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY V. UNITED STATES, 143 U. S. 457 (1892), 468

If we pass beyond these matters to a view of American life, as expressed by its laws, its business, its customs, and its society, we find every where a clear recognition of the same truth. Among other matters, note the following: the form of oath universally prevailing, concluding with an appeal to the Almighty; the custom of opening sessions of all deliberative bodies and most conventions with prayer; the prefatory words of all wills, “In the name of God, amen;” the laws respecting the observance of the Sabbath, with the general cessation of all secular business, and the closing of courts, legislatures, and other similar public assemblies on that day; the churches and church organizations which abound in every city, town, and hamlet; the multitude of charitable organizations existing every where under Christian auspices; the gigantic missionary associations, with general support, and aiming to establish Christian missions in every quarter of the globe. These, and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY V. UNITED STATES, 143 U. S. 457 (1892), 471

The Supreme Court states the United States is a Christian nation; surveys repeatedly demonstrate well over half the country considers themselves Christian. Thus, when an atheist says things like the following it’s rather silly, and only demonstrates a lack of historical knowledge and understanding:

Our Constitution established a secular government and has no mention of Jesus, Christianity, or a god of any kind, despite the false message spread by figures such as Sarah Palin who claim that America was founded as a Christian nation…
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/politics/2010/April/Palin-Draws-Heat-over-Christian-Nation-Remarks

He’s factually wrong.

This atheist disagrees with the United States Supreme court. Perhaps he hasn’t studied history, or perhaps he’s simply unaware of Supreme Court decisions. The farther historically you travel back, documents make clear the country was founded on Christian principles. The stomp-out-religion idea only arrived recently on the scene, it’s the ultimate act of judicial activism attempting to change the clear and obvious meaning of freedom of religion into a prohibition of religion.

Of course, since atheism itself is illogical, we shouldn’t be surprised if atheists express a lack of critical thinking skills and logic in other areas as well, as their foundational dogma is as absurd as claiming the moon is made of cheese.

If atheists what to begin a conversation about eliminating religion from society to match their personal faith, that’s one thing. But denying history only makes them look silly.

Palin 1, atheists 0.

Filed Under: The Constitution

Recommended Citation:
Yeager, Darrin "Is the United States a Christian Nation?" (2023-11-23 14:45),
https://www.dyeager.org/post/is-the-united-states-a-christian-nation.html
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