Continental Congress Thanking Almighty God 1782

[Solo]

Following the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress recognized the need to give thanks for delivering the country from war and into independence. Congress issued a proclamation on October 11, 1782:
By the United States in Congress assembled.


PROCLAMATION.

IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled, taking into their consideration the many instances of divine goodness to these States, in the course of the important conflict in which they have been so long engaged; the present happy and promising state of public affairs; and the events of the war, in the course of the year now drawing to a close; particularly the harmony of the public Councils, which is so necessary to the success of the public cause; the perfect union and good understanding which has hitherto subsisted between them and their Allies, notwithstanding the artful and unwearied attempts of the common enemy to divide them; the success of the arms of the United States, and those of their Allies, and the acknowledgment of their independence by another European power, whose friendship and commerce must be of great and lasting advantage to these States:----- Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.

Done in Congress, at Philadelphia, the eleveth day of October, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, and of our Sovereignty and Independence, the seventh.

JOHN HANSON, President.

Charles Thomson, Secretary.

Retrieved from http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/thanks/thanks.html

 

[reznwerks]

God

Do you or anyone else see any reference to a "bible" God? The creator referenced then was a generic god and left to the belief of the individual. Deism and Uniterianism as well as unbelief were more prevalent and supported then. More over the founding fathers were heavily influenced by Masonry(many of which were members) which only proclaims a belief in the almighty and that is left up to the individual.

 

[Rick W]

Yes, I agree that deism was and still is very prevalent but if the reference isn't to God of the bible then what god is being refered to in your opinion?

And by the way,
I was a Free and Accepted Mason for 8 years. And yes, the "Almighty" is recognised as the biblical God since they indeed do use the bible in their "rites" and ceremonies. In fact, I had a bible presented to me by the lodge as a token of recognition of being "raised".

...and that is left up to the individual.

Not true.
And I know what I'm talking about.

And something else:
You can't and won't become a member without belief in God of the bible. Period. So if our nation's forefathers were Masons then they did indeed have a belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

 

[Loren Michael]

Yes, I agree that deism was and still is very prevalent but if the reference isn't to God of the bible then what god is being refered to in your opinion?

the deistic god is a simple, non-biblical entity that set the universe in motion and then abandoned it, leaving it to its own devices and not interfering. there is no organized deistic religion, so there's no one "god" you can ascribe to deism. if the founders wanted to make it flexible, the god that they speak of could be representative of virtually any religion on earth, possibly unintentionally ignoring buddhism, which is (i think) an athiestic religion.

 

[Rick W]

It's very possible I may have used "deist" in a looser term but I believe you'll find a lot more reference to the bible in any case concerning the founding fathers than to Buddha, Islam, Hindu or any other religion you care to name including atheism. Face it, you don't see "Allah" in any of the early American documents on which the nation is based. The word "God" is glaringly present, not the God of Buddha, Islam or Hindu belief. The founders of America are commonly associated with the bible simply because that's the way it was no matter how avidly one chooses to ignore history or deny the heritage of America.
The problem people have today in the quest to eliminarte God entirely is the challenge to alienate America's heritage from any reference to the bible and God in general. That includes convincing others that the framers of the constitution had no belief in God or did not refer to the bible in any way. In short, to edit history to fit atheist thought.
Hang in there. I'm sure in a few years "God" will be successfully eliminated from those documents or any and all cornerstones associated with the history of America. The people don't want any reference to God in ther lives, country, the Constitution, Bill of Rights or any other national document so a lie will be accepted.

 

[Solo]

Re: God

Do you or anyone else see any reference to a "bible" God? The creator referenced then was a generic god and left to the belief of the individual. Deism and Uniterianism as well as unbelief were more prevalent and supported then. More over the founding fathers were heavily influenced by Masonry(many of which were members) which only proclaims a belief in the almighty and that is left up to the individual.

By The Honorable Judge Robert Ulrich
Chief Justice, Missouri Court Of Appeals, Western District

We as Christian Americans are confronted with many issues reflecting that Christian principles are not standard in America today. Violent crime has risen 560% since 1960. Less than 1% of all Americans had used illegal drugs before 1960. By 1967, that number had risen to 17%. Today, 5000 Americans will use an illegal drug for the first time. As a Judge, I'm alarmed at the number of cases involving children who are sexually abused. I read recently that one in three girls and one in five boys are sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday. The teen suicide rate has tripled since 1960. Nationally, numerous allegations are asserted that the Chief Executive has engaged in a pattern of illicit sexual conduct, and what is particularly disturbing is that many pundits claim that, if it's true, it doesn't matter because the economy is doing well and it's a personal matter.

Violent crime has risen 560% since 1960.
Today, 5000 Americans will use an illegal drug for the first time

Some look at the state of our nation and say the United States was never a Christian nation. Some claim that our founding fathers established this nation as Deists, at best. Others claim that they were Christians. I suggest to you that, not only did Christians found this country, but that if you analyze world history using the evidence available, you may conclude that God established the United States for specific reasons. The answer to whether this nation was founded by Christians, guided and assisted by God, is important. If the evidence demonstrates that it was, we should be inspired to fulfil God's assigned tasks as quickly as possible. If the answer is yes, the logical conclusion is that as Christian Americans, we have a mission from God, and we must be about God's business.

The Founding and Establishment
of the United States

As we analyze the founding of America, we realize that the discovery of the New World was in the fullness of time. Christopher Columbus' quest was to sail to Asia by going west from Europe. You know the story. He convinced Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain to finance the journey, and in 1492 he sailed west ultimately to find the New World. What you probably do not know is that this flawed and complex man professed Christ as Savior. His very name meant "Christ Bearer". He named his first landfall, San Salvador (Holy Savior). In 1504 he wrote a book. In the book he wrote,

• 
  I prayed to the most merciful Lord about my heart's great desire ... It was the Lord who put into my mind ... the fact that it would be possible to sail from here to the Indies. There is no question that the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit....

Columbus also wrote, "...I am a most unworthy sinner, but I have cried out to the Lord for grace and mercy, and they have covered me completely."

From the beginning, Christians in Europe viewed the New World as a place for religious freedom and a haven and an opportunity to spread the Gospel. Their earliest legal documents reflect their commitment to Christ and their mission. In 1620, the Pilgrims established the Mayflower Compact before they landed at Plymouth Rock. The document said,

• 
  In the presence of God, Amen. We...do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves into a civil body politic.

In the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, often called the first American Constitution, written in 1638, the drafters said, "[We] enter into a combination and confederation together to maintain and preserve the liberty and purity of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which we now profess." This document recognized for the first time that mankind's rights come from God.

The Declaration of Independence, signed by the delegates to the Continental Congress, on July 4, 1776, stated that, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men...."

The Declaration of Independence acknowledges that mankind is created and that the Creator God bestows the rights. That means, that no man can take them away, and that government, instituted by God, is to protect those rights. By implication, government cannot deprive a person of those rights absent due process of law. Thus, God gave mankind free will, and a function of government is to protect the electorates exercise of free will. That is a Christian concept.

The Declaration of Independence
acknowledges that mankind is created and
that the Creator God bestows the rights.

By the way, did you know that the Continental Congress called for a day of fasting and prayer within the colonies, beseeching God to give guidance and direction as to whether they should secede from England before the representatives to the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence? In 1777, while the colonies were struggling in the Revolutionary War, the First Continental Congress called the Bible "the great political textbook of the patriots" and appropriated funds to import 20,000 Bibles for the people. Are you aware that the Continental Congress began its sessions with prayer, a practice that is followed by both houses of congress even today?

Long before the United States Constitution, the colonies had written documents that established government and citizen's rights under God's authority. The drafters of the U. S. Constitution were aware of these documents and considered them in drafting the document. The expression of America's early documents is unmistakably Christian. They were philosophically anchored in Biblical principles, and the expression of the colonists in these legal documents of what became the states was undeniably Christian. These documents recognized the existence, importance and nature of God.

For example, He was referred to in the constitutions and legal documents of the colonies and later the thirteen states as: one God in South Carolina and Connecticut; Almighty in North Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Vermont; in Massachusetts, He was called, the Supreme Being, the Creator, Good, and the Great Legislator of the Universe; He was called the Governor of the Universe in Pennsylvania, and Vermont; and the inspirer of the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments in South Carolina and Pennsylvania. His Divine Providence was recognized in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. In Connecticut he was called Savior and Lord. Do you think the classrooms in our country ever study these documents today?

Colonial America believed that individual
rights were God given, not man made.

The references to God in these documents and their understanding that He is God, make clear that our founding fathers recognized and acknowledged God's nature and authority, as well as mankind's dependence upon the Lord. These documents acknowledged rights, but the context of the documents conceded that the documents did not first create the rights. Colonial America believed that individual rights were God given, not man made. They made it clear that essential to the maintenance of virtue and liberty depended on the worship of God. These constitutions, declarations and bills of rights of the colonies were the pattern for the Constitution of the United States and its Bill of Rights. They were the models for the nation's founders.

What about the people, the individuals, who actively participated in establishing this nation? Were they Christians? The truth is that some were and some were not, of course. But even those who were not were influenced by the principles of Christianity. By examining what many of them said and wrote we gain insight into their beliefs and the source of their commitment. Many of them had been influenced by the "Great Awakening" and its' residual effect. Around 1750, people like Jonathan and Sarah Edwards led in the expression of the awareness of God; the sinfulness of mankind; the consequences of sin; and God's mercy manifested by Christ's death and resurrection.

Patrick Henry, the great orator who said on the floor of the House of Burgesses in Virginia, "Give me liberty or give me death" also said,

• 
  It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ! For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.

John Adams of Massachusetts, a lawyer and the second president, wrote in a letter to Jefferson on June 28, 1813. He said, "The general principles on which the Fathers achieved independence, were . . . the general principles of Christianity."

Samuel Adams, cousin of John Adams, is called the "Father of the American Revolution." He incited the Boston Tea Party, signed the Declaration of Independence and called for the first Continental Congress. He said as the Declaration of Independence was being signed, "We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come." Samuel Adams also said, "First of all, I ... rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins."

Thomas Jefferson...said, "The reason that
Christianity is the best friend of government
is because Christianity is the only religion
that changes the heart."

Benjamin Franklin, considered a deist by many, said, "He who shall introduce into the public affairs the principles of a primitive Christianity, will change the face of the world." And Thomas Jefferson, also considered a deist, said, "The reason that Christianity is the best friend of government is because Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart." Jefferson is even quoted as having said, "I am a Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ."

George Washington, the father of our nation said, "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." Can you imagine the stress on this man the winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania? He knew overwhelming British forces awaited him in the spring. The entire future of the fledgling nation was on his shoulders. If he were defeated, the new nation would no longer exist. He and the signers of the Declaration of Independence would probably be hanged, and his soldiers were dying at the rate of twelve per day. Many didn't have blankets or shoes.

Isaac Potts, who was Washington's temporary landlord at Valley Forge the winter of 1777-78, gave a famous account of Washington's resolution. As Potts was traveling the dark forest, he heard some distance from him a voice that became more intense as he approached its origin.

Washington was praying for the new nation,
for guidance, and for the men under his
command.

As Potts approached, he saw the Commander-in-Chief of the armies of the United Colonies on his knees in prayer to the Creator and Ruler of the Universe. Washington was praying for the new nation, for guidance, and for the men under his command. Potts, a Quaker, returned to his home and his wife where he declared, "I have seen this day what I shall never forget. Till now I have thought that a Christian and a soldier were incompatible; but if George Washington be not a man of God, I am mistaken, and still more shall I be disappointed if God does not through him perform some great thing for his country."

When Washington was inaugurated the first President of the United States in New York in 1789, a public prayer meeting was conducted to commit the new nation to the "blessings of the Creator." Later the same year, on October 3, 1789, President Washington issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation. The document begins,

• 
  Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor ... Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be -...

James Madison, the fourth president and the Father of the Constitution said,

• 
  The future and success of America is not in this Constitution but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.

John Jay was the first Chief Justice of he Supreme Court. He said, "Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers. And it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."

Fifty-three of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence were reportedly Christians. I have already referred to statements made by some. These are the statements of three less well-known signers. There are many more.

• 
  John Dickinson said, "To my Creator, I resign myself, humbly confiding in His goodness and in His mercy through Jesus Christ for the events of eternity."
  
  Gabriel Duvall, later a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and an appointee to the Supreme Court said, "I resign my soul into the hands of the Almighty who gave it in humble hopes of his mercy through our Savior Jesus Christ."
  
  And lastly, John Witherspoon, pastor and President of New Jersey College (Princeton University today) said, "I shall entreat ... you in the most earnest manner to believe in Jesus Christ, for there is no salvation in any other" [Acts 4:12] ... f you are not clothed with the spotless robe of His righteousness, you must forever perish."

Political Science professors at the University of Houston, curious about who influenced the founders, gathered 15,000 quotes made by them. The effort took over ten years. They reduced the number to those that had a significant impact on the founding fathers and the result was 3,154 quotes. They determined that the Bible was quoted far more than any other source. Thirty-four percent of all quotes were from the Bible, and another 60% of the quotes were from men who were using the Bible to make their point. God's word was important to the nation's founders.

Political Science professors at the
University of Houston...determined
that the Bible was quoted far more
than any other source.

It was not just the founding fathers who expressed their Christian beliefs or recognition in the value of Christian principles as fundamental to the nation. Many of the leaders who followed and influenced this nation were Christians. Andrew Jackson, president and military hero of the War of 1812, said, "The Bible is the rock upon which this Republic stands."

Abraham Lincoln, preserver of the Union said, "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."

The Civil War represented the culmination of the struggle this nation experienced in addressing slavery. The founding fathers could not do it and form the Union, so they didn't, although their documents for the most part expressed the truth of the equality of mankind. The issue was the seed of division and war erupted in 1861. The south, lead by South Carolina, seceded from the union.

Without the moral imperative that the abolition of slavery provided and the determination of Lincoln, a man who appears to have been anointed for the immense task of saving the Union, it's very possible that this nation would be as South America is, many weaker nations on the continent. Slavery was abolished. In a very real way, slavery represents sin. It festered. It wouldn't go away until it was addressed. The consequences were horrific to individuals and to the nation just as sin is in our lives when we do not repent and turn from it.

In 1862, as this nation struggled for its existence, Julia Ward Howe wrote the words to the song that captured the heart of the quarrel, acknowledging God's involvement. Have you ever paused to consider the message and power in her words? The last verse says: "In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me; As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, While God is marching on." The north marched to war as its song acknowledged Christ as savior.

Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President of the United States once wrote his son, Russell, "It is a great comfort to trust God...."

Woodrow Wilson said in a 1911 pre-presidential campaign speech,

• 
  America was born a Christian nation. America was born to exemplify that devotion to the elements of righteousness, which are derived from the revelations of Holy Scriptures. ...Part of the destiny of Americans lies in their daily perusal of this great book of revelations. That if they would see America free and pure they will make their own spirits free and pure by this baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Harry Truman "the man from Independence" was an avid reader. He read the Bible. He said,

• 
  The fundamental basis of this nation's law was given to Moses on the Mount. The fundamental basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teaching we get from Exodus and St. Matthew, from Isaiah and St. Paul.

Members of the Supreme Court have acknowledged the significance of our Christian heritage. Some historians recognize John Marshall the greatest Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He established the authority of the Court as a strong independent third branch of government. He said in a letter to Jasper Adams on May 9, 1833

• 
  The American population is entirely Christian, and with us Christianity and Religion are identified. It would be strange indeed, if with such a people, our institutions did not presuppose Christianity, and did not often refer to it, and exhibit relations with it.

In 1892, the Supreme Court wrote the decision of Church of Holy Trinity v. United States, 143 U.S. 457 (1892). The decision cites a number of examples that America was founded on Christian principles, and concludes, "this is a Christian nation."

The founders of Harvard College, established
in 1636, professed that, "All knowledge
without Christ was vain."

Politicians weren't the only Christians impacting on America. Ninety-percent of the private colleges of this country were founded as Christian institutions to teach the Gospel. Harvard, Yale and Princeton are three examples. All three were established to teach young men to be pastors. The founders of Harvard College, established in 1636, professed that, "All knowledge without Christ was vain." The word "Veritas" appears on the crest of Harvard even today. The word meant Divine truth. The motto of Harvard was officially, "For Christ and the Church."

Christianity permeated our culture from the arrival of the Pilgrims into this century. For yet another example, the New England Primer, a reader used in what would be our 1st grade, was introduced in 1690 and taught children how to read for 200 years, until 1900. The Alphabet was taught with Bible verses that began with each letter of the alphabet. Lessons had questions about the Bible and the Ten Commandments. An example of the Primer is, A = In Adam's fall, we sinned all. B = Heaven to find, the Bible mind."

We are uniquely American. We come from different cultures. Our ancestors came from England and China; Germany and Italy; Africa and South America. We come from Japan and Vietnam; from Mexico and Canada. We come from every nation of the world. We enjoy our unique backgrounds, but we are not what our ancestors were. We're Americans. No one has ever been quite like us. We like football, baseball and basketball - all three invented here. We hear the national anthem and stand, and sometimes we swell with a bit of pride. We yell at the umpire, but we're the most giving nation in history. We like hotdogs, popcorn, iced tea, ice cream, and yes, apple pie. We're Americans, and many of us are Christians, but for all of us, our nation was founded by Christians on Christian principles, and that's good because we know that God gives rights to everyone, including non-Christian.

Today the Ten Commandments hang from the U.S. Supreme Court courtroom, the coins of America say, "In God We Trust," and we say in the Pledge of Allegiance, "One nation under God." Time does not permit me to list more examples of how fundamentally important Christ was to our ancestors who founded this nation. Thousands of examples of Godly men and women who advocated the importance of Christian principles expressed in the Bible and who wrote the historical documents that established this nation overwhelmingly demonstrates, that from the beginning, this nation was a Christian nation. It was begun by Christians who recognized God as ruler of the universe and mankind's dependence on Him and His Gospel of salvation.

 

[Loren Michael]

It's very possible I may have used "deist" in a looser term but I believe you'll find a lot more reference to the bible in any case concerning the founding fathers than to Buddha, Islam, Hindu or any other religion you care to name including atheism. Face it, you don't see "Allah" in any of the early American documents on which the nation is based. The word "God" is glaringly present, not the God of Buddha, Islam or Hindu belief. The founders of America are commonly associated with the bible simply because that's the way it was no matter how avidly one chooses to ignore history or deny the heritage of America.

i'm not a phenominal person with government documents and the like, but i dont' believe they mentioned the god of the bible either. i don't think they really mentioned specific religions all that much, in general. oh, i wouldn't be surprised if christianity popped up in lieu of other religions- there's no denying that it has always been popular in this country (also considering the only recent influx of immigrants from non-european countries), but certainly, it wasn't a huge issue to many of the prominant founders of the country.

 

[Rick W]

i'm not a phenominal person with government documents and the like, but i dont' believe they mentioned the god of the bible either. i don't think they really mentioned specific religions all that much, in general. oh, i wouldn't be surprised if christianity popped up in lieu of other religions- there's no denying that it has always been popular in this country (also considering the only recent influx of immigrants from non-european countries), but certainly, it wasn't a huge issue to many of the prominant founders of the country.

Well Loren Michael, I believe you have a daunting task to uphold that belief in view of the written evidence previously presented.

In the face of written history I'd like to see some of your evidence otherwise. For starters, like providing us with something that it was another God that these men refered to.

 

[Rick W]

And a little archeology

Bible Record for Washington Family

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON INAUGURAL BIBLE

 

[Loren Michael]

i'm not a phenominal person with government documents and the like, but i dont' believe they mentioned the god of the bible either. i don't think they really mentioned specific religions all that much, in general. oh, i wouldn't be surprised if christianity popped up in lieu of other religions- there's no denying that it has always been popular in this country (also considering the only recent influx of immigrants from non-european countries), but certainly, it wasn't a huge issue to many of the prominant founders of the country.

Well Loren Michael, I believe you have a daunting task to uphold that belief in view of the written evidence previously presented.

In the face of written history I'd like to see some of your evidence otherwise. For starters, like providing us with something that it was another God that these men refered to.

i was talking about actual government documents concerning the bible and/or christianity. i have no problem with the concept of chrisitians founding this country (though as has been said before, i am also aware of the nonreligious/unitarian/diests as well)- it is possible for a chrisitan, or indeed any religious person, to wish for (and to create) a secular nation.

 

[Rick W]

i have no problem with the concept of chrisitians founding this country...

...it is possible for a chrisitan, or indeed any religious person, to wish for (and to create) a secular nation.

How can a nation be secular when it's principle documents uses words like "God" and "the Creator"?

 

[Loren Michael]

i have no problem with the concept of chrisitians founding this country...

[quote="Loren Michael":a1967]
...it is possible for a chrisitan, or indeed any religious person, to wish for (and to create) a secular nation.

How can a nation be secular when it's principle documents uses words like "God" and "the Creator"?[/quote:a1967]

well, secualism refers to, among other things, religious indifference- the nonspecific usage of god on government documents would seem to indicate that the U.S. is not intended to be a theocracy.

i apologize that i used the term "secular" though. i'm sure there's a better word out there. my limited vocabulary puts me at a disadvantage. forgive me.

 

[Rick W]

And freedom of religion is something else the framers of the nation had in mind. Yet, we are on the path to deny the God, the Creator, on which these men relied upon to form this country.
They recognised the spiritual kingdom of God to found a worldly nation of men. It was not their intent that America as a whole should deny that recognition.

 

[Solo]

All 50 State Constitutions Honor God
in their Preambles, Bills of Rights, or Text

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution ...

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land ...

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom ..

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence= for the Supreme Ruler of Universe ..

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy ...

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences ..

Florida 1845, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance, establish this Constitution ..

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings .

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors..

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings ... establish this Constitution

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges ... establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth of grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy ..

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine .. acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction ...

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God or our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe... in the course of His Providence, an opportunity .and devoutly imploring His direction ...

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom . establish this Constitution

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness .establish this Constitution ...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution ..
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience..

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors ...

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty ..

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings ...

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those .

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common .

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty . establish this

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences ...

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly= invoking His guidance

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution ...

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ... establish this

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God ...

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution ..

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to ... enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man .

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI ... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator ... can be directed only by Reason . and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other...

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia .. reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ..

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility ..

Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties ... establish this Constitution .

 

[Loren Michael]

And freedom of religion is something else the framers of the nation had in mind. Yet, we are on the path to deny the God, the Creator, on which these men relied upon to form this country.
They recognised the spiritual kingdom of God to found a worldly nation of men. It was not their intent that America as a whole should deny that recognition.

separating religion from government is not synonymous with removing religion from the country.

the rather large percentage of the population that considers itself religious would seem to indicate that. the fact that pretty much any politician absolutely must be at least slightly religious to be elected would seem to indicate that.

 

[Solo]

I notice that your newspaper has an ongoing debate concerning the religious nature of the Founding Fathers. A recent letter claimed that most of the Founding Fathers were deists, and pointed to Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Paine, Hamilton, and Madison as proof. After making this charge, the writer acknowledged the “voluminous writingsâ€Â" of the Founders, but it appears that she has not read those writings herself. However, this is no surprise since the U. S. Department of Education claims that only 5 percent of high schools graduates know how to examine primary source documentation.

Interestingly, the claims in this recent letter to the editor are characteristic of similar claims appearing in hundreds of letters to the editor across the nation. The standard assertion is that the Founders were deists. Deists? What is a deist? In dictionaries like Websters, Funk & Wagnalls, Century, and others, the terms “deist,†“agnostic,†and “atheist†appear as synonyms. Therefore, the range of a deist spans from those who believe there is no God, to those who believe in a distant, impersonal creator of the universe, to those who believe there is no way to know if God exists. Do the Founders fit any of these definitions?

None of the notable Founders fit this description. Thomas Paine, in his discourse on “The Study of God,†forcefully asserts that it is “the error of schools†to teach sciences without “reference to the Being who is author of them: for all the principles of science are of Divine origin.†He laments that “the evil that has resulted from the error of the schools in teaching [science without God] has been that of generating in the pupils a species of atheism.†Paine not only believed in God, he believed in a reality beyond the visible world.

In Benjamin Franklin's 1749 plan of education for public schools in Pennsylvania, he insisted that schools teach “the necessity of a public religion . . . and the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern.†Consider also the fact that Franklin proposed a Biblical inscription for the Seal of the United States; that he chose a New Testament verse for the motto of the Philadelphia Hospital; that he was one of the chief voices behind the establishment of a paid chaplain in Congress; and that when in 1787 when Franklin helped found the college which bore his name, it was dedicated as “a nursery of religion and learning†built “on Christ, the Corner-Stone.†Franklin certainly doesn't fit the definition of a deist.

Nor does George Washington. He was an open promoter of Christianity. For example, in his speech on May 12, 1779, he claimed that what children needed to learn “above all†was the “religion of Jesus Christ,†and that to learn this would make them “greater and happier than they already areâ€Â; on May 2, 1778, he charged his soldiers at Valley Forge that “To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christianâ€Â; and when he resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the military on June 8, 1783, he reminded the nation that “without a humble imitation†of “the Divine Author of our blessed religion†we “can never hope to be a happy nation.†Washington's own adopted daughter declared of Washington that you might as well question his patriotism as to question his Christianity.

Alexander Hamilton was certainly no deist. For example, Hamilton began work with the Rev. James Bayard to form the Christian Constitutional Society to help spread over the world the two things which Hamilton said made America great: (1) Christianity, and (2) a Constitution formed under Christianity. Only Hamilton's death two months later thwarted his plan of starting a missionary society to promote Christian government. And at the time he did face his death in his duel with Aaron Burr, Hamilton met and prayed with the Rev. Mason and Bishop Moore, wherein he reaffirmed to him his readiness to face God should he die, having declared to them “a lively faith in God's mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of the death of Christ.†At that time, he also partook of Holy Communion with Bishop Moore.

The reader, as do many others, claimed that Jefferson omitted all miraculous events of Jesus from his Bible.†Rarely do those who make this claim let Jefferson speak for himself. Jefferson own words explain that his intent for that book was not for it to be a “Bible,†but rather for it to be a primer for the Indians on the teachings of Christ (which is why Jefferson titled that work, “The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazarethâ€Â). What Jefferson did was to take the “red letter†portions of the New Testament and publish these teachings in order to introduce the Indians to Christian morality. And as President of the United States, Jefferson signed a treaty with the Kaskaskia tribe wherein he providedâ€â€at the government's expenseâ€â€Christian missionaries to the Indians. In fact, Jefferson himself declared, “I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus.†While many might question this claim, the fact remains that Jefferson called himself a Christian, not a deist.

James Madison trained for ministry with the Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, and Madison's writings are replete with declarations of his faith in God and in Christ. In fact, for proof of this, one only need read his letter to Attorney General Bradford wherein Madison laments that public officials are not bold enough about their Christian faith in public and that public officials should be “fervent advocates in the cause of Christ.†And while Madison did allude to a “wall of separation,†contemporary writers frequently refuse to allow Madison to provide his own definition of that “wall.†According to Madison, the purpose of that “wall†was only to prevent Congress from passing a national law to establish a national religion.

None of the Founders mentioned fit the definition of a deist. And as is typical with those who make this claim, they name only a handful of Founders and then generalize the rest. This in itself is a mistake, for there are over two hundred Founders (fifty-five at the Constitutional Convention, ninety who framed the First Amendment and the Bill of Rights, and fifty-six who signed the Declaration) and any generalization of the Founders as deists is completely inaccurate.

The reason that such critics never mention any other Founders is evident. For example, consider what must be explained away if the following signers of the Constitution were to be mentioned: Charles Pinckney and John Langdonâ€â€founders of the American Bible Society; James McHenryâ€â€founder of the Baltimore Bible Society; Rufus Kingâ€â€helped found a Bible society for Anglicans; Abraham Baldwinâ€â€a chaplain in the Revolution and considered the youngest theologian in America; Roger Sherman, William Samuel Johnson, John Dickinson, and Jacob Broomâ€â€also theological writers; James Wilson and William Pattersonâ€â€placed on the Supreme Court by President George Washington, they had prayer over juries in the U. S. Supreme Court room; and the list could go on. And this does not even include the huge number of thoroughly evangelical Christians who signed the Declaration or who helped frame the Bill of Rights.

Any portrayal of any handful of Founders as deists is inaccurate. (If this group had really wanted some irreligious Founders, they should have chosen Henry Dearborne, Charles Lee, or Ethan Allen). Perhaps critics should spend more time reading the writings of the Founders to discover their religious beliefs for themselves rather than making such sweeping accusations which are so easily disproven.

Retreived from http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/s ... ourceID=29

 

[Rick W]

separating religion from government is not synonymous with removing religion from the country.

the rather large percentage of the population that considers itself religious would seem to indicate that. the fact that pretty much any politician absolutely must be at least slightly religious to be elected would seem to indicate that.

"Separating religion" is evident in more than just the government as we all know. But, that's a whole nuther topic I suppose.

Anyway, here's a couple charts I find interesting. I Searched for a site with the least amount of bias I could find in a short time as to any preference of religion.

The Largest Atheist Populations

Largest Religious Groups in the United States of America

These pages are from http://www.adherents.com/

 

[Solo]

BY THE UNITED STATES IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED:

September 12th, 1782.

THE Committee to whom was referred a Memorial of Robert Aitken, printer, dated 21st January, 1781, respecting an edition of the Holy Scriptures, report, "That Mr. Aitken has, at a great expense, now finished an American edition of the Holy Scriptures in English; that the Committee have from time to time attended to his progress in the work; that they also recommended it to the two Chaplains of Congress to examine and give their opinion of the execution, who have accordingly reported thereon; the recommendation and report being as follows:



"Philadelphia, 1st September, 1782.

"Reverend Gentlemen,
"Our knowledge of our piety and public spirit leads us without apology to recommend to your particular attention the edition of the Holy Scriptures publishing by Mr. Aitken. He undertook this expensive work at a time when, from the circumstances of the war, and English edition of the Bible could not be imported, nor any opinion formed how long the obstruction might continue. On this account particularly he deserves applause and encouragement. We therefore wish you, Reverend Gentlemen, to examine the execution of the work, and if approved, to give the sanction of our judgment, and the weigh of your recommendation.


We are, with very great respect,
Your most obedient humble servants.
(Sign'd) JAMES DUANE, Chairman in behalf
of a Committee of Congress on Mr. Atken's Memorial.



Reverend Doct. White and Revd. Mr. Duffield,
Chaplains of the United States in Congress assembled.

Report.

Gentlemen,
AGREEABLY to your desire we have paid attention to Mr. Robert Aitken's impression of the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. Having selected and examined a variety of passages throughout the work, we are of opinion that it is executed with great accuracy as to the sense, and with as few grammatical and typographical errors as could be expected in an undertaking of such magnitude. Being ourselves witnesses of the demand for this invaluable book, we rejoice in the present prospect of a supply; hoping that it will prove as advantageous as it is honorable to the Gentleman, who has exerted himself to furnish it, at the evident risk of private fortune. We are, Gentlemen,
Your very respectful and humble servants,

(Sign'd) WILLIAM WHITE,
GEORGE DUFFIELD.

Philadelphia, September 10th, 1782.

Honble James Duane, Esq. Chairman, and the other
Honble Gentlemen of the Committee of Congress on
Mr. Aitken's Memorial."

Whereupon,
RESOLVED,
THAT the United States in Congress assembled highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitken, as subservient to the interest of religion, as well as an instance of the progress of arts in this country, and being satisfied from the above report of his care and accuracy in the execution of the work, they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States, and hereby authorize him to publish this Recommendation in the manner he shall think proper.

CHA. THOMSON, Sec'ry.

 

[Rick W]

You Solo are on a roll!!!!!
:

Good work

 

[Solo]

You Solo are on a roll!!!!!
:

Good work

Ever since I found out that satan is the father of lies, I hate lies. :wink:

I also have a problem with deception as satan is also the father of deception. Many eat as his table unknowingly as I did prior to God almighty saving me.