Although the US is NOT a "Christian Nation", do we seem to have a predominantly Christian culture?

Question

As a non-believer, I'm not saying that this is good or bad. It's just an observation.

Culture is NOT the same as Legislature.

I'm of the school that says keep the law secular, and religion religious. Don't commingle the two. Don't blur the lines.

The only laws I feel are appropriate in regards to religion, is the freedom to practice it as one sees fit (as long as your not hurting anyone).

It's not easy being a non-believer in a culture that doesn't always respect or understand you. But, we do the best we can.

Discuss...

Answer 1

As a culture - yes.



And you're correct - culture does not equal legislature.



We are NOT a Christian nation or a theocracy, we're a secular nation. There is nothing in the constitution even remotely suggesting otherwise and anybody that claims that our country is based on "Christian values" often has never read any of the founding documents or know anything about the beliefs of those behind them.



And having "in god we trust" on the money or "under god"in the pledge is only an indicator that we were scared of the being like the communists in the 1950s. That's when it was added, and why.



People who think this is a Christian country need to look at an actual history book.

Answer 2

"read your money..it says in God we trust"



Which was not there until 1957.





The Treaty of Tripoli

Signed by John Adams



"As the government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen [Muslims] ... it is declared ... that no pretext arising from religious opinion shall ever product an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries....

"The United States is not a Christian nation any more than it is a Jewish or a Mohammedan nation."

-- Treaty of Tripoli (1797), carried unanimously by the Senate and signed into law by John Adams (the original language is by Joel Barlow, US Consul)





For we know that the common law is that system of law which was introduced by the Saxons on their settlement of England, and altered from time to time by proper legislative authority from that time to the date of the Magna Charta, which terminates the period of the common law ... This settlement took place about the middle of the fifth century. But Christianity was not introduced till the seventh century; the conversion of the first Christian king of the Heptarchy having taken place about the year 598, and that of the last about 686. Here then, was a space of two hundred years, during which the common law was in existence, and Christianity no part of it ... That system of religion could not be a part of the common law, because they were not yet Christians.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Answer 3

i think of your question says greater related to the accuracy of your assertion that "the U. S. is ruled with the help of Christians" than it does related to the hypocrisy you're implying. In different words, the U.S. isn't "ruled with the help of Christians". i'm not sure why human beings proceed to make that assumption right here on YA. perchance that's in basic terms a localized concept: some human beings stay in the Southern states the place everybody belongs to a church. I stay in California the place Christians are generally reviled. Politicians invoke "God" on occasion to charm to that demographic, yet there's an dazzling volume of hypocrisy at that time. many human beings look to worship money as their deity, and that's too undesirable. God suggested "the affection of money is the inspiration of all evil." and maximum of of our u . s . a .'s leaders look to think of that the financial equipment is greater significant than something. that's the lifestyle that concerns. The financial equipment is in basic terms a unfastened indicator of an standard productiveness. that's not the welfare of the individuals.

Answer 4

here is what baffles me...

how can atheism practice their non-belief in governmental roles yet, Christians can not?

How is that the "non-religious" are easily adapting the change by re-writing U.S. history? It is being done to de-evaluate the rewards of Christianity in the growth of America.

Ironic how America is slowly being destroyed from the inside, not by fundamental Christianity but by liberals leading toward socialism.

What is not understood (or willing to learn) is Christianity has a governmental structure. It is moral based. Atheism is self centered.

America has become a country of what I want. The other basis is where people can do whatever they want as long as it doesn't bother me.



As far as your last statement, considering religion is being kicked to the curb because atheists are offended, people like that don't care if others are offended by contending our faith should keep in the church. Nowhere did America suffer when both atheism and religion coexisted in all arenas. Now a few complain, and Christians are the ones who suffer.

I hate to say this as well, but when laws no longer take a moral approach, we become self centered. That belief will destroy this nation, as you can watch with this Congress.

Answer 5

Personally I think that the Christians here are predominantly of the American culture, does that make sense? As a whole, the U.S. acts differently than other cultures, Christian or otherwise.



On the rest, I agree completley. Blurring the lines cheapens both aspects.

Answer 6

Auntie C,



Good question! Naw, if we were a christian culture, christian nation, christian anything in a group the size of the United States, we'd all be wandering door to door looking for folks to listen to our gospel in exchange for a meal and a place to sleep.



Followers of Christ have come a long way from the days of Christ. Jesus used to have a message of hope, freedom, love. That isn't what modern day christianity offers. They offer conditional love, insurmountable expectations, and judgment from a group compelled not to judge. Not exactly the message of Christ.



As one of those who call herself christian, I sometimes have a problem with me as much as with my sisters and brothers. Its a cop out to say "not perfect, just saved" when one doesn't even try.



I wish we were a Christian nation... or a Buddhist nation... or an Islamic or Jewish nation, if we were truly any one of these. But no nation hell bent on being human could ever come together to live the message of Jesus Christ, Mohammed, Moses or Buddha, Gandhi or anyone else God has sent to us as an example of righteousness, peace and benevolence. We just can't do it.



Individually, and in groups of like-minded folks, it is possible to give in and live up to the challenge set before us, which is to accept the free gift of God's love for us all, then give that love away freely and without bias to everyone else around us. Jesus led a pauper's life to give us life in just that way.



Oh, and by the way? Their calculations were off by a thousand years. Earth is really 7000 - happy birthday! Kidding. Just kidding.



I envy you. It has to be so much easier not to believe. Its probably the hardest thing to do for me to believe in unconditional and boundless love. Most Christians aren't living it and don't know how to live it (including me), so you can't see it, but i believe God's love is here for you and I.



I hope that some day, despite the odds, that you find God's love for you whether you decide to be a Christian or not. God's love is awesome. Be blessed, Auntie C.



PS: Right on! Separation of church and state, amen.



diane

Answer 7

I agree that freedom to practice is a good law, HOWEVER, any discrimination towards anyone should not be allowed. They would either have to remove it from the religion and if they don't the religion should be banned





Joseph: America IS NOT a Christian nation. One of the first rules on the constitution is freedom of religion. I'm Canadian and even i know that. Also that guy in the video is one of those devout Christians, what do you think he'd say?

Answer 8

I find it ironic that the very people who are terrified to let the government have any say over their health care are the same people who don't want a line between church and state. It is a two way street, people. If you think the government bungles schools and health care you are certain to hate what it does once you let it into your religion.

Answer 9

The US culture enforces and believes that:



it is alright to "live together" instead of or prior to marriage.

sex is an activity that all need to enjoy whether married or not.

there are no holds barred on immodesty of dress.

pornography is fine if you're old enough.

making money is our goal in life.

a woman can abort a child if she wishes.



These are a few of the predominant values in the US. They are not Christian values but they define the US culture. These values are reflected in television, news, movies, and woefully our governing bodies.



The answer to your question is "no." This country does not have a Christian culture. It is a pagan country.

Answer 10

As a lesbian, I think Christianity and religion are a vital part of our culture which seeps into our politics. Being a Democracy, people can't help but letting their religious' beliefs be part of their guide on how this country should be run.

Since advertising to sell things doesn't want to offend, it is slanted to make sure it doesn't offend those it targets. From advertising, you can tell a lot about a culture.

Answer 11

And how do you define what makes a nation "a _____ nation"? The laws? Culture?



The laws of this country are based upon the judeo-christian culture. The culture is that of Christians because of the predominance of Christians in this country.



To state that we should keep the law secular is to forego the insistence of our Constitution that the majority rule ... and the majority of us are Christian.



However, that being said, keep your laws out of my religion, thank you very much ... and THAT is what our forefathers intended to mean for the separation of church and state.

Answer 12

This is not a Christian Nation. It is more Pagan then Christian. I think the law should stay secular. You start mingling religions you will step on toes.

Answer 13

Because America was settled and founded by people whose backgrounds were of the Judeo-Christian philosophical thought...it does not matter what religion they may or may not have been. It is not just religion. It is a way of life and of thinking.



And for the first 200+ years, people who either immigrated here or were born here were from the same school of thought (mostly...not all). Just because of the decline or backlash against Christianity, does not mean that Judeo-Christian philosophy will disappear overnight.

Answer 14

the lines are a bit beyond blurred.



but i think the morality of it (in corespondence to the laws) aren't really a bad thing.



it does no harm to me, nor does it reflect my judgement.

Answer 15

For a country that is addicted to sex, murder, and money I hardly see it holding up the beacon for Christ. You better be damned sure wallstreet would be the first one to nail him on a tree when He started to preach about wealth redistribution.

Answer 16

Religious people respect me just fine. Usually it never comes up or they don't care

Answer 17

A vial of hope and a vial of pain... in the light they both look the same...

Answer 18

Well, you see. The US is a democracy, and in a democracy, majority rules. It just so happens that the majority of americans are religious. People who don't like this, can leave, I'm sure a family from some 3rd world country would be glad to take their place in this "Horrible", "Unfair" country full of cry babies.



Edit, ☼ⓩⓐⓘ☼. Oh, I suppose it would be good to get rid of all laws against theft, rape, and murder because their actually written in the Bible, thus deemed religious laws.

Answer 19

Yes.

Answer 20

yup

judeo-christian values/laws dominate our culture

and thats not right at all.

Answer 21

The US is a Christian nation like it or not. What's on our bills and coins?

In God We Trust. I fear that it is gradually becoming less of one, but for now it is. This nation was founded on biblical principals. Pilgrims fleeing religious persecution. They just wanted to praise God however they wanted.

Answer 22

Yes, what do you expect in a country that is 75% Christian??



Btw lol, thanks for the block. More proof that atheists cannot handle differing viewpoints

Answer 23

read your money..it says in God we trust

Answer 24

america is a christian nation



listen to this



http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4943223/k.492B/In_Touch_Ministries__Video_Archives.htm



click July 2009 and click is america a christian nation

Answer 25

Congresswoman Bachmann once again shows us how "un-America" atheists, pagans, and agnostics really are http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co3LieIHDJ0

Answer 26

.