Philosophical Vegan Forum

How is the U.S.A. a nation that was founded on Christian values*? From what I recall of early American documents such as the Constitution or Declaration of Independence, the only thing that reminded me of Christianity was the reference to God. Otherwise, it is composed of the values of the enlightenment. What do you think? I have a strong feeling that I am going to be very wrong, very soon!

*By Christian values I am referring to the alleged teachings of Jesus Christ.

I think you're right, actually, but I am not well schooled on American History at all. (even though I have a Lincoln quote in my signature)

miniboes wrote:even though I have a Lincoln quote in my signature

This country was primarily founded on the basis of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, etc. It really gets me when Christians run around screaming that the US is a Christian nation. They want to ban gay marriage because the Bible is against it and the US is a Christian nation. Come on! This is not freedom of religion. That's favoring one religion over the other and enforcing religious beliefs. Insanity.

You are right! The constitution has nothing to do with Christian values. If you don't already, check out a podcast called The Thinking Atheist. There is a podcast totally devoted to this subject called God and the Constitution. May 20th 2014 was the air date. Really well done and full of great atheist information! I highly recommend it!

A few of the founding fathers were Christians while others were skeptics. However, they all agreed on the separation of church and state. Hence, the notion that the country was founded on Christian values is bullshit.

"The Protestant work ethic" may have had something to do with the economical success of the nation but that's another question.

Its such a fallacy to think that America was founded by a bunch of christians trying to escape persecution, or whatever fundies like to think. Most of the founding fathers were more deist that theist, and were well aware of what religion could do to poison a society. Its painfully obvious to me that too many american citizens have completely lost touch with their own founding fathers. Not too mention being totally ignorant to american history, i would also blame that on christianity. Or the religious right trying to use white out in public school books, like intelligent design and american exceptionalism...


"My country is the world, and my religion is to do good" -Thomas Paine

This short video applies to Britain but I think you can all see how it is applicable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlOPJ9cZOYM