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I’m getting pretty tired of hearing politicians and even newscasters on sources I generally trust like NPR refer to countries as “religious states” while others, including our own, are called “secular states.” One definition of secular is ” not connected with religious or spiritual matters.” So is the United States of America a secular state? If so, why is “In God We Trust” on our currency? If so why are the President and most elected officials sworn in with their hand on the Christian bible? Why does every major speech by presidents end in some like “God bless America and the American people.” Looking at the religious affiliation of members of Congress we see an overwhelming majority are Christian. You might argue that is simply reflects the makeup of our population. OK, so what is wrong with a government comprised primarily of Muslims in a country whose population is overwhelmingly Muslim? Why is that government religious and ours secular?
Looking at our heads of state, we have never had a President of a faith other than Christian. We have had six who claimed “no denomiational affiliation.” But they were certainly not Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or any other religion. They just didn’t claim affiliation with any particular Christian faith.
Try arguing that the United States is not a Christian nation. You will be met with a violently hostile attack on your patriotism, your sanity, even the veracity of your own faith (as a Christian.) If you’re not Christian and make this claim then even strong attacks await you.
The founding patriots of our country did not intend, in fact attempted not to create a Christian nation. One need only look at their statements and an examination of the original founding documents. Yet Christian fanaticism has turned our country into a religious state in complete disregard for the founding principles.
President Obama recently stated in a speech in Turkey that the US is neither a Christian nor a Jewish nor a Muslim country. Though his remarks were definitely a step in the right direction, I’m afraid he jumped the gun. I regret that we still are a Christian nation and I look forward to the day when we truly are not.
