“USA Founded on Christian Principles”

On Aug 5, 2018, at 3:52 PM, Bob Lawrence  wrote:

I was reading the latest MRFF newsletter and couldn’t help but notice the oft-repeated statement, “This country was founded on Christian principles.” As an ordained minister in the denomination that traces its roots to the Pilgrims, I must concur with those who make that assertion. However, almost all such persons are using that statement incorrectly and out of historical context. Our nation was founded on many principles, but one of the foremost was Christ’s radically inclusive message that invited everyone (tax collectors, prostitutes, non-believers, even the man who would turn him over to be executed) to sit at the table. In other words, we were founded on the Christian principle that ALL are welcome, but we were intentionally and specifically NOT founded as a nation of Christians. The founders of this great nation had every opportunity to state an allegiance to Christ, or even God, in our Constitution. Instead, the only time any matter of faith is even mentioned is in Article 6, which states (in part), “… no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.” Those are in no way the words of people who wished to establish this as a nation of Christians.

May these words help to inspire and encourage your noble work.

Rev Bob Lawrence
Tulsa, OK