Source: Huff Post Religion
Apparently, attempts are underway to open a new front in the supposed “war on religion” in my home state of Louisiana as it takes center stage in the presidential primary season. Truth be told, from what I have seen lately, those claiming there is a war on religion are the ones most guilty of waging that assault.
With sadness and disbelief, last weekend I watched as Greenwell Springs Baptist Church pastor Dennis Terry introduced presidential candidate Rick Santorum at his church. Terry believes — incorrectly — that America was founded as a Christian nation and that those who don’t agree with him should “get out.” I have been a Baptist my entire life, and I have been a minister for more than 50 years — the last 20 in a church in Monroe, LA. I can tell you without question that Pastor Terry’s perspective is not authentic to the historic Baptist tradition. Indeed, I fail to see how it is consistent with the teachings of Jesus who invited all people into his presence.
Categories: Americas, CHRISTIANITY, Interfaith tolerance, Religion
I agree completely that the US was not founded as a ‘Christian’ nation despite the fact the vast majority of the population at that time there was Christian. The only theistic references in The Declaration of Independence are the word “God”, once, “endowed by their Creator”, once, and “reliance on the protection of Divine Providence”, once. That’s it. Those words and concepts certainly could be attributed to any monotheistic religion. The 1st Ammedment to the Constitution prohibits an established state religion and, of course, protects “the free exercise thereof” of any religion. The issue is really very clear.