It is a fact conveniently forgotten by many that ministers from a variety of [Christian] denominations were from the beginning among the strongest opponents to establishing a national religion of any kind.
Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Fox | America is not a "Christian" nation
May the gods preserve and defend me from self-righteous altruists; I can defend myself from my enemies and my friends.
- Nonc Hilaire
- Posts: 6267
- Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2011 1:28 am
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
America is a christian nation.
Religion has sociological, philosophical and psychological aspects as well as theological ones. America believes we have one incarnate existence, and that how we choose to live that life affects our future. There is no American pantheon of petty gods to supplicate, nor a reliance on personal enlightenment. We don't believe in animistic entities. So lots of religious affiliations are eliminated.
We do believe in self-sacrifice, and that one individual can create change in the universe. Those are a undeniably christian attitudes.
When talking about a national religious identity, the sociological and psychological aspects are more relevant than the theological ones. Religion is far more than a belief system.
I think of Paul Tillich's definition of religion as the addressing of the question of ultimate concern. When one begins to focus on the teleology of individual, as opposed to the society, the question of ultimate concern the difference between Christianity and other religions becomes profound in the general American psyche - even the agnostic become Christian in their own fashion.
In defining and structuring our concept of the ultimate concern, I think Christianity is the framework in which Americans address those concerns. Christian theology is certainly not the answer for all Americans but it does set the boundaries within the overwhelming majority of Americans choose to hold the discussion.
Religion has sociological, philosophical and psychological aspects as well as theological ones. America believes we have one incarnate existence, and that how we choose to live that life affects our future. There is no American pantheon of petty gods to supplicate, nor a reliance on personal enlightenment. We don't believe in animistic entities. So lots of religious affiliations are eliminated.
We do believe in self-sacrifice, and that one individual can create change in the universe. Those are a undeniably christian attitudes.
When talking about a national religious identity, the sociological and psychological aspects are more relevant than the theological ones. Religion is far more than a belief system.
I think of Paul Tillich's definition of religion as the addressing of the question of ultimate concern. When one begins to focus on the teleology of individual, as opposed to the society, the question of ultimate concern the difference between Christianity and other religions becomes profound in the general American psyche - even the agnostic become Christian in their own fashion.
In defining and structuring our concept of the ultimate concern, I think Christianity is the framework in which Americans address those concerns. Christian theology is certainly not the answer for all Americans but it does set the boundaries within the overwhelming majority of Americans choose to hold the discussion.
“Christ has no body now but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks among His people to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses His creation.”
Teresa of Ávila
Teresa of Ávila
- YMix
- Posts: 4631
- Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:53 am
- Location: Department of Congruity - Report any outliers here
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Pretty much my own conclusion. The patterns of Christian thought have very deep roots in the USA. Large parts of the population do not (and probably cannot) think outside Christianity.
“There are a lot of killers. We’ve got a lot of killers. What, do you think our country’s so innocent? Take a look at what we’ve done, too.” - Donald J. Trump, President of the USA
The Kushner sh*t is greasy - Stevie B.
The Kushner sh*t is greasy - Stevie B.
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Folks,
Yup, not much future for this thread. Question answered.
Alex.
Yup, not much future for this thread. Question answered.
Alex.
- Endovelico
- Posts: 3038
- Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:00 pm
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Let's try and keep it going...
Americans who call themselves Christian, just like Americans from all other religions, in fact worship - and have always worshiped - the good old Sun-God... As to their ethics it's not as original as they think, and can be found in Mithraism, in Buddhism or even in traditional Hinduism... Being Christian in America is as singular as being a supporter of the Green Bay Packers, or the 49'ers...
Americans who call themselves Christian, just like Americans from all other religions, in fact worship - and have always worshiped - the good old Sun-God... As to their ethics it's not as original as they think, and can be found in Mithraism, in Buddhism or even in traditional Hinduism... Being Christian in America is as singular as being a supporter of the Green Bay Packers, or the 49'ers...
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Au contraire Mon Ami (latin for "Not so fast Bubba")!manolo wrote:Folks,
Yup, not much future for this thread. Question answered.
Alex.
AS OTNOT has repeatedly proven, the future never ends when it comes to speculation of what the "others are..."
some worship the Viagra, the God of Love....
others worship MSM, the god of public opinion.....
Obama worship, Palin worship, etc...... we are a smorgasbord of piety..... viva multi-culti!
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
have to love atheists/agnostics being so keen on discussing if "the udder" is a proper christian... me, i have nfi.
ultracrepidarian
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
noddy wrote:
have to love atheists/agnostics being so keen on discussing if "the udder" is a proper christian... me, i have nfi.
I forgot about Bud, the God of Tolerating the intolerable.... "we" are such a devote nation, I can't keep up with all "our" deities...
As I said before, the recreational pastime of "us" defining what "them" is..... has an endless future
Which is actually a good thing, it keeps a lot of bad people off the streets..
nfi? No F**king Interest?
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
noddy,
Here is a religion that will peek your interest...... Resistance is futile! You will be ASSimilated!
http://pjmedia.com/zombie/2011/08/09/de ... epage=true
Here is a religion that will peek your interest...... Resistance is futile! You will be ASSimilated!
http://pjmedia.com/zombie/2011/08/09/de ... epage=true
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
nfi = no fekking idea.
well, not really as the argument between carefully sensible and correct is always disonant.
hah. almost as good as peta chicks getting nekkid for veganism.Simple Minded wrote:noddy,
Here is a religion that will peek your interest...... Resistance is futile! You will be ASSimilated!
http://pjmedia.com/zombie/2011/08/09/de ... epage=true
well, not really as the argument between carefully sensible and correct is always disonant.
ultracrepidarian
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
95% of the women in those photos haven't been hit on by a guy since Christ wore knee pants.noddy wrote:nfi = no fekking idea.
hah. almost as good as peta chicks getting nekkid for veganism.Simple Minded wrote:noddy,
Here is a religion that will peek your interest...... Resistance is futile! You will be ASSimilated!
http://pjmedia.com/zombie/2011/08/09/de ... epage=true
well, not really as the argument between carefully sensible and correct is always disonant.
The other 5% who have been hit on by a guy in the last 2000 years must think "What? You're hitting on me? Wow! You must be a real pig!"
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Isn't it typically Christian to see the works of Christ everywhere? Vice versa.. non-Christians tend to not see the works of Christ everywhere.
When people get along, behave civilized and even seem to respect/like/love each other.. I often fail to see the works of any supernatural force there. But that is just my perception of course.
I don't think anybody with a clear eye and conscience can make claims like "America is a Christian nation" because that suggests there is an objective measure possible to come to such a conclusion. If somebody however says: "I perceive America to be a Christian nation" that would be fine. Differences of perception and also taste perhaps.
When people get along, behave civilized and even seem to respect/like/love each other.. I often fail to see the works of any supernatural force there. But that is just my perception of course.
I don't think anybody with a clear eye and conscience can make claims like "America is a Christian nation" because that suggests there is an objective measure possible to come to such a conclusion. If somebody however says: "I perceive America to be a Christian nation" that would be fine. Differences of perception and also taste perhaps.
Deep down I'm very superficial
- Nonc Hilaire
- Posts: 6267
- Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2011 1:28 am
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Does the question lead to insight? Since the god US athiests do not believe in has the characteristics of the Christian God,Parodite wrote:Isn't it typically Christian to see the works of Christ everywhere? Vice versa.. non-Christians tend to not see the works of Christ everywhere.
When people get along, behave civilized and even seem to respect/like/love each other.. I often fail to see the works of any supernatural force there. But that is just my perception of course.
I don't think anybody with a clear eye and conscience can make claims like "America is a Christian nation" because that suggests there is an objective measure possible to come to such a conclusion. If somebody however says: "I perceive America to be a Christian nation" that would be fine. Differences of perception and also taste perhaps.
I think that means yes. Doctrine, the power of belief, the uniqueness of the individual are all Christian concepts.
Christianity defines the parameters of American religion.
“Christ has no body now but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks among His people to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses His creation.”
Teresa of Ávila
Teresa of Ávila
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
SM,Simple Minded wrote:Au contraire Mon Ami (latin for "Not so fast Bubba")!manolo wrote:Folks,
Yup, not much future for this thread. Question answered.
Alex.
AS OTNOT has repeatedly proven, the future never ends when it comes to speculation of what the "others are..."
some worship the Viagra, the God of Love....
others worship MSM, the god of public opinion.....
Obama worship, Palin worship, etc...... we are a smorgasbord of piety..... viva multi-culti!
This is the only worship:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-e4rz- ... -SkVk#t=36
Alex.
- YMix
- Posts: 4631
- Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:53 am
- Location: Department of Congruity - Report any outliers here
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Not just religion, unfortunately.Nonc Hilaire wrote:Christianity defines the parameters of American religion.
“There are a lot of killers. We’ve got a lot of killers. What, do you think our country’s so innocent? Take a look at what we’ve done, too.” - Donald J. Trump, President of the USA
The Kushner sh*t is greasy - Stevie B.
The Kushner sh*t is greasy - Stevie B.
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Alex,manolo wrote:
SM,
This is the only worship:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-e4rz- ... -SkVk#t=36
Alex.
I think the religion of "us" and "them" is the only true religion.
Luckily, it is infinitely adjustable, dependent upon mood, menstrual cycle, chic trends and labels, etc. Otherwise "we" would all be screwed. Unfortunately, "they" don't like it very much!
cheers!
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Usually not when it is answered. That's deep eh? But a case can be made..Nonc Hilaire wrote:Does the question lead to insight?
Problem is: simple observation shows that most Christians are not followers of Jesus at all; they rather worship an Elvis Presley version of the man.Since the god US athiests do not believe in has the characteristics of the Christian God,
I think that means yes. Doctrine, the power of belief, the uniqueness of the individual are all Christian concepts.
Christianity defines the parameters of American religion.
Deep down I'm very superficial
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Good God man!Parodite wrote:
Problem is: simple observation shows that most Christians are not followers of Jesus at all; they rather worship an Elvis Presley version of the man.
Christians, Jews, Muslims, Socialists, Capitalists, Altruists, etc. have a tough enough time trying to live up to the standards they preach..... without you expecting them to live up to the standards they preach also......
If only people would preach what they practice....
You people need to lower your expectations....
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Hehe.. Ok I'll try.. promise!Simple Minded wrote:Good God man!Parodite wrote:
Problem is: simple observation shows that most Christians are not followers of Jesus at all; they rather worship an Elvis Presley version of the man.
Christians, Jews, Muslims, Socialists, Capitalists, Altruists, etc. have a tough enough time trying to live up to the standards they preach..... without you expecting them to live up to the standards they preach also......
If only people would preach what they practice....
You people need to lower your expectations....
Forgive them meLord.. they don't know what they are doing...
Deep down I'm very superficial
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
SM,Simple Minded wrote:
I think the religion of "us" and "them" is the only true religion.
Luckily, it is infinitely adjustable, dependent upon mood, menstrual cycle, chic trends and labels, etc. Otherwise "we" would all be screwed. Unfortunately, "they" don't like it very much!
cheers!
We are back to subjective/objective again. I guess there is some subjectivity over the greenback but very few people miscount a wad.
Alex.
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Back? When did "we" leave?manolo wrote:SM,Simple Minded wrote:
I think the religion of "us" and "them" is the only true religion.
Luckily, it is infinitely adjustable, dependent upon mood, menstrual cycle, chic trends and labels, etc. Otherwise "we" would all be screwed. Unfortunately, "they" don't like it very much!
cheers!
We are back to subjective/objective again. I guess there is some subjectivity over the greenback but very few people miscount a wad.
Alex.
"The dollar/pound/euro/yen sucks! Give me more please!"
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
SM,Simple Minded wrote:
Back? When did "we" leave?
Oh, I take a stroll around the block from time to time.
Alex.
- Endovelico
- Posts: 3038
- Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:00 pm
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
To most people Christianity/Islam/ etc., is just the modern version of the eternal Sun-worship. Beyond that they use Christianity/Islam/etc., to justify whatever they feel like doing, including war, murder, rape, exploitation, racism, you name it...YMix wrote:Not just religion, unfortunately.Nonc Hilaire wrote:Christianity defines the parameters of American religion.
- Nonc Hilaire
- Posts: 6267
- Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2011 1:28 am
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
People always find a reason to justify their evil actions. Usually it is simple self-will.Endovelico wrote:To most people Christianity/Islam/ etc., is just the modern version of the eternal Sun-worship. Beyond that they use Christianity/Islam/etc., to justify whatever they feel like doing, including war, murder, rape, exploitation, racism, you name it...YMix wrote:Not just religion, unfortunately.Nonc Hilaire wrote:Christianity defines the parameters of American religion.
Go back to before year 0 and you will find plenty of evidence that all that evil stuff was worse before Christianity/Islam etc. Jesus said it most succinctly, "Love God and love your neighbor like yourself. All law and the prophets hang on these two principles."
Yes, some religious people get it wrong but far more get it right.
“Christ has no body now but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks among His people to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses His creation.”
Teresa of Ávila
Teresa of Ávila
Re: Is America a "Christian" Nation?
Maybe in dark evil times with little hope to beat the monsters.. the idea of being nice cozy and loving was so alien that it had to come from supernatural forces...
Deep down I'm very superficial