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There was a fascinating review I came across last year that stood out for me when so many were claiming that Muslims universally had no place within U.S. history - even going so far as to say that it was never the case that Muslims did significant things to help the U.S. or had any presence within the U.S. H
As said there in the article when it comes to the history of Muslims within the U.S. (as seen in
Donald Trump vs. the Founding Fathers on Muslims Coming ... - Truthdig ) for a brief excerpt:
.:
Here is Jefferson again: “The most sacred of the duties of a government [is] to do equal and impartial justice to all its citizens.”
– Thomas Jefferson, note in Destutt de Tracy, “Political Economy,” 1816.
More can be said besides that - and for anyone interested, there was a fascinating review I was very glad for that I appreciated - as seen here:
And for anyone taking seriously the history of slavery in the U.S. Nation, there's an extensive history of Black Muslims who endured much from others, ironically in a nation many claimed was Christian when so much of it was opposite of Christ.
It is already complicated enough for others who are Black Muslims in the U.S. since they have had to deal with a lot of discrimination from others within the Islamic community.
And of course, for more on the Arab Slave trade has been a well known fact in the Black Community when it comes to the many ways that Blacks came into slavery around the world because of what happened:
-"Islam, Africa, and the Indian Ocean World: Global and Comparative African Diaspora History" (Islam, Africa, and the Indian Ocean World - Global and Comparative African Diaspora HistoryGlobal and Comparative African Diaspora History )
-"East Africa - The African Diaspora in the Indian Ocean World" ( http://exhibitions.nypl.org/africansindianocean/essay-east-africa.php )
--"The Afro-Iranian Community: Beyond Haji Firuz Blackface ..." ( The Afro-Iranian Community: Beyond Haji Firuz Blackface, the Slave Trade, & Bandari Music - Ajam Media Collective )
-"The African Diaspora in the Indian Ocean World - Smithsonian" ( http://exhibitions.nypl.org/africansindianocean/index2.php )
-10 Facts About The Arab Enslavement Of Black People Not Taught in Schools - Atlanta Black Star" (10 Facts About The Arab Enslavement Of Black People Not Taught In Schools )
--"The Untold Story of Arab Slave Trade Of Africans" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov9GFPmoOPg )
-"Arab Slave Trade.COM" (http://www.arabslavetrade.com/ )
For those who are Black Muslims, there has always been a HIGH awareness of life for others who are Blacks oppressed in Middle Eastern and Eastern lands and often finding themselves on their own sides - and yet they are still people who've been present with a Muslim experience in the U.S. People who've struggled, resisted assimilation and have had to deal with difficulties on IMMENSE levels.
And as another noted on the issue of slavery:
At the end of the day, I am wondering why there has often seemed to be so many stereotypes of Muslims as if they've never been involved in significant developments within the history of our own nation. I do hope that anyone choosing to enter into this thread would be willing to do so in order to deal with the subject of showing how not all stereotypes about Muslims are true. The goal of the thread is simple discussion on how Muslims simply impact all of us in everyday life in positive ways we're rarely aware of it....and have noted how often the things said about them are not consistent with Muslim communities in how they live life - and for the many amazing and beautiful Muslims around the world and in our nation, it is a privilege to honor them for their sacrifices and all they do.....
And I have come to honestly feel that there's such a resistance toward Muslims in the U.S. because there is truly a counter-religion that has developed over the centuries that does not want to have them present. And that is Americanism.
Part of the battle going on is that many have sought to define American Patriotism as Christianity ...a very grave error since so much has happened in the name of American Nationalism that goes directly AGAINST anything Jesus Christ said or taught. Consequently, when others around the world are incensed at the many negatives done in the West, people assume they are automatically going against Christ - and thus, for them, Christianity cannot be seen (as it concerns American culture) to embrace anything pertaining to Islam since that would mean that they are somehow empowering all of the negatives done in Islam - while American Christianity is seen as flawless.
Politics have indeed become an issue intertwined with the Church when it comes to the glorification of the State and assuming that nationalism of the U.S is the same as devotion to Christ. It's interesting whenever, on a side note, to witness whenever it seems that people claim they want to be a "Christan nation" and yet ignore the Gospel itself as a whole in favor of simply having morality based in Christian principles.
And in light of things such as The American Patriots Bible, edited by Gerald Lee (more shared in Book Review: The Patriot's Bible (part 1) | PARSE ), it's amazing to see how others have sought to hijack the imagery of Christ to glorify the American nation.
As another noted best:
That said, again, if anyone has any thoughts about the practice of Islam within America and American religion, I'd love to hear thoughts. This is not a thread about discussing the negatives of Muslims in America if only wanting to highlight moments of violence. It is also NOT a thread for any bashing of Muslims - just as it is NOT a thread for any bashing of Christians. It is a thread for discussing positive contributions of Muslims within the history of the U.S., their experiences as discussed by the Founding Fathers, and addressing why people TODAY seem ignorant of what the Founders have said on Muslims.
Blessings
As said there in the article when it comes to the history of Muslims within the U.S. (as seen in
Donald Trump vs. the Founding Fathers on Muslims Coming ... - Truthdig ) for a brief excerpt:
.:
Forbidding people from entering the United States on the basis of their religion is inconsistent with the ideals of the Founding Generation of the United States of America, who explicitly mentioned Islam among the cases when they spoke of religious freedom. — Juan Cole.....
Ben Franklin, the founding father of many important institutions in Philadelphia, a key diplomat and a framer of the US Constitution, wrote in his Autobiography concerning a non-denominational place of public preaching he helped found “so that even if the Mufti of Constantinople were to send a missionary to preach Mohammedanism to us, he would find a pulpit at his service.” Here is the whole quote:
Thomas Jefferson wrote in his 1777 Draft of a Bill for Religious Freedom:
‘ that our civil rights have no dependance on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that therefore the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which, in common with his fellow citizens, he has a natural right . . . ‘
As I observed on another occasion, it was Jefferson’s more bigotted opponents in the Virginia legislature who brought up the specter of Muslims and atheists being elected to it in the world Jefferson was trying to create. He was undeterred by such considerations, which should tell us something.
British social philosopher John Locke was extremely influential on the Founding Generation, and on the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. John Locke had already advocated civil rights for non-Christians, including Muslims, in his Letter on Toleration:
Ben Franklin, the founding father of many important institutions in Philadelphia, a key diplomat and a framer of the US Constitution, wrote in his Autobiography concerning a non-denominational place of public preaching he helped found “so that even if the Mufti of Constantinople were to send a missionary to preach Mohammedanism to us, he would find a pulpit at his service.” Here is the whole quote:
‘And it being found inconvenient to assemble in the open air, subject to its inclemencies, the building of a house to meet in was no sooner propos’d, and persons appointed to receive contributions, but sufficient sums were soon receiv’d to procure the ground and erect the building, which was one hundred feet long and seventy broad, about the size of Westminster Hall; and the work was carried on with such spirit as to be finished in a much shorter time than could have been expected. Both house and ground were vested in trustees, expressly for the use of any preacher of any religious persuasion who might desire to say something to the people at Philadelphia; the design in building not being to accommodate any particular sect, but the inhabitants in general; so that even if the Mufti of Constantinople were to send a missionary to preach Mohammedanism to us, he would find a pulpit at his service.
Not only did Ben Franklin not want to ban Muslims from coming to the United States, he wanted to invited them!
Thomas Jefferson wrote in his 1777 Draft of a Bill for Religious Freedom:
‘ that our civil rights have no dependance on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that therefore the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which, in common with his fellow citizens, he has a natural right . . . ‘
British social philosopher John Locke was extremely influential on the Founding Generation, and on the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. John Locke had already advocated civil rights for non-Christians, including Muslims, in his Letter on Toleration:
‘ Thus if solemn assemblies, observations of festivals, public worship be permitted to any one sort of professors [believers], all these things ought to be permitted to the Presbyterians, Independents, Anabaptists, Arminians, Quakers, and others, with the same liberty. Nay, if we may openly speak the truth, and as becomes one man to another, neither Pagan nor Mahometan, nor Jew, ought to be excluded from the civil rights of the commonwealth because of his religion. The Gospel commands no such thing. ‘
Here is Jefferson again: “The most sacred of the duties of a government [is] to do equal and impartial justice to all its citizens.”
– Thomas Jefferson, note in Destutt de Tracy, “Political Economy,” 1816.
- A History of Black Muslims in America : NPR
- Servants of Allah: African Muslims enslaved in the Americas ...
- Black Islam in America: Renouncing Radicalism - The Washington ...
- Celebrating the Roots of Islam in America Through Black History Month
- "Sherman Jackson & Cornel West on the Problem of Black Suffering (1/8) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6EryeBgxjI )
- -Sherman Jackson & Cornel West on the Problem of Black Suffering (3/8) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXBiO5lRTXA )
It is already complicated enough for others who are Black Muslims in the U.S. since they have had to deal with a lot of discrimination from others within the Islamic community.
And of course, for more on the Arab Slave trade has been a well known fact in the Black Community when it comes to the many ways that Blacks came into slavery around the world because of what happened:
-"Islam, Africa, and the Indian Ocean World: Global and Comparative African Diaspora History" (Islam, Africa, and the Indian Ocean World - Global and Comparative African Diaspora HistoryGlobal and Comparative African Diaspora History )
-"East Africa - The African Diaspora in the Indian Ocean World" ( http://exhibitions.nypl.org/africansindianocean/essay-east-africa.php )
--"The Afro-Iranian Community: Beyond Haji Firuz Blackface ..." ( The Afro-Iranian Community: Beyond Haji Firuz Blackface, the Slave Trade, & Bandari Music - Ajam Media Collective )
-"The African Diaspora in the Indian Ocean World - Smithsonian" ( http://exhibitions.nypl.org/africansindianocean/index2.php )
-10 Facts About The Arab Enslavement Of Black People Not Taught in Schools - Atlanta Black Star" (10 Facts About The Arab Enslavement Of Black People Not Taught In Schools )
--"The Untold Story of Arab Slave Trade Of Africans" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov9GFPmoOPg )
-"Arab Slave Trade.COM" (http://www.arabslavetrade.com/ )
And as another noted on the issue of slavery:
Amongst the tribal worshipers who had been caught up in the slave trade were several members of the Islamic faith. Their actual numbers are unknown. Some historians estimate anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand. Most came from inland African nations such as Sudan or Mali. Because the Islamic religion is a one-god or monotheistic religion like Christianity, Muslims could not adapt the way worshippers of tribal gods could.
One of the noted Muslim slaves included Ben-Ali, later called Job Ben Solomon. Ben-Ali was a former student from Western Sudan who became a slave in Georgia. He earned his freedom by impressing his captors with his knowledge of the Koran and his mastery of Arabic script.
One of the noted Muslim slaves included Ben-Ali, later called Job Ben Solomon. Ben-Ali was a former student from Western Sudan who became a slave in Georgia. He earned his freedom by impressing his captors with his knowledge of the Koran and his mastery of Arabic script.
At the end of the day, I am wondering why there has often seemed to be so many stereotypes of Muslims as if they've never been involved in significant developments within the history of our own nation. I do hope that anyone choosing to enter into this thread would be willing to do so in order to deal with the subject of showing how not all stereotypes about Muslims are true. The goal of the thread is simple discussion on how Muslims simply impact all of us in everyday life in positive ways we're rarely aware of it....and have noted how often the things said about them are not consistent with Muslim communities in how they live life - and for the many amazing and beautiful Muslims around the world and in our nation, it is a privilege to honor them for their sacrifices and all they do.....
And I have come to honestly feel that there's such a resistance toward Muslims in the U.S. because there is truly a counter-religion that has developed over the centuries that does not want to have them present. And that is Americanism.
Part of the battle going on is that many have sought to define American Patriotism as Christianity ...a very grave error since so much has happened in the name of American Nationalism that goes directly AGAINST anything Jesus Christ said or taught. Consequently, when others around the world are incensed at the many negatives done in the West, people assume they are automatically going against Christ - and thus, for them, Christianity cannot be seen (as it concerns American culture) to embrace anything pertaining to Islam since that would mean that they are somehow empowering all of the negatives done in Islam - while American Christianity is seen as flawless.
Politics have indeed become an issue intertwined with the Church when it comes to the glorification of the State and assuming that nationalism of the U.S is the same as devotion to Christ. It's interesting whenever, on a side note, to witness whenever it seems that people claim they want to be a "Christan nation" and yet ignore the Gospel itself as a whole in favor of simply having morality based in Christian principles.
And in light of things such as The American Patriots Bible, edited by Gerald Lee (more shared in Book Review: The Patriot's Bible (part 1) | PARSE ), it's amazing to see how others have sought to hijack the imagery of Christ to glorify the American nation.
As another noted best:
I appreciate that America recognizes my rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but there is nothing distinctly Kingdom about these rights. Theyre nowhere to be found in the Bible. To the contrary, as a follower of Jesus Im called to surrender my rights to life, liberty and happiness, and instead submit to the will of God. These rights are noble on a political level, but they can get in the way of my call to seek first the Kingdom. Im grateful America extends these rights to people, for most countries throughout history have not. But my sole allegiance is to the heavenly Kingdom that calls me to surrender my rights. If I get too concerned with an earthly country that frees me to pursue my rights, my healthy patriotism becomes idolatrous. Ive put my countrys ideals before God.
Along similar lines, history consistently shows when we forget were foreigners and exiles in this world, we can begin to associate our preferred form of government or politics too closely with the Kingdom of God. Here, too, its crucial we follow the example of Jesus.
For many CHristians in the U.S., There can be no escaping the fact that with Muslims, we in the U.S. seem to want to erase them from the fabric of American history even when they were a significant part of it - and that is not a surprise if we have an idea or stereotype of what the Founding Fathers were about in the religion they developed. Americans venerate the founders of their nation.....and they hold their perceived or explicit opinions sacrosanct when speaking about new laws from their perspectives. However, as religions can change, it's no surprise to see why so much has shifted. Some of this with regards to American Religion has been said before as seen here:Along similar lines, history consistently shows when we forget were foreigners and exiles in this world, we can begin to associate our preferred form of government or politics too closely with the Kingdom of God. Here, too, its crucial we follow the example of Jesus.
There is a religious aspect to things that is often overlooked. Americanism is in and of itself a religion.
Many of the Founding Fathers were Unitarian in thought, including George Washington ) and yet we in the spirit of Americanism (a heresy ) will automatically celebrate all the ways God used the Founders to impact the world even though they are literally deified.
As said elsewhere, There are many good/revolutionary things that the Founding Fathers were about when it came to the development of our nation's history. Other scholars like David Barton have spoken on that before and I am glad for it:
I remembered where I checked out some of Barton's material before since we had to study it in highschool....specifically his book "Original Intent." The Founding Fathers were often noted for being FAR from representing the people since many times the people were outright ignored. Especially with slavery. Granted, there were indeed those who were Black Founding Fathers and even that much has often not been represented in history the way it was......despite what was present in the history of the nation. - as other scholars like David Barton speaking in-depth on the matter.
With Barton's interview, some of the other things I really enjoyed hearing from the man were near the end when it came to him noting why believers need to be involved in the Civil Arena in light of what Christ said in Luke 19:13 on learning to occupy till He comes. ...and showing the Founding Fathers who supported it. Moreover, there were plenty of nations around the world using Christian language since it was the national religion of many countries (i.e British Empire), even though what was done in the name of Christ (as with imperialism and colonialism, etc) was not godly.
Furthermore, one of the main things I had some serious concern with was the reality of where the Founding Fathers were clearly into a lot of things, despite all Christian references, that were not Biblical...and in showing Biblical references in what they did, I thought it'd be beneficial to show everything else at some point of where many things did contaminate much of what they did. Specifically, their focus on FreeMasonry and the other issues done such as mistreatment of American Indians in a myriad of cruel ways. I don't think there's ever any way that such things can be white-washed away as being less than evil/condemning....
Additionally, the treatment of Native Americans is something that can never be taken lightly when it comes to the ways that they were often dismissed/not respected or represented well (more here and here).
I have noted the same before to one of my friends when he was talking on how the U.S was originally "Christian" - and I have sharply disagreed for a myriad of ways that one cannot be historically honest/ignore the ways that a lot of history with the Founding Fathers was not godly (more shared in #75, #27 , #56 , #61 #63 and #110 ).
From the beginning of our nation's history, what has been occurring is others realizing what has been practiced within the world of Christianity has really been a combination of Christian concepts and other Non-Christian ideas. More so Moralistic Therapeutic Deism
In our times, there does seem to be a return to Deism by many and it's not surprising in light of how often those in the history of the U.S have been propped up by others as examples of Christianity when they were in fact opposite of that.
For reference:
- "Mystical Sites - U.S Captitol / Vigiliant Citizen" ( )
- "Educate Yourself /Vigiliant Citizen"
- THOUSAND LIES - THE NATIVE AMERICAN
- Sins against Native Americans - PoliticsInHeaven"
- -"The Hidden Hand that Shaped History | The Vigilant "( )
- Monumental Myth « The Centrality and Supremacy of Jesus Christ
Psywar: The Real Battlefield is the Mind
George Washington was a freemason and a deist. He wouldnt take communion with his wife. ...and he was also what's known as a Unitarian ..and due to his Unitarian views, held stances that supported both Christian principles and non-Christian beliefs such as Deism and other things. For reference:
One can also go here and here. John Adams spoke harshly at times about Christianity and religion in general in his private correspondence. He was a Christian Unitarian that believed the church service was good for everyone because it promoted morals and values among the masses. Thomas Jefferson, as a Diest, went so far to deny the divinity of Christ. He even created his own compilation of Jesus life from the gospels, which he entitled, The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth. He removed all evidence of the supernatural for a presentation of Jesus as a good moral teacher who is only to be admired, not worshipped. And there are other examples of where things they did/began were FAR from being what the Lord had in mind with Biblical laws
- Realistic Visionary: A Portrait of George Washington.
- George Washington, David Barton and Unitarianism
- American Revolution: "I Think, Therefore I Am...a Unitarian"
In example, there are pictures showing the Founding Fathers as gods..which is not surprising seeing that most of the Founding Fathers were very much into Freemasonry. There was one statue I remember seeing of George Washington IN D.C that had him in the form of a Greek GOD when I was visiting the place back in 2009. Seemed like they were trying to express the regal nature the president seemed to have and take it to another level, just as others have done often..
Additionally, the dome of the Capitol features in its occulus an incredibly significant painting that reveals the philosophical, spiritual and political aims of the Founding Fathers. Right in the very centre of the cast iron dome in the U.S Capitol is a painting of George Washington, ascended to the pantheon of ancient greek deities.
Astonishingly poor theology for 'one nation under God', but evidence of the high esteem George was held in by his 19th century successors. The building was completed (from memory) in the 1820s.
And there are many others besides that.
It's not hidden. I'm surprised many more don't talk on the ways the Founding Fathers were often deified multiple times and no one said anything on it for centuries. I'd wager that many don't tend to look for it due to assumptions they've already accepted on the Founding Fathers being fully dedicated believers and soldiers for Christ as has often been said by others in the Religious Right and others who had an idea of Christianity in mind which they supported/felt the FOunders did as well ( with the use of Biblical Language/scripture in their speeches being what influences others to see the history of the nation as being Christian in origin ), thus causing confirmation bias and people seeing what they have already been trained to see/zoom in on....even when the other darker aspects of what were present in the nation's founding/consistently growing are out in the open...from the monuments of our capitol to the things presidents swear into before taking office (like Bohemian Grove, if not aware of it - very dark reality )...and a lot of other mess.
So the religious history and their success is what leads to them being venerated.
Washington states in his Farewell Address, "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports... And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
And as said elsewhere on that subject, for a brief excerpt:
The roots of Unitarian doctrine, though deeply entrenched in the rationalism of the Enlightenment, can be best explained by one of its earliest supporters. The Reverend Charles Chauncy of Boston became one of the earliest proponents of rationalism and intellectualism. These beliefs ended up putting him at odds with one of the heroes of the Great Awakening, Jonathan Edwards, who supported a passionate and emotional communion with Deity. In his pamphlet,Seasonable Thoughts on the State of Religion in New England, Chauncy lays out the case for intellectualism in religion. In response to the explosion of emotionalism brought on by the Great Awakening, Chauncy writes:
...Even contemporary Christian Nationalists follow the same formula as earlier Christian zealots in their attacks on Unitarianism, which they see as nothing more than Deism in disguise. Unitarian doctrine, however, was not merely an infusion of Deist ideology, but was an incorporation of both Christian and Deist principles. As the Reverend William Ellery Channing stated:
“Men may open to us the Temper of their Minds, in a Relation of their Experiences: But even here, we are liable to be deceived. They may be mistaken about their own State; and what is worse, may represent Things different from what they really are: so at the best we only judge in this case upon Supposition. And as there is so much Hypocrisy in the World, it would be but Prudence to hear Men’s Declarations, respecting themselves with a heedful caution. It may perhaps be a Truth here, as well as in other Cases, Actions speak louder than Words.”
Reverend Channing further explains the rationale of Unitarian thought when he writes:
Let us learn the distinction between Trinitarianism and Unitarianism. Many use these words without meaning, and are very zealous about sounds. Some suppose that Trinitarianism consists in believing in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. But we all believe in these; we all believe that the Father sent the Son, and gives, to those that ask, the Holy Spirit. We are all Trinitarians, if this is the belief in Trinitarianism. But it is not. The Trinitarian believes that the one God is three distinct persons, called Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and he believes that each is the only true God, and yet that the three are only one God. This is Trinitarianism. The Unitarian believes that there is but one person possessing supreme Divinity, even the Father. This is the great distinction; let it be kept steadily in view…I am persuaded, that under these classes of high Unitarians many Christians ought to be ranked who call themselves orthodox and are Trinitarians (Reverend William Channing, 1798. Quoted in Sydney Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People, 395).
While Reverend Channing was a more Christian-leaning Unitarian, his statements help to illustrate the fact that Unitarianism was an incorporation of both Deist and Christian philosophy. The fact that Channing openly questions Trinitarian doctrine is of note because it illustrates the fact that Unitarianism relied heavily on the rationalism of enlightened Deism. This explains why Unitarians such as James Madison were so vehemantly opposed to orthodox Trinitarian Christianity, but not opposed to the doctrines of Christ. In his Memorial and Remonstrance, Madison openly attacks Christianity as it had been practiced, but also defends the “pure” religion of Christ:
It seems to me of singular importance that Christianity should be recognized and presented in its true character…The low views of our religion, which have prevailed too long, should give place to this highest one. They suited perhaps darker ages. But they have done their work, and should pass away. Christianity should now be disencumbered and set free…It should come forth from the darkness and corruption of the past in its own celestial splendour, and in its divine simplicity. It should be comprehended as having but one purpose, the perfection of human nature, the elevation of men into nobler beings (Reverend William Channing, The Essence of the Cristian Religion, 1798. Quoted in Sydney Ahlstrom, A Religious History of the American People, 399).
This understanding of Unitarian doctrine also helps us to understand why George Washington refused to take Communion, but still regularly attended the Episcopal Church. As Sydney Ahlstrom states, “For the Unitarian…the Lord’s Supper was regarded more and more as neither a sacramental ‘means of grace’ nor a ‘converting ordinance,’ but as a simple memorial”(Religious History, 391).
experience witnesseth that eccelsiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of Religion, have had a contrary operation.During almost fifteen centuries has the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less in all places, pride and indolence in the Clergy, ignorance and servility in the laity, in both, superstition, bigotry and persecution. Enquire of the Teachers of Christianity for the ages in which it appeared in its greatest lustre; those of every sect, point to the ages prior to its incorporation with Civil policy. Propose a restoration of this primitive State in which its Teachers depended on the voluntary rewards of their flocks, many of them predict its downfall. On which Side ought their testimony to have greatest weight, when for or when against their interest?
For the orthodox Christian, however, Communion still remained an extremely important ordinance and expression of public faith and piety. For Washington to omit such a practice from his personal religious practices is a perfect illustration of his Unitarian leanings. In conclusion, it it important to note that each of our key founders -- Madison, Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Monroe, Hamilton, Adams -- were profoundly impacted by Unitarian philosophy. This explains why these men were able to both embrace AND reject Christian doctrines. Unitarianism was the key religion of our mainstream founders, and it allowed them the flexibility to believe -- or disbelieve -- as much or as little of the Christian faith as they personally saw fit.
Blessings
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