THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Is America a Christian Nation?
The role of religion in the foundation of America-birth of the Constitution September 17, 1787
Was America designed as a religious country? I wanted to know more about this burning question and the founding of America to answer the question of whether it is a Christian nation.
Melding religion with the governmental hierarchy was precisely what prompted religious sects to leave England and make the dangerous voyage to America. They had seen the corruption of kings and religious entities in the name of God. They were very aware of the torture chambers below the royal castles.
So they came to America. The first permanent settlement was established in 1607 in Jamestown Virginia. These first Americans were of Anglican faith, the Church of England. Thirteen years later Pilgrim (Congregational Church) settlers landed in Plymouth, creating a settlement there. These Puritans wanted to be free to follow their religious practices as they saw fit. They melded politics with their religious beliefs and were afraid of any outsiders.
The Quakers, a peace-loving group, began coming to America in 1650. Puritans did everything they could to keep them out. This included banishment, humiliation and intimidation. When…