Obama's America 2016

[Jonathan Whatley]

(continued)
From throughout the founding of the nation:

Benjamin Rush, a founding father said:

“I sat next to John Adams in Congress, and upon my whispering to him and asking him if he thought we should succeed in our struggle with Great Britain, he answered me, “Yes—if we fear God and repent of our sins.” This anecdote, will I hope, teach my boys that it is not necessary to disbelieve Christianity or to renounce morality in order to arrive at the highest political usefulness or frame.”

This is touching and well-said.

John Adams, on the day after separating from Great Britain wrote to his wife:
“[This day] will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.”

Not only did Adams foresee this, but he also wrote to his wife in what manner it should be commemorated.
“It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”

But it sounds like politically he was renouncing the colonial charters, above, in favor of the Revolution.

When Congress approved the Declaration, it appointed John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson to create a draft for the seal to characterize the spirit of the new nation. Look at the two desist proposed:

Franklin suggested:
Moses lifting up his wand, and dividing the Red Sea, and Pharaoh in his chariot overwhelmed with the waters. This motto: ‘Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.

Jefferson proposed:
The children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day, and a pillar of ire by night.

So (a) Moses, author of the Torah and a prophet of all Abrahamic religions, and (b) the Israelites he led. These are outstanding historical and moral figures, and essential and integral to Christianity, I know. But they're not exclusive to Christianity and can't prove Christian intent.

October 12, 1778 Congress issued the following act:
“Whereas true religion and good morals are the only solid foundations of public liberty and happiness: Resolved, That it be, and it is hereby earnestly recommend to the several States to take the most effectual measures for the encouragement thereof.”

This is a good citation, though it strikes me that "true religion" seems hard for anyone at all to disagree with.