The "church" is joined with the state as almost all churches are State Corporations when they organize under a 501 (c) 3. They become a Corporation of the State. Now who is their God, I ask!

What perfectly beautiful sentiments. Thank you especially for this publication! Merry Christmas!

As usual, another powerful essay. I add something stated many times before, quoting President Reagan: "If we ever forget we are One Nation under God, we will be a nation gone under." Reagan may not have been the first to say this, I hope he was not the last.

The Spirit of Christmas upon all.

Randy, for those who may not be able to see through the haze of political and church correctness, the answer to your question is the creator of such corporations - that is, the State.

May Yahweh open the eyes of America's state-licensed pastors to the serious implications of your question.

For more regarding this and related information, see "Christian Duty Under Corrupt Government: A Revolutionary Commentary on Romans 13:1-7" at http://www.missiontoisrael.org/books-summary.php#anchor2.

Also, "Bible Law vs. The United States Constitution: The Christian Perspective" at http://www.missiontoisrael.org/articles.php.

I read your wonderful patriot Post every day and am always enlightened and lifted up by what you write. I am a member of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and as the Regent of my chapter, direct at each meeting our Ritual, which includes a prayer by our Chaplain, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, The American's Creed and the Preamble to the Constitution, followed by "God Bless America". When I took my oath for membership, I vowed to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America and to defend it against all enemies. Our latest chapter newsletter spells out this oath to our members to remind them. God BLess you and your stsff for your wonderful work. I have given two small contributions to you this year. I wish I could afford to give more.

I agree with your commentary. Obama leaves alot of important words out of his speeches. As I took an oath in 1956 followed by 26 1/2 years military service, to protect our country from all enemies foreign and domestic, so did Obama. Domestic ones are among us.

Tim, America has not been one nation under God since the ratification of the First Amendment, thanks to its "freedom of religion" clause. From a Biblical standpoint, the greatest threat to America was and is the United States Constitution. With the ratification of both Article 6 and Amendment 1, Christian America ceased to exist and a Judeo-Christian America commenced. It didn't take long until America became completely polytheistic - one nation under many gods in violation of the First Commandment "Thou shalt have no other gods besides Me [Yahweh]."

This (the freedom of religion) is much more consequential than the debate over the "freedom from religion."

For more regarding this paramount issue, see "Amendment 1: Government-Sanctioned Polytheism" at http://www.missiontoisrael.org/biblelaw-constitutionalism-pt11.php.

MERRY CHRISTmas to all. If someone wishes me happy holidays, I ask them, what holliday? I definitely don"t want someone wishing me to have a happy holiday. there are many holidays during the year, so I want people to tell me what holiday they are refering to. To all the IDIOTS out there, it's CHRISTMAS, the celebration of the birth of CHRIST that is observed on Dec. 25th, each year. It probably is not his actual day of birth, but it is the day that was chosen to celebrate it, so say it like it is. MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR ya'll.

Many like to quote “the truth will set you free” yet do so without including the context. You have wisely and correctly included the context for your readers so they may clearly see it as an If – Then statement from Jesus.

“IF you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. THEN you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Keep up the great work and have a Merry Christmas.

To highlight the "myth of separation," see the history that shows how Jefferson violated the vary same fallacy attributed to him: http://www.earstohear.net/Separation/thebiglie.html#JeffersonsViolation. You may also wish to see a related piece on the same site: "Is the Experiment Over?" Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and your staff, Mark. In these dark times your Patriot Post is the light at the end of the tunnel.

Jim Fitts, Sr.

Mark,

Excellent article. Thanks for not apologizing for your (our) faith. Let Truth be proclaimed. Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

A very interesting article regarding a Congress that has approved the most bills since the 1960. What is also very "spooky," about this administration are the number of laws/and or bills that have been shoved thru by czars, regulatory agencies,those deemed approved, as well as an uknown number of Executive Orders. We are beginning to resemble Venezuela, what's next?

Please note

E PLUIBUS UNUM is NOT in God we trust--

It is Latin for FROM MANY, ONE!

Love your publication and forward them to PLURIBUS people! Yes, I know pluribus is a noun and I mis-used it intentionally as an adjective.

May God richly bless you, your staff and your families this Christmas season. I trust that the "beacon of liberty" that Patriot Post faithfully holds up will be bigger and brighter than ever this coming New Year. You are all much appreciated. Please keep up the good work!

Gary Loftsgard

And the Word became flesh(John 1:14a) and as Luke teaches the Forerunner John was announced to the Priest Zacharias during his assigned duties During the Course of Abia(giving us a date certain) six months after he returned home that same angel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.Now we know form Luke that Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and that six month old babe in her womb leapt for joy upon hearing Marys voice. We know from Luke that a Roman census was called for-and Joseph and a very pregnant Mary went to Bethlehem.And she gave birth there. And the angel announced that birth to the shepherds in the fields. giving them the sign of the Babe in the manger. The early church did celebrate St.Michaels Mass Around Sept.29. Its genesis lost to antiquity. I suggest the begetting occurred on or about Dec.25. the sign that the flesh Word tabernacled amongst men (John 1:14b) = to the sign given the shepherds in Luke 2:12.That it was the First day of the Feast of Tabernacles.That men ,as is common, have telescoped events-have neglected the begetting to celebrate the physical sign -and have forgotten St.Michaels Mass. Thus setting up the history you give credit to.-See the Companion bible Kregel Publishers Appendix 179 I.Parallel Datings of the times of Our Lord II.Dates of the Begetting and the Nativity &c. III the course of Abia I may be wrong but it makes more sense than a deceptive Church acting arbitrarily.

Wonderful sentiments, of course, and I hate to be grinchy, but you have it exactly backwards as far as I'm concerned. We need the wall between church and state to protect Christians as much as anybody else. I know people afraid of Muslims plotting to move enough people into one area so they can take over the local government and institute their own laws. I don't see that as anything but another conspiracy theory, but you can't look at the birth rates and immigration statistics and not see that it will one day be very possible. If it were to come to pass the Christians in that town would be citing the precendents made by the people who got the 10 Commandments taken down from court houses and manger scenes taken away from City Halls. Christian desires and beliefs versus Muslim desires and beliefs is a popularity contest. Law is law, and so our law has to be ruthless in not allowing any favor to any religion, no matter how much we agree with that religion. (And I don't mean to pick on Muslims, I just don't know anybody worried about the Hinduization of America.) Is it annoying that such things happen? Of course. Are there some who actually fit your bogey-man vision of leftists trying to do what you say? I'd be a fool to think that there aren't leftists stupid enough to think that and work toward it. That doesn't mean it's doing what they think it's doing. Lessening the influence of Christian politicians and voters by enforcing a wall between church and state is building up the rule of law, not tearing it down. It only looks like it's the other way around because you happen to agree with the Christians. If you found yourself in the minority and facing a judge with the Sharia law on the wall behind him you would feel differently.

Lastly, and most sadly, Christianity, like anything else humans get involved with, provides us too many examples of people using it in error to let it influence our government or our laws. It may be impossible to separate our religious heritage from the history that gave us the form of our government and our laws, but we need to do so in its enforcement. You've quoted Robert Heinlein when it has fit your purposes. Look up his thoughts on the matter. He thought America's liberty more vulnerable to internal facsism and theocracy than socialism or communism. Whether he was right or not, we need to guard against both if we truly love our country.

Patriot Post is always like a breath of fresh air. Thank you and may God bless you with wisdom. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

I wish that every grade school, high school, and college student, and further, every teacher could read this day's post. Students today are being fed false propaganda concerning our Constitution and this false doctrine of separation of Church and state. Thomas Jefferson is "spinning" in his grave.

And there are so many other judicial decisions expanding the power of the government and misinterpreting the Constitution.

Mark, please start a project to identify and debunk all of these lies about what the Constitution "really" means. I believe it would be of great service. Identify the judicial decision, the Constitutional section(s) involved, the error(s), and the environment in which the original clause or section was adopted. Expose these traitors for what they are; people willing to sacrifice our country's principles to further their own agenda(s).

I forgot:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Such a great article and posting as the 2010 year comes to a merciful conclusion. I wonder, as I look at the picture of praying soldiers, for how long will they be able to connect in prayer as they do their duty. The assault on our moral and spiritual lives slowly erodes the fabric of "greatness" once attributed to the United States. Moreover, the momentum of such cultural assassination, as experienced over the past 12 months, will be harder and harder to reduce. When political leadership assaults the very country they are elected to lead, vigorously ignores the overwhelming will of the people for whom such leadership was given, and further denounces virtually all semblance of traditional values and moral compass, the extrapolated end of such government results in utter failure and loss. May God hear the prayers of His people and come to their aid and rescue! This Christmas is even more important to remember our spiritual heritage and focus more emphatically on God's values and Will for our lives.

As usual Mark, your essay is concise, accurate, and pefectly to the point! May God bless you, your family, and the Patriot Post staff and their families. Thank you for continuing to stay on 'target' and not compromising our patriotic values!

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all!

Just sent in my contribution. Keep it up, please.

U R the light bearers!How can I help more?

PCS

Thank you for your dedication to the cause of freedom. You put into writing what I feel but have not the ability to do.

I give thanks for your service to both God and country.

Merry Christmas!

The Christian edict, that the 'law must be written in our hearts,' is essential to self-government in a free Republic.

As for the 'wall of separation,' Jefferson's homage to William Roger's sermon was innocent enough, but used by Justice Hugo Black to put the framer's imprimatur on his holding concerning school bus service to Catholic schools.

Roger's 'wall of separation' was a metaphor for Christianity itself; creating a peaceful and law-abiding society within its bounds, whilst keeping the barbarism of the world at large at bay.

I alwats keep Christ in Christmas after all it is his BIRTH day. He is our true leader, as long as we put ourselves in his hands. Those of us who believe we have made our own plans are just fooling ourselves. God, Christ,and the Holy Ghost are smiling down on us knowing that our plans are their little jokes.

What has happened to the Constitution? For example the FCC and the EPA they are now proposing rules and taxes, the congress is supposed to vote on these changes. The agency's are bypassing congress, because they know that congress would not approve these types of rules or taxes. Why don't I hear people or those in congress protesting what is happening? I hear it once in a while, but with this kind of bypassing the Constitution, congress and all citizens should be standing up and shouting no more killing of the Constitution. G

CHRISTMAS, TIS THE SEASON NOW FOR JOY, FOR LOVE ,FOR GIVING.

OH! WHAT THE WORLD COULD BE IF WE WERE SEASONED ALL THE TIME.

FOR SOME THIS TIME IS SADNESS AND DISCOURAGEMENT OF LIVING.

THIER PRICE FOR JOY WILL NOT BE FOUND IN A NICKLE OR A DIME.

SO WHAT THEN DO WE DO WHO HAVE A CHRISTMAS SPIRIT DWELLING?

FOR THOSE WHO WILL NOT FEEL THE WARMTH OF FAMILY, FRIEND, AND GIFT.

I ASK MYSELF WHAT GOOD IS ALL THIS BUYING AND THIS SELLING?

AND CONTEMPLATE ON THE ONE GOOD THING THAT WILL THE SPIRIT LIFT.

A STILL SMALL VOICE, IT WAS THAT GAVE THE ANSWER I THAT I NEEDED

IN TO MY MIND IT CAME JUST LIKE A GOOD SMELL ON THE WIND.

A JOYOUS HEART WOULD LIFTED HIGHER BE IF IT WAS HEEDED

AND SPREAD UPON A TORTURED HEART- A SADDENED SOUL WOULD MEND

AND NOW I`M SURE YOU ASK YOURSELF - WHAT IS THIS PRICELESS TREASURE?

WHAT CAN BRING A GRACEFULL PEACE UNTO THE AGED OR YOUTH?

WHAT WARMS THE HEART AND STILLS THE MIND AND COMFORTS WITHOUT MEASURE?

GOD GAVE IT ME - I GIVE IT YOU- FROM GOD - HIS PRECIOUS TRUTH.

IT IS WRITTEN THAT IT`S THE TRUTH THAT MAKES YOU FREE.

INCLUDED IS A LINK TO A SHORT STUDY ON CHRISTMAS. THE TRUE CHRISTMAS!

NOT THE ONE THAT MOST OF US HAVE UNWITTINGLY BEEN TRAINED TO BELIEVE.

ALSO AN INDEX FROM THE COMPANION BIBLE ABOUT THE NATIVITY.

IT TAKES A LITTLE WORK TO DIG IT OUT BUT THE TREASURE IS THERE NONE THE LESS. AS YOU ENJOY THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON ENJOY THE FREEDOM OF TRUTH FROM OUR FATHER`S WORD OF WHAT THE 25TH OF DECEMBER REALLY IS.

TO ALL I SAY! MERRY CHRISTMAS! MERRY CONCEPTION DAY!

http://bobbyred.com/christmas.htm

http://www.levendwater.org/companion/append179.html#times

Referring to the separation of church and state, I would like for somebody to check the authenticity of the photographs passing around the Internet, of large groups of Muslims completely blocking several streets in New York City while they engage in prayers. An interview with police authorities would be edifying. Do the police shoo them from the public streets,writing them tickets,or are they allowed to block traffic while they pray? Are we looking at a violation of the First Amendment, as written by the liberal left, in which government allows no religious exercise on or in its hallowed precincts, except for the Muslims, who can do whatever they please, five times a day? If there actually is official forebearance, it's time to loudly identify the hypocrisy (perhaps more accurately hypocracy) involved.

Parhape the ACLU (now, there's a triple lie, second only to "meal, ready to eat")might want to sue to require that New York City remove those worshipers from the public thorofare.

Oh, yeah, and Merry Christmas. If anybody's offended by that, tough noogies. Your happiness IS NOT my assignment.

“Alexander: The Light and the Truth” comes at the end of a great year of enlightening for me; I kind of shoved all “that history stuff” out of my mind years ago, wanting nothing to do with it. However, after a couple of years of reading Mark’s essays, especially ones likes the following, I have began to devote much more time to studying much about our founding fathers. They were great men, many of whom gave up all they had, including their lives, for our Constitution. Therefore, I’m looking for a way or a how can we get back to the original intent of our founding fathers’ Constitution. I know it will not happen in my generation but, OH, how I wish it could and I would be a witness to such. –Bill

Churches were duped into the 501 3(c) catagory by FDR for taxation purposes. In a way, it was an attempt to "control" churches. Unfortunately, it is a two edged sword.

To all Patriots,

First, let me state that I am Jewish. Now that that's out of the way, I want to wish all my Christian brethern; a wonderful and safe Christmas. It is my firm belief that regardless of one's religion, the American experiment, guided by our Constitution, is THE reason that our citizens are able to worship as they wish, without interference from government. For the current "leadership" to miss quote our Declaration of Independence is a travisty. It is quite clear, after the election of 2010, that the American people "appear" to want a return to a day when government is limited and in line with our Constitution and that the values that have kept our Country a beacon of liberty for well over 230 years, will be restored. I feel it is a duty of all Patriots to ensure that our fellow citizens do not forget.

I pray for Grace and Peace from our Father in heaven and our Lord Jesus Christ to you and your family and please keep up the great work you do and the truth you spread.

Yet another superb essay Mr. Alexander. My most gracious thanks to you and your humble staff for your constant support for and defense of our Constitution and our unalienable God given rights. You are truly following Christ's wishes by spreading the truth. Never relent Sir.. Rest assured you and your staff are doing a phenominal job. May you and your staff and all of your families have the most Merriest Christmas and a new Year filled with nothing but blessings! Keep the faith brother!

I can answer your question about how we go where we are today by simply saying that the voice of liberty has been silenced in our Churches. By and with the blessings of so called christian leaders, many "Christians", have proudly become members of the silent majority. "Who can and should prohibit something, by their silence commands it" or as scripture puts it "He that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin". As a country, we are ignorant and lazy.

I would that it were not so.

William V. Wood

Great article,The Light and The Truth, but I think Glenn Beck's "Happy RamaHanuKwanzMas" rolls off the tongue much more smoothly.

Thank you for another well-written, thought provoking essay. Merry Christmas and all the joys of the season to all of you at the Patriot Post.

Thank you? Mark and your staff. Remember II Corinthians 7:14 and pray daily for God's mercy on our Country. Merry Christmas..and remember what this wonderful season is all about.

This is a brief reply from a Patriot that is also not a Christian. Thank you for the Christmas wishes, and Merry Christmas back to you.

Whereas I do not share your faith, I share your love of Freedom, love of our Country, and want nothing more than for all of us to be Free once again.

My faith may not be Christian, but that does not mean other's celebrating their Christian Faith is offensive. If anything, it gives me alot of comfort, because I know I am not alone, there are others that believe their Creator imbued them with inalienable rights, but also with big responsibilities to maintain those Freedoms. How on Earth could I possibly ever be offended by that?

So you folks keep celebrating your Faith, keep living it! Many of us from other faiths have a deep and abiding love for what the Christians of this great Nation have done to help gain Freedom and Properity for not only our Nation, but others as well.

This Country needs to take a massive, and I mean massive, step back towards Faith. I weep to know that so many have no clue what a comfort it is to be on God's side.

I do not proselytize regarding my beliefs per se. I just live my life as honestly as I can, practicing Faith, Hope and Charity as well as an imprefect man can do.

God Bless everyone of you here, I love you folks. Thank you so much for keeping the fires of Hope and Love going like you all seem to do.

Rick Keen

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Remember, allow yourself to be the miracle someone else needs this year! If we can all do that, we will turn this Nation around in no time at all.

Thank you for your wonderful Dec. "Christmas" letter. In my humble opinion you have said it well. I agree with you on every point. Thank you for speaking the truth in love. I am proud to be a part of the Patriot Post.

Thank you!

Deuteronomy 31:10-13

An interesting proposition. Every seven years, the citizens of these United States are gathered in grange halls and auditoriums across the face of the greatest nation in history - relearning the Constitution for these United States of America, perhaps that of their state also.

Good enough for God's chosen... good enough for those who chose Him?

Greetings to all Pariots for Freedom. I'm a new reader to your site and thank God your still in print. When those in power no longer abid by the laws of the land and the oaths they swore to uphold when appointed to office then tyranny rules the land. As you've all concluded the courts are owned by the executive branch as is the legislative branch. Faced with facts that the office of the president is filled by an unqualified foreign national that's backed by both national media and both houses, we need God's help if it is His will. Currently no one can touch them. Pray often, pray to hear His voice for direction and counsel. I will support your efforts to the best of my abilities. God Bless you and al those you touch. Merry Christmas Patriots.

I think you all do a fantastic job of keeping our Freedoms and Liberty in front of as many as possible.

Never say die!

Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bring greater Joy to all.

Sincerely,

Al

Thank you. Your message was beautiful and well written. Enjoy your Christmas rest.

I am still hoping to hear from you or one of your staff about the booklets I sent "The Evolution and Destruction of the Original Electoral College."

The ingenious system that the Framers' designed to place statesmen, not politicians, in the White House is totally unknown to us today. We believe it is a vital piece which needs to be made known in the process of restoring the republic and constitutional government.

We are hoping to receive your endorsement. I can send another copy if the others cannot be located.

Thank you for your dedication to freedom and those who have and are defending the nation.

From your introductory remarks to those of "other faiths" the expressed hope that this message deepens understanding of "our faith", can it be concluded that "The Patriot Post" is a Christian newsletter?

And I agree with Joe F. It's easy to approve of religious influence upon our government institutions when your religious beliefs are those most likely to be exerting said influence. But, the day you attend your first government function, be it a trial, or a county commission hearing, or an inauguration, and are asked to bow toward Mecca and pray to Allah, you will be the first to reverse your backward reasoning and demand that government not respect an establishment of religion.

Merry Christmas.

The equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment has been interpreted over the years by progressives on the high bench as extending the proscriptions set forth in the Bill of Rights to the states and local governments.

That is the interpretation used to deny citizens our God given right to openly pray in school or to have religious symbols, such as the Ten Commandments, on display in public places.

If the 14th Amendment extends the "establishment" clause to the states and local governments, how can the court not extend the "free exercise" clause as well? That would be consistent and it would mean that the states and local governments could not establish a state religion (as was the case in the early days of the republic), but also government any level would be prohibited from interfering with the exercise of religious faith.

This glaring inconsistency illustrates that what has been going at the highest levels of government for many decades is not about historical accuracy, logic or even common sense. Clearly it is tyranny of an elite minority out to undermine the pillars of American's traditional values - faith, family, republican government and free enterprise - so the elites can fill the void with the rule of a few men who lust for power.

Dear Mark

I was blessed by your insight into the founding of our country and the nature of man. We are indeed predisposed to more and more evil and despotism. It makes what the founders accomplished via divine providence, all that more amazing. It is difficult to witness the decline of those blessings obtained by God and through the means of the blood and death of many a patriot, diminish before our very eyes. However, we too often forget that our hope is not in any political system, out "hope and change" is in the finished work of the gospel of our God and savior Jesus Christ. Knowing that the work He began in us He will complete. God Bless you and your family each and every day. Until His name is praised through out the nations.

Till Christ is all we need

Tim and Pam Hunt

To: Mark Alexander

I thoroughly enjoyed your insightful Publisher's Note. I hope readers paid particular attention to the paragraph that begins with, "The unavoidable Truth...". This paragraph discloses the crux of how the Left is intending to attack religion in order to erode American culture from within and destroy it so they can take over as rulers. You've very adeptly explained the despicable motivations and strategy of the Left, as it pertains to the important role of religion for most Americans, and how the loss of religion could help open the door for those with nefarious intent, i.e. the Left.

My chief problem with that paragraph occurs in the last half of the last sentence. I think it would have been more accurate had you said something like, " -- reflects the fundamental spiritual battle between God's purpose for us and some people's desire to be gods among men."

I am a subset of Man but don't wish to be included in any way, among the immoral Left.

Every year I send the ACLU a Christmas card, along with several thousand of my closest friends. We don't put return addresses on them, nor do we affix stamps. The reason is simple: the ACLU has to pay the "postage due" to get the mail delivered because, if they don't, the post office won't deliver and the ACLU won't know how many of the cards actually have donations in them.

Merry Christmas

Yeah, Mephisto, way to show the ACLU the true Christian spirit of the season. Second only to the Christian prayer vigil praying for the death of all atheists.

Amen, brother! God bless you and yours. Seller Fidelis from an old Marine!

Well said Mark...Merry Christmas!!

We are a Christian Nation

We are and have always been a Nation where the majority of its people are Christian. To argued otherwise is to rewrite history, which many have done. A brief outlined of our founding fathers actions is given below. However it would be to our advantage to set the stage.

In 1775 each of the thirteen Colony could be viewed as a separate country. Many of there people, or there forefathers, had come to the colonies because of persecution by state sponsored churches. In some colonies religious taxes were laid on all citizens, each of whom was given the option of designating his share to the church of his choice. Such laws took effect in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire and were passed but not implemented in Maryland and Georgia. The founding fathers sent to the various events were made up of the following religious dominations: 41% Episcopalian /Anglican; 28% Presbyterian or Congregationalist; 15% Quaker, Dutch Reformed /German Reformed, Lutheran, Catholic, Huguenot, Unitarian, Methodist, or Calvinist,14 % were unknown.

The four major documents developed by the founding fathers are:

the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, approved the Declaration of Independence. There were 56 signers.

the Articles of Confederation. The Continental-Confederation Congress, a legislative body that governed the United States from 1774 to 1789. They drafted the articles in1777 and had 48 signers. It was ratified in 1781.

the U.S. Constitution was drafted by the Constitutional Convention of 1787. There were 55 delegates of which 39 signed the constitution on September 17, 1787. it was ratified by 9 states June 22, 1788. The 85 Federalist Papers were written and published during the years 1787 and 1788 in several New York State newspapers. There purpose was to persuade voters to ratify the proposed constitution.

the Bill of Rights introduced to the 1st. congress 1789. there were 29 Senators and 66 Representatives. It was ratified 1791 The Bill of Rights was made because six states, were in danger of not ratifying the constitution with out words that limited the power of the federal government.

Because some members signed multiple documents and/or also served in the First Federal Congress, there are 204 unique individuals in this group of "Founding Fathers." The point here is that to take one or two opinions from this group as representing all is pure nonsense.

The first two Presidents of the United States were patrons of religion--George Washington was an Episcopal vestryman, and John Adams described himself as "a church going animal." Both offered strong rhetorical support for religion. In his Farewell Address of September 1796, Washington called religion, as the source of morality, "a necessary spring of popular government," while Adams claimed that statesmen "may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand." Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the third and fourth Presidents, are generally considered less hospitable to religion than their predecessors, but evidence shows that, while in office, both offered religion powerful symbolic support.

It is no exaggeration to say that on Sundays in Washington during the administrations of Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809) and of James Madison (1809-1817) the state became the church. Within a year of his inauguration, Jefferson began attending church services in the House of Representatives. Madison followed Jefferson's example. Worship services in the House--a practice that continued until after the Civil War--were acceptable to Jefferson because they were nondiscriminatory and voluntary. Preachers of every Protestant denomination appeared. (Catholic priests began officiating in 1826.) Throughout his administration Jefferson permitted church services in executive branch buildings. The Gospel was also preached in the Supreme Court chambers. By1867, the church in the Capitol had become the largest church in Washington, and the largest Protestant church in America.

Jefferson's actions may seem surprising because his attitude toward the relation between religion and government is usually thought to have been embodied in his recommendation that there exist "a wall of separation between church and state." In that single letter, Jefferson was apparently declaring his opposition to a “national religion”. Madison also opposed a national religion as indicated in his draft of the Bill of Rights. More on Madison ideas that appeared later in his life can be found in “James Madison, Detached Memoranda”. In attending church services on public property, Jefferson and Madison consciously and deliberately were offering symbolic support to religion as a prop for republican government.

Excerpt from the Northwest Ordinance (1787) This set the standard for territories to join the Union. “Sec. 13. And, for extending the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty, which form the basis whereon these republics, their laws and constitutions are erected; to fix and establish those principles as the basis of all laws, constitutions, and governments, which forever hereafter shall be formed in the said territory: to provide also for the establishment of States, and permanent government therein, and for their admission to a share in the federal councils on an equal footing with the original States, at as early periods as may be consistent with the general interest....”

From the Supreme Court; HOLY TRINITY CHURCH v. THE UNITED STATES; 143 U.S. 457, 12 S.Ct. 511, 36 L.Ed. 226, February 29, 1892

"These and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation."

www sites used.

Religious Affiliation of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America http://www.adherents.com/gov/Founding_Fathers_Religion.html

The Librarian of Congress http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel06.html

Anti-Separation of Church and State

http://vftonline.org/EndTheWall/TrinityHistory.htm

Federalist Papers; http://www.foundingfathers.info/federalistpapers/fedindex.htm

James W Oestreich

Elma WA.

104 lucke Pl. Elma WA.

360 482 4899