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Post by sungle on Jun 19, 2008 5:29:01 GMT -6
Atheism believes there is nothing but the material. Therefore, how can such "faith" sustain a penetrating patriotism toward America? A matter-based philosophy is fundamentally a self-centered existence; therefore, though it may mouth patriotism, it is only patriotic when serving the self's existence.
The biblical believer as citizen of this remarkable country yearns daily for a God-fearing populace. The believer intercedes for this nation, its leaders, its future. That believer researches Scripture for divine wisdom in how to better serve America.
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texas_gal
Founding Member
aka srvchild
Posts: 3,027
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Post by texas_gal on Jun 19, 2008 15:09:41 GMT -6
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Post by sungle on Jun 19, 2008 15:43:44 GMT -6
I had seen Grant Swank's oration before but couldn't recall where. Thank you for the link.
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speaksfree
Founding Member
Love, Teach and Learn[F4:852684796&]
Posts: 1,619
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Post by speaksfree on Jun 25, 2008 8:15:33 GMT -6
I personally dont think that a person is or is not more or less God Based, depending on whether they have the experience of Patriotism. A person can be faithfull in marriage, community and life in general with or without being patirotic. A patriotic person however, seems in my opinion to be more God Faith oriented. Cant explain it, just what I have noticed.
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Post by scheherrazade on Jul 6, 2008 5:07:40 GMT -6
I think if you take a look at our founding fathers and read a bit about what they had to say at the time, you'll see that their intention was a democracy that avoided any religious connotations including Christianity. You do not have to believe in God or be a christian to be patriotic. Having a code of honour and being willing to serve your country do not require a religious background.
Thomas Jefferson "I have examined all the known superstitions of the world and I do not find in our particular superstition of Christianity one redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology. Millions of innocent men, women, and children, since the introduction of Christianity, have been burnt, tortured, fined, and imprisoned. What has been the effect of this coercion? To make one half the world fools and the other half hypocrites; to support roguery and error all over the earth."
John Adams "Where do we find a precept in the Bible for Creeds, Confessions, Doctrines and Oaths, and whole cartloads of other trumpery that we find religion encumbered with in these days?" John Adams also signed the Treaty of Tripoli. Article 11 states "The Government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion."
Finally let's hear from James Madison who is the primary writer of the Bill of Rights: "What influence in fact have Christian ecclesiastical establishments had on civil society? In many instances they have been upholding the thrones of political tyranny. In no instance have they been seen as the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty have found in the clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to secure and perpetuate liberty, does not need the clergy."
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