Half the South Thinks the U.S. Was Founded as an "Explicitly Christian" Nation

[NeoGreen]

https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2018/12/29/half-the-south-thinks-the-u-s-was-founded-as-an-explicitly-christian-nation/

Half the South Thinks the U.S. Was Founded as an “Explicitly Christian” Nation
By Hemant Mehta, December 29, 2018

When the Treaty of Tripoli was signed in 1796, President John Adams made clear that “the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” But it’s just a minor treaty, right? Well, the Constitution effectively says the same thing. As the saying goes, the word “religion” appears twice in the document, both times preceded by the word “no.” We don’t have religious tests for public office and the government can’t endorse religion (much less a particular one).

All of this is apparently new information to half the people in 11 Southern states, who said in a Winthrop University poll that they believe America was founded as an “explicitly Christian nation.”

It’s the sort of misinformation that makes pseudo-historian David Barton tingle in delight while sending shivers up the spine of people who actually know what they’re talking about.

The poll found that half of residents either agree or strongly agree that America was founded as an explicitly Christian nation.

This position is particularly popular among white evangelicals. In the survey, three-fourths of white evangelical respondents agree or strongly agree with this belief about how the nation was founded.

That’s a lot of ignorant people. Specifically, 51% of people polled said the U.S. was founded as an “explicitly Christian nation.” 67% of Republicans are included in that mix, compared to only 38% of Democrats. (By contrast, only 23% of Republicans disagreed or strongly disagreed with that sentiment, along with 52% of Democrats.)

[Act_of_Reparation]

1. 42% of White Evangelicals polled agree

So do 38% of polled Republicans, and... 29% of polled Democrats?

Troubling.

[Mariana]

4. They've been taught that since they were children.

At home, in Sunday School, in the sermons, in the private Christian school history classes, and very likely in the public school history classes. Of course they believe it.

[guillaumeb]

15. Many people seem to have little knowledge of their own history.

So these numbers are not surprising.

[qazplm135]

2. history

is not really a strong suit of Southern education in general.

[violetpastille]

6. +1

[Mariana]

3. Preacher said it, so it must be true.

Preacher wouldn't lie, because he's a man of God.

[no_hypocrisy]

5. And the South also believed their brand of Christianity endorsed slavery.

How many times can you stand to be wrong?

[Act_of_Reparation]

7. Wrong in what way?

The Bible is stuffed to the gills with rules and regulations re: human bondage and nary a prohibition to be found.

[no_hypocrisy]

8. 1. The Bible endorsed slavery.

2. The U.S. was founded as a Christian nation.

[Act_of_Reparation]

11. The US was not founded as a Christian nation.

The Bible certainly does endorse slavery.

[no_hypocrisy]

13. My bad. The response to what the Southern Christians got wrong.

I'm 500% in opposition to their misguided (and wrong) opinions.

[guillaumeb]

16. The Bible does endorse slavery.

And also says that men shall not shave.

What percentage of modern Christians are bearded slaveowners?

[Act_of_Reparation]

17. If it is your contention the Bible is largely incompatible with modern norms...

...then we are in complete agreement.

[guillaumeb]

19. We are not.

[Major Nikon]

18. Seems like a pretty good argument that as a moral compass the bible is worthless

[Mariana]

12. Wow.

Hardly anyone tries to claim the Bible doesn't endorse slavery, because the Bible so clearly does endorse slavery. Most believers who are embarrassed by that fact try to make excuses for it.

[sinkingfeeling]

9. Sad.

[2naSalit]

10. That's why we need to properly fund

secular education in this country... public education.

[Pope George Ringo II]

14. The South worries about important things in school.

Like, blocking technique for the Z receiver. That's what wins games.