George Washington on Religion

[sjdnb]

"Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be deprecated. I was in hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see the religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of society."

Please post other, similar, founding father quotes. There are many and they prove just how enlightened and prophetic the founders were.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. the religious wars of the Reformation

were still fresh in the memories of our Revolutionary ancestors. Their wisdom was in writing the First Amendment.

[elleng]

2. Indeed, they were.

Why are we so ignorant?

[Zomby Woof]

3. James Madison

An alliance or coalition between Government and religion cannot be too carefully guarded against......Every new and successful example therefore of a PERFECT SEPARATION between ecclesiastical and civil matters is of importance........religion and government will exist in greater purity, rather than with the aid of government.

[laconicsax]

4. From the Treaty of Tripoli, unanimously approved by the Senate, signed by John Adams

Article 11

As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Musselmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

(emphasis mine)

[Old Codger]

5. Thomas Jefferson

"In every country and every age, the priest has been hostile to Liberty."


"I have recently been examining all the known superstitions of the world, and do not find in our particular superstition (Christianity) one redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology."

[JNelson6563]

6. Interesting thread

:toast:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

7. "If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be without it?" Franklin

[Hobarticus]

8. I'd read long ago someone in first Congress introduced a bill

making it illegal to believe in "devils". Jeez, I wish I could remember or at least Google who it was.