Reconciling Religion and Politics (ITM)

I take exception to many of the conclusions put forth by the authors. For example, in the article they state:

Christians and Jews believed that all persons were made in the image of God. Thus, every person had intrinsic worth and dignity, no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, or strength. On this basis, oppression of the poor and weak was condemned. Neither might nor wealth made right. Christianity further emphasized the spiritual and moral equality of all people. Not only do we all share the same humanity, but we all suffer from the same problem (sin) and are in need of the same solution (salvation through Jesus).

Because of these ideas, Christianity is the sole historical source of concepts now taken for granted: human dignity, human equality, and universal human rights. As not only Tom Holland but other prominent atheists such as Jürgen Habermas and Luc Ferry admit, these ideas are at the root of our modern concern for the poor and oppressed.

If, as the authors claim, Christianity is the only source for the idea that all men are created equal, why did it take more than 1700 years for that idea to make its way into our governmental system and why are we still trying to achieve that equality today? How did these ideas about every person's "intrinsic worth" apply to the conquest of the New World by the most devout Christians of their day? I think these authors would also be educated to read Confucius, or any number of other Chinese writers on the subject of ethics if they think Christianity is the source of all morality. In short your authors are claiming morality that history doesn't grant Christians.

Are you aware, atop the Washington Monument are two words.  
Just in case you may not have known, the two words are Laus Der (does anyone other than Credo know what they mean in English?)

One detail that is seldom mentioned is that in Washington, D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument. With all the uproar about removing the Ten Commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., are displayed two words: Laus Deo.

No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know.

These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say Praise be to God!
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo, "Praise be to God!"
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles L'Enfant ..... a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north, The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.

A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was NOT, is NOT, in the Constitution. So, read on.

How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.  When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy 'One Nation, Under God.'

I am awed by George Washington's prayer for America .... Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on...

"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.

And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love MERCY, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation.

Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Laus Deo!

It is hoped you will send this to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find it offensive because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school.

With that, be not ashamed or afraid, but have pity for those who will never see this because someone failed to send it on.


More History that might interest you...

Hoping this is the best spot for this.  I've read about this before, always found it interesting, especially given how it turned out:

The Russian Government Once Funded a Scientist’s Quest To Make an Ape-Human Hybrid



It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature...