I guess it comes down to this: was the language left out because they specifically didn't want to tie the US to religion or was it left out because it was so ubiquitous it need not be mentioned? I, for one, hope that it was the former. Jefferson clearly had the foresight to want to craft the founding documents that allowed for future generations to interpret and amend them as they'd see fit. "“the earth belongs in usufruct to the living,” -What a guy. P.S. I look forward to responding to this further. Damn I'm tired. Goodnight hubski.
It doesn't actually come down to that, though. Cup isn't saying that the intention of the founding fathers was to create a secular nation, he's saying that the rules they made were secular. It might seem like a slight difference, but it is significant. It's like how you and mk were intending to make a convenient porn site but it turned out to be Hubski accidentally- your intentions don't matter once the creation is beyond your control.
It doesn't actually come down to that, though. Cup isn't saying that the intention of the founding fathers was to create a secular nation, he's saying that the rules they made were secular. It might seem like a slight difference, but it is significant.
The distinction isn't lost on me and it is far from insignificant. Mr. Cup has made some great points and has perhaps changed my thinking here. But I'll take a look at the topic with some fresh eyes tomorrow. Some great food for thought. I'll be dreaming of conversations with the founding fathers. I must say, I hope it looks like this
I agree with your assessment there. Jefferson clearly was under the impression that the government as he and the other founders created it would be revolutionized on a regular basis, and not treated as a dogma. He was very much against dogma, it seemed, and whether or not the other founders were similarly inclined, it seems clear, by their writings, that they were highly influenced by the Enlightenment, including thinkers like Voltaire and Thomas Paine. Whatever faith the founders were, it is inarguable that the men who influenced them most profoundly were philosophical deists and not able to be called Christian in the traditional sense. Sleep well, I hope to continue this discussion soon!
goodnight!