WARNING: Christian content ahead
ByI was reading something this week about the 911 Mosque debacle and it caused me to revisit a common media issue I talk about in New Zealand. The religious nature of the debate caused the above warning 
It is always fascinating to see people rewrite history to suit their own views. The New York Mayor recently came out defending the building of a mosque close to ground zero.
In his remarkably flawed address he said:
“This nation was founded on the principle that the government must never choose between religions or favor one over another.”
Oh Really??
That would be news to the founding fathers of America. In fact it is patent nonsense.
Here are just a handful of thousands of quotes from the founding fathers of the United States.
Benjamin Rush, Signer of the Declaration of Independence said. “The only foundation for a useful education in a republic is to be an aid in Christian religion. Without this there can be no virtue, and without virtue there can be no liberty, and liberty is the object and life of all republican governments. Without religion, I believe that learning does real mischief to the morals and principles of mankind.
Gouverneur Morris, Penman and Signer of the Constitution. “For avoiding the extremes of despotism or anarchy . . . the only ground of hope must be on the morals of the people. I believe that Christian religion is the only solid base of morals and that morals are the only possible support of free governments. Therefore education should teach the precepts of religion and the duties of man towards God.”
Fisher Ames author of the final wording for the First Amendment wrote, “Why should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a school book? Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble. The reverence for the Sacred Book that is thus early impressed lasts long; and probably if not impressed in infancy, never takes firm hold of the mind.”
John Jay, Original Chief-Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court , “The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts.”
Robert Winthrop, Speaker of the U. S. House, “Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or by a power without them; either by the Word of God or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible or by the bayonet.”
George Washington, General of the Revolutionary Army, president of the Constitutional Convention, First President of the United States of America, Father of our nation, ” Religion and morality are the essential pillars of civil society.”
Benjamin Franklin, Signer of the Declaration of Independence “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” “Whereas true religion and good morals are the only solid foundations of public liberty and happiness . . . it is hereby earnestly recommended to the several States to take the most effectual measures for the encouragement thereof.” Continental Congress, 1778
So the facts are that the USA was founded on Christian and Biblical principles that absolutely chose Jesus and the Bible over other religions and expected the people of the USA to live by those principles. There is no debate about that. I have read many of the writings and biographies of the founding fathers. Their intent is crystal clear.
So Bloomberg is making stuff up for his own ends, whatever they may be.
I have many friends who are hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and even Satanists who I would lay my life down for so this for me is not a “religious” issue. It is simply a matter of truth and facts.
When I go to Saudi Arabia I have to remove my cross so I don’t get arrested or killed.
When I go to Thailand I have to give honour to the King before I can even watch a movie.
If I fly Brunei airlines I have to listen to Islamic blessings.
So there is no reason why the USA shouldn’t be proud of its Christian roots and for that to be a part of living in America and say “We are a Christian nation, even our money says “In God we trust”” so some things that are OK in your native land are not OK here.
So the next time you hear someone justifying a position based on history or some other authority check them out first. Don’t be swayed by people with hidden agendas, especially when your gut says they are wrong.
Check the facts first hand, then make a decision based on your own values and research.
I have taken up many opportunities and passed on many others based on the well meaning but misguided advice of others.
This has forced me to become a critical thinker myself and it surprises me how many more doors open and how easy it is to shut others now.
Pursue truth, real truth, knowing you will rarely find it in people who have agendas, are negative or critical, and where their envy is showing.
Trust yourself and be proud of who you are and what you believe!!
And remember: The journey IS the destination.
Stay Inspired and Stay Safe ~ Dean Letfus
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August 6th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Thought you might like to read this letter to the editor of a British national newspaper. Ever notice how some people just seem to know how to write a letter?. Written by a housewife, to her daily newspaper. This is one ticked off lady.
‘Are we fighting a war on terror or aren’t we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores in July 2002, and in New York Sept 11/2001 and have continually threatened to do so since?
Were people from all over the world, not brutally murdered that day in London, and in downtown Manhattan , and in a field in Pennsylvania ?
Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn’t they?
And I’m supposed to care that a few Taliban were claiming to be tortured by a justice system of the nation they come from and are fighting against in a brutal insurgency.
I’ll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11 and 7/7.
I’ll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere belief of which is a crime punishable by beheading in Afghanistan
I’ll care when these thugs tell the world they are sorry for hacking off Nick Berg’s head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat.
I’ll care when the cowardly so-called ‘insurgents’ in Afghanistan come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques and behind women and children.
I’ll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of Nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs.
I’ll care when the British media stops pretending that their freedom of speech on stories is more important than the lives of the soldiers on the ground or their families waiting at home to hear about them when something happens.
In the meantime, when I hear a story about a British soldier roughing up an Insurgent terrorist to obtain information, know this:
I don’t care.
When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take this to the bank:
I don’t care.
When I hear that a prisoner – who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and ‘fed special food’ that is paid for by my taxes – is complaining that his holy book is being ‘mishandled,’ you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts:
I don’t care.
And oh, by the way, I’ve noticed that sometimes it’s spelled ‘Koran’ and other times ‘Quran.’ Well, believe me!! you guessed it ……
I don’t care!!
If you agree with this viewpoint, pass this on to all your E-mail friends. Sooner or later, it’ll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behaviour!
If you don’t agree, then by all means hit the delete button. Should you choose the latter, then please don’t complain when more atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great country! And may I add:
‘Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. Our soldiers don’t have that problem.’
I have another quote that I would like to add, AND…….I hope you forward all this.
Only six defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The British Soldier.
3. The Canadian Soldier.
4. The US Soldier, and
5. The Australian Soldier
6. The New Zealand Soldier
One died for your soul, the other 5 for your freedom.
YOU MIGHT WANT TO PASS THIS ON, AS MANY SEEM TO FORGET ABOUT ALL OF THEM.