Originally posted by Viss1:
...I'm curious what people mean by "Christian principles." Are these principles unique to Christianity, or do other religions contain them as well?



Of course other religions hold many of the themes and tones that Christianity espouses; the difference is that 90%+ of the US population that came over from England in the 1600's and the Founding Fathers weren't Taoists, Bhuddists, Shinto, Muslim or of any other religious belief or background other than Christian...

Originally posted by Viss1:
Also, are the writings of the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, as well as those of the Elightenment, incompatible with these principles, or might they also have been a source of reference for our Founding Fathers?



Ah! Now you are getting into the fun discussion. Absolutely, there are many moral and legal decrees in Roman and Greek society that are mirrored in Christian discourse. I don't see this as a smear on Christianity or something that dilutes it's importance; it's simply a matter of commonly-held belief structures in creating order, peace and control that EVERY religion or political structure usually holds themselves to. Find me a widely-held, long-lasting and popular religion or government that holds anarchy, law-breaking and immoral activities as the norm...

Originally posted by Viss1:
Is there overlap between all these sources? If so, why single out Christianity as being the overriding influence on our Founding Documents?

I would single it out due to it being one of the main sources of religious belief and background behind our Founding Fathers, their forebearers and one of the lynchpins of common law and morality during that time period in the Colonies; notice I say ONE OF, not the SOLE one.

I don't see Mars, Jupiter, Zeus, Dionysis or any other mention of far-flung polytheistic religions brought forth during this time as philosophical/religious influencers and motivators...

JaTo e-Tough Guy Missouri City, TX 99 Contour SVT #143/2760 00 Corvette Coupe