The Unites States is not a Christain Nation

In Virginia, the Baptists were persecuted by the Anglican Church. They were concerned over the establishment of a new national religion. They, a minority religious group, were seeking assurances from Federalist James Madison that this was not to occur. Baptist Minister, John Leland and political activist, penned a letter expressing his reservations that the Constitution had no Bill of Rights ensuring freedom of the press and protections of religious liberty. Leland was not only known to James Madison but also Thomas Jefferson [1, 2] In response to Leland and the Danbury Baptist congregation, Thomas Jefferson wrote “Sowing Useful Truths and Principles” Where-in he states, “. . .I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State” [3]. Prior to sending this letter it was reviewed by two members of the Cabinet where Jefferson revealed what he wished to achieve was condemnation of any alliance between state and church [4]. James Madison had distaste for tax supported churches and attempted to maneuver to an end to the practice in Virginia legislation with his General Assessment Bill, “Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments.” Here James Madison states ““the Civil Magistrate” any power over religion because “Religious truth” and “the means of salvation” are beyond the concerns of the state ” [10]. Eventually, the bill attained 1,552 signatures. Though this bill died in process, it later rematerialized under Jefferson as the “Establishing Religious Freedom” bill. At the time the Anglican Church was the official church of the state. The bill eliminated the churches status and any recognition of any other denomination was rejected [11] This bill is considered the precursor to provisions in the Constitution. Rebuttal Opening Statement: Correct, Congress can make no law to establish a religion, nor does it keep anyone from practicing their faith. But this does not establish the US as a Christian Nation. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, (This is referred to as the Establishment Clause) or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; (This is referred to the Free Exercise Clause.) The 13 Original Colonies did have individual constitutions which described their governance was by divine authority for Godly pursuits; establishment of Christian Commonwealths. But, like themselves who were once persecuted by England, began to persecute others who did not step in line with their brand of faith, or of a different religion. Outsiders were punished and sometimes put to death deemed heretics or blasphemers. Only members of their church were permitted to vote, and regular attendance was a requirement [5]. The Puritan colonies were anti-Catholic and anti-Quaker [7], who are also Christians; as well as anti-Jew [9]. They created laws limiting their freedoms [6]. Roger Williams, a Puritan was banished from the Massachusetts colony for his belief that civil matters had no place in involving faith [8]. The founding fathers were aware of such biases due to their continued occurrence. Rebuttal: “The Supreme Court, in cases from the gaining of independence until 1947, ruled in favor of Christianity.” You will need to provide case names for this statement to be relevant. 1.https://en.wikipedia.org... 2.http://poseidon01.ssrn.com... 3. http://www.jstor.org... 4. http://www.allabouthistory.org... 5. http://press.princeton.edu... 6. http://www.traditioninaction.org... 7. http://www.publicbookshelf.com... 8. http://undergod.procon.org... 9. http://www.smithsonianmag.com... 10. http://founders.archives.gov... 11. http://www.religioustolerance.org...