The United States is a Christian Nation

My thanks to my opponent for the arguments he presents. Contrary to the first line in my opponent"s argument regarding the religious affiliation of the 1700's founders. I did not make, nor will I submit, that the founders were anything but Christians or at the very least deists. I am sure that they had their faiths, their religious affiliations whether private or public however is neither central to the debate and is erroneous data in this context. As per the second statement, I do not hold that sentiment to be an accurate description of my position. The founders intentionally wrote the Constitution to be an evolving document as they knew, or presumed that as time progressed and knowledge acquired governmental influence, power and practices would need adjustment. Their "will" if anything is the progress be made for the betterment of the nation. As stated above, the framers of the nation saw that evolution of the nation was inevitable. Making the case that since they had the gold standard and we no longer do is exactly what they had envisioned. Although the exact historical act of moving away from the gold standard was not predicted, it was within the architects initial boundaries of what the federal Government could do. This was a piece of progress that was needed in order for the economy to accommodate growth and continue to flourish, thus benefiting the nation. Also, point of contention, the constitution does not explicitly say that we must adhere to the gold standard. Article 1 Section 10 is the only section of the Constitution that mentions gold, no limits or constraints are set upon the power of the Congress or the federal government, are presented. My opponent mentions the case Roe v. Wade. This case is a great example of what the founders were preparing the nation for. The case, in its most basic sense, reaffirms that it is not within the Federal Government"s power to make getting an abortion illegal. However, none of the above speaks to the debate at hand. That being, whether or not this nation is (current tense) a Christian nation. My opponents final thoughts expressed in the last few statements do apply, and will be address. The example of the gay rights argument is a great example. Were the nation a Christian nation, a single consensus would have to be made regarding which set of Christian principals we would want to adopt. For example, would it be the beliefs of the Westborough Baptist Church or one of the many "Gay friendly" Christian churches? Although this exact argument was not present in the 1700's for the founders to consider, the debates with ramifications like this were on their minds, and this is what prompted them to put into place government restrictions regarding religions. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," was the first amendment that the founders included in the binding contract between government and citizen, the US Constitution. Many people interpret this to mean we have the freedom of religion, which would be an accurate summary. However, the government has not the right to be involved with the religion of the people; therefore it should also be interpreted to stipulate freedom from government"s involvement in religion. This is a restriction, not on the people who want to practice, but of the government that wants to influence. "Congress thus inhibited from acts respecting religion, and the Executive authorized only to execute their acts" "Thomas Jefferson In regards to influence of values held by Christians impacting the legislation passed in congress, it is only fitting that Christian members of congress do right by their conscience. Nothing could be father from the truth to speculate that congress should pass laws that defy their moral compasses. However, legislation with respect to the conventions and philosophies presented in the creation of this nation, the prosperity of this nation and the presumed greatness of the laws of this nation must be taken into consideration. The evolution of the nation was expected, however defiance of what created the nation is out of the powers of the legislature, and that is why we are not, will not and never will be a Christian nation. To that end I borrow from the Declaration of Independence: "whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends [infringing on rights], it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." Where it sits on the people, not just the majority of people mind you, to ensure that congress protects the rights we are granted, one of those being the protection from a government establishment of religion.