they weren’t even thinking much about Native Americans, or those arriving from Africa, except as converts to Christianity. they were busy trying to figure out themselves. as imperfect humans do.
i think of early Colonies, then the U.S., as God-honoring.
If the early colonies and US leaders were God- honoring wouldn't they have considered the Native Americans and that they were slaughtered because they were heathens; so I guess they slaughtered them in the name of God?
Those arriving from Africa were bought and sold, many not treated well, and held in bondage against their will. I am certain none of the founding fathers would have wanted to be in that position. How God honoring is that?
They may not have denied Christ in the documents they wrote but how about in their actions? Do we honor God by slaughtering a group of people, including native Americans who were Christians, because we considered them heathens and lumped all together in one camp?
Just questions I have when people tell me this country has a strong Christian foundation. I didn't know these men but their actions don't necessarily come across as God honoring.
Not to mention the way that the Bible and religion were also used to justify slavery and segregation later (it’s important to note that faith has played an important role in fighting slavery and segregation, so it’s important to note that Christianity is not all evil nor all good).
I live about an hour from the site of the Sand Creek Massacre where in 1864, the 3rd Colorado Calvary slaughtered and mutilated about 150 Arapaho and Cheyenne. The Calvary was commanded by John Chivington, a Methodist minister.
Is it possible to honor God and own slaves? Is it possible to honor God and slaughter indigenous tribes?
The United States has two universally-recognized "original sins": Slavery and the genocide of our native peoples and their cultures.
Christianity was integral to both and was weaponized to justify both. And, of course, good Christians also opposed both as well.
So yes, in a very real sense Christianity was integral to the establishment of this country and the shaping of what it is today. Both for better and for worse.
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A fool can throw out more questions than a wise man can answer. -RZehr
Ken wrote: ↑Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:01 pm
The United States has two universally-recognized "original sins": Slavery and the genocide of our native peoples and their cultures.
Christianity was integral to both and was weaponized to justify both. And, of course, good Christians also opposed both as well.
So yes, in a very real sense Christianity was integral to the establishment of this country and the shaping of what it is today. Both for better and for worse.
That is absolute nonsense. The dominant countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia all had legalized slavery, the US did not establish a new "slave" state.
Can you please explain how Christianity is "integral" to slavery?
I hope you're not having a stroke?