Why do so many reject the religion and traditions that made our country the greatest country on Earth?

SGT Anthony Rossi — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:45:30 -0400

I see so many on RP asking us to look at other countries of the world when considering change. Why are we so desirous to be follow countries our cultures that are not as powerful as ours?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 11:47 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:47:23 -0400

Power is not the issue. Standards begin at home.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 11:52 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 11:52:14 -0400

Your title and your subtext ask two entirely different questions.

"Why do so many reject the religious and traditions that made our country the greatest country on earth?" It's called progress. I would go further and say that no matter how or why a country was founded, adaptation and evolution of the state is paramount to its keeping at the forefront globally. Change is inevitable, and not always bad.

"Why are we so desirous to be follow countries our cultures that are not as powerful as ours?" Generally speaking, I don't see much evidence of this on RP. To answer generally, Americans are the only ones who can come up with good ideas.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Jun 3 at 2015 12:13 PM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 12:13:30 -0400

Basically they don't know and are not educated on this countries history.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 3 at 2015 12:20 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 12:20:26 -0400

"The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."
--John Adams

In fact a good number of our founding fathers would disagree with the statement.

http://www.alternet.org/story/153727/5_founding_fathers_whose_skepticism_about_christianity_would_make_them_unelectable_today

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 3 at 2015 12:52 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 12:52:36 -0400

Amendment #1: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, ..."

To effectively answer your question, there was no need to continue to publish the rest.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 3 at 2015 12:54 PM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 12:54:31 -0400

Which came first philosophy, religion or science? Faith is unwavering. What ever you choose to believe in don't let anyone change your mind.

I believe in Balance in all things.
Good and Evil and science. I also see this as a conundrum in that we today's society believe what is inherently taught to us through life, experience both positive and negative. This helps define or core values and beliefs.

Response by SGT Darryl Allen made Jun 3 at 2015 1:02 PM

SGT Darryl Allen — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:02:32 -0400

Our country was founded on the rejection of religious traditions. This country was founded on the idea that people should be FREE from religious influence because it undermines the fabric of a cohesive and inclusive society. This country isn't a Christian nation (though, by population you have a strong majority), it is a free nation that encourages religious freedom and the constructive conversations brought on by all different walks of life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 1:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:26:06 -0400

The simple answer is because they do not believe it is true...

I'd also like to point out that Paganism made the Roman Empire the worlds most powerful empire for almost a thousand years, does that make Paganism even more true than Christianity? It was not until the Roman Republic and then the Roman Empire fully embraced Christianity that it crumbled and fell.

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Jun 3 at 2015 7:18 PM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:18:33 -0400

I always wonder about questions like this. Many people look to the past to compare to the now. Problem is not everyone see's the same History as the person next to them.

If you pick and select tradition and religion, the US has had some amazing results. After WWII the United States grew exponentially due to a high manufacture rate that was incorporated into society and the emerging of the Cold War, which pushed American Idealism to its limits.

Problem was, we were still not that great. Our Past is checkered by a host of bad decisions, horrible traditions, and the ability to pervert religion for the sake of a few.

Using Manifest destiny (Divine purpose) as a rally cry, we conquered this nation from its native people, pushing them onto small tracts of land and saying that we wanted to assimilate them into us with no thoughts or cares of who or what they were.

The US was one of the last nations to outlaw slavery, and it took a Civil War to actually do it. Not to mention how many problems have we had with Civil rights for Minorities, women, Native Americans.

I hear my parents tell me how good everything was when they were kids, and I say it to the Kids now, my grandparents said it to my parents.

Quite looking in the past. This nation is great because we are looking to the future. This world is constantly changing. We need to embrace change and move forward. While looking into the past can give us an idea of problems coming, it can't predict the future.

Every generation has had their good moments and bad moments. You want good times.... Make them, this is your time now.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 3 at 2015 10:39 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 22:39:03 -0400

Why can't people keep their religion to themselves and leave others to worship as they choose?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 3 at 2015 10:42 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 22:42:08 -0400

Literacy, scientific advancement and general education are much more prevalent than they were in our ancestral past?

Response by SGT John Wesley made Jun 3 at 2015 11:19 PM

SGT John Wesley — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 23:19:50 -0400

I think you do not know your history, maybe you "overheard" this and assumed it true?

This country was founded on religious persecution.

It was decided by our forefathers to allow freedom of religion to all.

They also made sure to keep a separation between Church and State for just this reason.

I applaud you for finding a religion that you comfortable with, but please refrain from attempting to shove it down my throat due to some hokey nonsense about "back in the day..." Back in the day, they hung young women for being a witch....

And you could say, "Hey! That was many, many years ago!" And is agree with you, but the mentality is still there.

If I don't conform to your idea of religion and America, I am a problem. Eventually, problems have to be dealt with, correct?

Get a grip. Your religion should be a private thing, not forced on others.

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Jun 3 at 2015 11:30 PM

SGT Lawrence Corser — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 23:30:54 -0400

not their specific religion or dont want it pushed on them. our country is founded on ideals of it not on it specific. freedom of any religion or lack their off is very important to many of Americans.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 3 at 2015 11:34 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 23:34:39 -0400

religion did not make this country great, not even a little. It was the blood, sweat and tears of resilient people over coming obstacle and moving forward that made this country great, if anything religion made the whole process harder.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 1:26 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 01:26:39 -0400

Is someone looking at Somalia as an example of perfect culture? What country are you talking about?

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made Jun 4 at 2015 1:27 AM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 01:27:35 -0400

I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation. GEORGE WASHINGTON

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 4 at 2015 9:57 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 09:57:13 -0400

We are one of the most powerful, and one of the wealthiest. But we are in no means the greatest country on Earth. There is no such thing, as some countries have what others may not.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 1:05 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 01:05:58 -0400

If you think America is a "christian nation,"... you have been misinformed. Nothing about religion makes any country great.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 2:04 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 02:04:50 -0400

Nothing wrong with patriotism. Pride is an often misused word here. Be proud of your efforts and accomplishments, not of something outside your control, like where you were born. I feel lucky to have been born an American and stand ready to defend our way of life as much as anyone here has sworn to do. However, if you think this is the "greatest country on Earth," take a listen to what Mr. Daniels has to say. If anything, it's a reminder that we collectively have some work to do. If you disagree with his statements then be prepared to back it with researched information.

http://youtu.be/ZPHSXUS0_1c

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Jun 5 at 2015 2:54 AM

Sgt Nick Marshall — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 02:54:12 -0400

Why do you think we are the greatest country on Earth? Yes we spend far more $ per capita than any other country on defense, more than the next 26 combined, but to assume we can learn nothing from our friends and allies is the height of arrogance. And to base our country on religion makes us little better than ISIS

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 5 at 2015 7:40 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 07:40:41 -0400

Jefferson was most certainly a Christian by any of the normal standards, nor did he consider himself one. As was Franklin. Several of our founding fathers were what is normally called a Deist and Unitarian. There is a theory among some historians that Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Wilson, Morris, Madison, Hamilton, and Washington were either Christians nor Deists, but theistic rationalist.

So that said, I think it is clear (outside of the treaty of tripoli, which clearly states as federal law we are not a Christian nation) that out founders did not intend on the US being a "christian nation", but a nation that has Christians, Jews, and members of other faiths.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Aug 25 at 2015 7:43 AM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 07:43:47 -0400

Well our country was founded on religious freedom not just to be Christian's. But I belive alot of people are fighting the Christian faith because of all the wolf's clout in what they do under Christian faith. Prime example is the Catholic faith. They are doing alot right now to fix what is wrong. They have been rocked with scandal like child molesters, priest spending millions of dollars on houses. You have televangelist taking people's money under false pretense. You have People using the bible to justify slavery, you have people using hate in the name of God. The sad part is These peopel detract from the christian faith. God is about love and forgiveness. People need go start to live by their faith and not do all wrong during the week and then ask for forgiveness on sunday just to restart.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Aug 25 at 2015 12:04 PM

COL Ted Mc — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 12:04:29 -0400

SGT Anthony Rossi - Sergeant; There may be a bit of a reality disconnect to the whole discussion.

Might I recommend Philip T. Hoffman's "Why Did Europe Conquer the World?" [Princeton University Press; First Edition edition (June 30, 2015) - ISBN-10: [login to see] ISBN-13: [login to see] 708]

PS - "More powerful" doesn't necessarily equal "better".

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 1:02 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:02:28 -0400

to answer why so many are going the way out of religion and why most people don't want our government to based on religion I give you ISIS. most religions (including Christianity) seem to have outdated views or are just dogmatic. that is why so many people in America are going the deist or science routes. it only hurts the religious cause when there are over 4,000 denominations of Christianity alone. it shows a broken front and a cause that doesn't know where it is going. it's hard to trust an organization that has those traits.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Aug 26 at 2015 12:30 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 00:30:50 -0400

religious tradition did not make our country great, it had nothing to do with religion. religion has been something that in many cases made things worse, not better.

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 3:14 AM

Amn Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 03:14:41 -0400

I believe that we have forgotten our freedom and what we fight for. Politics should not be in the military telling them what to do as far as their beliefs in God. And our oath that we take is being taken away