Is this a Christian nation? On Saturday, I saw among the sea of signs in DC at the antigovernment march, one sign, “This is a Christian nation.” It would have been interesting to ask the holder what s/he meant. Other signs–”The Zoo has an African and the White House Has a Lyin’ African,” “Bury Obamacare with Kennedy,” “We came unarmed (this time)” and ” ‘ Cap’ Congress and ‘Trade’ Obama back to Kenya!” I wonder if the smiling, white woman holding the zoo sign was in church on Sunday?
Wonder if the person holding the “This is a Christian nation” sign knows that neither the D of I nor the Constitution contain the name, Jesus? Or that Jefferson had his own edited version of the Bible which omitted miracles, the virgin birth and the resurrection? Or that Article VI of the Constitution states that there shall be no religious test for holding public office? Why? Because the framers thought that one’s own religious views should not bar one from holding public office. One need not be a Christian.
There is much discussion about incivility in our politics these days. The House voted to rebuke Rep. Joe Wilson for his yelling, “You lie!” The vote was along partisan lines. Not surprising. Have Democrats been guilty of incivility as well? Absolutely! But please, let’s stop talking about this nation as a Christian nation in a sea of race-baiting signs. Or be honest and say that the “This is a Christian nation” sign on Saturday meant white and that to provide some form of healthcare to 46 million Americans is an undeserved handout to the have nots.
Dr. Kathryn Lee is a Professor of Political Science and Chair of Eastern University’s Political Science Program
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