The facts are that the founding fathers rejected the imperialistic, theocratic rule of the King of England, who was the "Keeper of the Faith" and Head of theState Church of England. The founding fathers also rejected the theocratic doctrines of the "Christian Puritans" who had imposed their own rigid and cruel theocratic rule in the New England colony in America. And, in fact, the founding fathers made their intent so clear that in 1797 the U.S. Congress made it official in the Treaty of Tripoli, stating that "the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."
The purpose of that treaty was specifically to establish peace with Muslims in Lebanon, and to assure them that the U.S. rejected the ways of the Medieval European Christian Crusaders (who had slaughtered many Muslims in their quest for Christian rulership of Jerusalem between 1099 and 1224). And by the way, the Treaty of Tripoli was in large part the work of John Adams, who was familiar with the Qur'an of Islam, the Vedas of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhist texts, and other Eastern spiritual and religious works.
Most Americans today are not aware of that. In fact, most Americans are not aware that most of the founding fathers respected all religions, because most of them were Freemasons and/or Deists. They fostered respect for the esoteric spiritual teachings and Eastern religions, and their inclusive, universal spiritual approach was regarded as a refreshing and interesting alternative to the rigid, exclusive theocratic dogmatism of Christian "fundamentalists" of that time. In fact, the open-minded, inclusive attitude of the founding fathers had a profound impact on the Western cultural leaders in the late 1700s through the middle of the 1800s, and it influenced many philosophers, poets and writers in Europe and America.
These are the facts of the matter, but they are ignored or denied by those who have been trying to rule in the name of Christianity for the last 30 years. And just look at their legacy. Look at the conflicts caused by right-wing politicization of religion. Look at how it colluded with Israeli Zionism and has threatened and caused reaction from Muslims. Look at the conflicts caused by right-wing partisan political ideology. Look at the conflicts, recessions and depressions caused by the right-wing economic and financial agenda which has made the rich incredibly richer and the rest of us poorer. And look at how in spite of that they are still waving the flag, thumping their bible and rattling their sword, still trying the rule the world by "divine right."
Of course they do it because it has worked for them. And the collusion and partnership of the "religious right" with the Reaganite Neo-Conservatives has also worked for them. Even though they are hypocritical and often even deceptive, many gullible people have believed them. Many people have unwittingly joined the proud, aggressive and militant forces of greed and self-interest, largely because they take refuge in religiosity and patriotism, and justify themselves by claiming to serve God and country.
They repeat the mistakes of history because they don't care about history. They are short-sighted and self-centered, and what they really care about is power, wealth and domain -- how to get it, how to increase it, how to maintain it, or how to regain it -- for themselves and for the industries and corporations that they operate or invest in.
In their world view, it's everyone for himself, and they think that if you're smart you'll get it while you can. They figure that's the way it's supposed to be. After all, as the old Billie Holiday song, God Bless the Child says, "Them that's got shall get, and them that's not shall lose. So the Bible says, but it still is news."
Right-wing bible-thumpers love that idea. The trouble is, they prefer to ignore its conclusion in both the song and in the Bible, because even though it's about reaping what we sow, it concludes by stating it is wrong to reap what you did not sow, or profit at the expense of others even though you do not deserve such profit.
Today the right-wing, bible-thumping hypocrites ignore that because they ignore all inconvenient truths. They follow an age old tradition, believing they are entitled by "divine right" to enjoy great wealth, power and domain and rule over the majority of the people in the world.
In their mind they can do no wrong, and that is why they are now sore losers who cannot stand that Barack Obama is in the White House.They are blind to the truth, and think they know better, so they just fight harder. And, thinking that the end justifies the means, they fight dirtier and resort to slander and deception to tear down those who stand in their way.
Now, all that leads me to say this: They will not be stopped unless or until the truth actually flies in their face, and renders them contrite of spirit.
What truths could do that? Well, I'm glad you asked.
They are actual, historic truths, some of which I've mentioned. And, along with that, they are the self-evident, eternal, universal truths -- which we all already know deep within our heart and soul. They are at the core of all religious and spiritual teachings. They are the real fundamental teachings, as opposed to what "religious fundamentalists" claim. They are about universal peace and love, about charity, generosity, compassion, humility, justice, fairness, good will, mutual respect, understanding, tolerance, forgiveness, and pacifism -- which all true spiritual teachers have taught, including Jesus of Nazareth.
The truths we must face are not necessarily about religion, because they are about living by the universal divine imperative common to all religions --- treat others as you would want to be treated if you were them. That's not about what building you go into to pray, or what name you use for God, and it's not about the way you dress. It's about recognizing that all human beings are brothers and sisters in one family called humanity, because we are all children of the Great Spirit-Parent of all. We are family -- one family, called Humanity, and we are all as leaves on one Family Tree of Life.
We all know that, deep down. We know it innately, and we know it because throughout history countless attempts have been made by many sages to try to enlighten humanity with universal truths. The trouble is, some people think the good advice does not apply to them. That is why, for example, we see proud, militant right-wing bible-thumpers ignoring the advice Jesus gave to be loving, forgiving, and turn the other cheek; to be humble and meek; to judge not; resist not evil (if you are tempted to judge); love even your enemy; and live not by the sword.
We also know the truth because throughout history countless attempts have been made by creative artists to bring humanity into remembrance of the universal truth in countless works of literature, poetry, movies, and songs. And let me give you a very relevant example that comes to mind.
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