Christians Archives - Common Sense Evaluation

“Give me liberty, or give me death!” Patrick Henry’s famous words echoed through the halls of history, but they were not the only rallying cry that fueled the American Revolution. Behind the scenes, another force was at work: Christian Nationalism. And at the forefront of this movement was George Washington, the first President of the United States.

What Christian Nationalism Is

Christian Nationalism is a political ideology that combines Christianity with national identity. It is characterized by the belief that America was founded as a Christian nation and that the Christian faith should play a central role in shaping the country’s laws, culture, and politics. Some believe that Christian Nationalism is a positive force that unites the country under shared values, while others argue that it is a divisive and exclusionary movement that marginalizes religious minorities.

George Washington, the first President of the United States, can be considered the original Christian Nationalist. He was a devout Anglican, and his faith played a significant role in his life and political career. Washington’s speeches and writings are filled with references to God and the divine providence that guided the American Revolution.

How Washington’s faith influenced his leadership and decisions

In his inaugural address, Washington declared, “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States.” This statement reflects his belief in God’s guidance and the importance of faith in shaping the nation’s destiny.

Washington’s leadership also drew from his Christian values. He famously said, “I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn in precedent.” This quote demonstrates his commitment to setting a good example for future generations, a value that is deeply rooted in Christian teachings.

The influence of Christian Nationalism on the founding

The influence of Christian Nationalism can be seen in the founding documents of the United States. The Declaration of Independence, for example, refers to “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God,” and the Constitution mentions “the Year of our Lord” to indicate the date of its adoption.

Moreover, many of the founding fathers were devout Christians, and their faith played a significant role in shaping the country’s values and principles. This is evident in the First Amendment, which guarantees religious freedom, and in the emphasis on liberty and individual rights that is central to the American political system.

Christian Nationalism and its role in modern politics

While Christian Nationalism has played an important role in American history, its influence in modern politics is a subject of debate. Some argue that it is a positive force that unites the country under shared values, while others worry that it is a divisive and exclusionary movement that marginalizes religious minorities.

The key to understanding the role of Christian Nationalism in modern politics lies in the balance between religious freedom and the separation of church and state. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This principle is essential to maintaining a diverse and inclusive society that respects the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Final Thoughts

George Washington was the original Christian Nationalist. His faith played a significant role in shaping his leadership and decisions, and his legacy continues to influence American politics to this day. As we grapple with the role of Christian Nationalism in modern society, it is essential to remember the lessons of history and the importance of maintaining a balance between religious freedom and the separation of church and state. By understanding our past, we can better navigate the challenges of the present and work towards a more united and inclusive future.

George Washington Praying at Valley Forge Art Print

Conspiracy Featured

The Shroud of Turin: A Mystery of Faith and Science

February 27, 2024February 25, 2024 gags

The Shroud of Turin is one of the most intriguing and controversial relics in the history of Christianity. It is a large linen cloth that bears the faint image of a man who appears to have suffered physical trauma consistent with crucifixion. Many believers claim that the shroud is the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, and that the image was miraculously imprinted on the fabric by his resurrection. Skeptics, however, argue that the shroud is a medieval forgery, and that the image was created by artistic or natural means.

The shroud has been the subject of intense scientific and religious debate for centuries. It has been examined, tested, and analyzed by various experts, from historians and theologians to chemists and physicists. Yet, despite all the efforts, the origin, and authenticity of the shroud remain unresolved. How did the image form on the cloth? How old is the cloth? What does the image tell us about the person it depicts? These are some of the questions that still puzzle and fascinate researchers and believers alike.

The History of the Shroud

The earliest historical records of the shroud date back to the 14th century, when it was displayed in a church in Lirey, France, by a knight named Geoffroy de Charny. He claimed to have acquired the shroud from a crusader in Constantinople, but he did not provide any details about its previous history. The shroud soon attracted the attention of the public and the church authorities, who were divided over its authenticity. Some people revered the shroud as a holy relic, while others denounced it as a fraud.

In 1988, the shroud was subjected to radiocarbon dating, a scientific method that measures the age of organic materials by analyzing the decay of carbon-14 isotopes. Three independent laboratories in Oxford, Zurich, and Arizona performed the tests and concluded that the shroud was made between 1260 and 1390, implying that it was a medieval forgery. However, many critics challenged the validity and accuracy of the tests, citing various factors that could have skewed the results, such as contamination, uneven distribution of carbon-14, or faulty sampling methods.

Since then, the shroud has been reexamined by several other researchers, who have proposed alternative hypotheses and methods to date the cloth and explain the image. Some of them suggest that the shroud is much older than the radiocarbon dating indicated, and that it could have originated in the Middle East, possibly in the first century. Some of them also propose that the image was formed by a natural or supernatural phenomenon, such as a burst of radiation, a corona discharge, or a divine intervention.

The Image of the Shroud

The image of the shroud is a faint, negative, and three-dimensional impression of a man’s body, front and back, with wounds and bloodstains that match the biblical accounts of the crucifixion. The image is not visible to the naked eye, but can be seen more clearly by photographic techniques. The image is also not painted or dyed on the cloth, but embedded in the fibers of the linen, as if it was scorched or oxidized by some kind of energy.

The image has been studied by various experts, who have tried to identify the physical characteristics, medical conditions, and historical clues of the man it represents. Some findings include:

The man was about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed about 175 pounds.
The man had long hair, a beard, and a mustache, which were common among Jewish men in the first century.
The man had a prominent nose, a high forehead, and large eyes, which could indicate a Semitic origin.
The man had abrasions, bruises, and swellings on his face, which could have resulted from a beating or a crown of thorns.
The man had scourge marks on his back, chest, legs, and arms, which could have been inflicted by a Roman flagrum, a whip with metal balls and bones attached to leather thongs.
The man had a wound on his right side, which could have been caused by a spear thrust, as described in the Gospel of John.
The man had nail wounds on his wrists and feet, which could have been the result of a crucifixion, although some scholars argue that the nails should have been placed on the palms and ankles instead.
The man had bloodstains on his head, hands, feet, and side, which were consistent with the wounds and the gravity. The blood was type AB, which is rare but not impossible among Middle Eastern populations.

The Significance of the Shroud

The shroud of Turin is more than just a piece of cloth. It is a symbol of faith and mystery, a challenge to science and reason, a witness to history and suffering, and a reflection of humanity and spirituality. For some people, the shroud is a proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and a reminder of his love and sacrifice. For others, the shroud is a fascinating puzzle, and a source of curiosity and wonder. For all, the shroud is a mystery that invites us to explore, question, and appreciate the mysteries of life and death, of faith and science, and of the past and the present.

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