In response to Roy G. Wilson’s Jan. 19 letter “Freedoms apply to all,” it is true that the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli Article XI stated “As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” There’s more to that phrase that is conveniently left out: “as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen (Muslims); and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan (Mohammedan) nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.” Article XI was assuring Muslim nations that America was not one of the so-called Christian nations that fought a “holy war” during the Crusades.
As to the assertion that America was not founded on Christian principles, over 300 court cases in past 200 years have ruled America is a Christian nation. This doesn’t mean other faiths and beliefs are not welcome. But reading the papers of the Founders will attest to the fact that biblical principles were paramount in the forming of the government and the culture. John Adams, instrumental in the wording of the Treaty of Tripoli, said, “Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. … What a Utopia; what a paradise this region would be.”
Connie Meuchel
Ridgefield
