As the government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen : it is declared : that no pretext arising from religious opinion shall ever product an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries. : The United States is not a Christian nation any more than it is a Jewish or a Mohammedan nation.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The United States is not founded on any single religion and should not let religious opinion disrupt international harmony.
- In plain terms
- America is a secular nation; religion shouldn't affect foreign relations.
- What can you take from it?
- Maintain separation of church and state in diplomacy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does secularism affect global perception?
- Can a nation be truly neutral in faith?
Another view
Religious groups may still influence politics despite official secularism.
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