The rabid obsession of progressive secularists — people who hate traditional values and more generally, hate America — is to state the founders were secular individuals with little use for God. These morally and ethically bankrupt individuals couldn’t possibly be more wrong — or more disgusting in their falsehood.

These people often cite Thomas Jefferson as an example of a founding father who fits within their viewpoint, which is to say they twist history. Jefferson was a deist (at worst) — not an atheist — and believed God was indispensable as the originator of man’s liberty.

In fact, Jefferson made statements throughout his life that asserted his religious beliefs. In Notes on Virginia, Jefferson wrote: “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever.” And, in Rights of British America, he wrote: “The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them.”

In addition to his many written statements, Jefferson scattered biblical references throughout the Declaration of Independence. According to federal judge Michael McConnell, Jefferson regularly attended church in the hall of the U.S. House of Representatives, and allowed various denominations to practice in other federal buildings. As president, Jefferson even commanded federal resources be used to Christianize Native Americans.

In order to see just how wrong these frauds — the secular progressives — are about our nation’s founders, let’s turn to some examples. Take for instance Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, founder of the Sunday School Movement in America and America’s first Bible Society. Rush wrote in a letter: “The only foundation for a useful education in a republic is to be laid in religion. Without this there can be no virtue, and without virtue there can be no liberty.” Patrick Henry, another patriot, said: “The Bible is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed.”

Or, perhaps we should look at some Supreme Court decisions. In 1844, the Supreme Court of the United States held that: “Christianity is part of our common law.” Later, in 1892, it further held: “No purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, state or national, because this is a religious people. This is historically true.”

Now, to any person not blinded by hate for religion these things would indicate that the United States of America does indeed have historical roots mixed with religion — such a strong mix that it would make many Americans uncomfortable today. It should be obvious, then, just how wrong these liars are when they say America was born of secular roots by secular individuals.

The concept of church and state — which appears absolutely nowhere in the Constitution — is something these haters hide behind as they work tirelessly to remove religion (and the exercise thereof) from our daily lives.

Instead of giving people the opportunity to worship as they please — a right the Constitution actually provides — and instead of allowing government to have a healthy interaction with religion (but not an endorsement of any religion in particular), secular progressives are out take other people’s rights away from them.

Men such as Michael Newdow — who sued and won in federal court to strip God out of the Pledge of Allegiance (subsequently dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court) — are tyrants out to hurt other people and America, and their actions must be stopped.

Matthew White is a senior magazine journalism major and a columnist for the Daily Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].