I Believe...And I Am Not Ashamed
By Marilyn Mackenzie
Twice this month, Don Wildmon, American Family Association founder and chairman, wrote articles about not being ashamed of what he believes and who he is. In each, he referenced Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then the Gentile."
In the first article, published on WorldNetDaily, Are We Ashamed? Wildmon talked about some incidents with President Obama.
Wildmon reminded us that on April 6 while in Turkey, Obama said, "we (American citizens) do not consider ourselves a Christian nation."
Before Obama spoke on April 14 at Georgetown, one of the country's leading Catholic universities, the White House insisted that all religious symbols be covered.
Then on May 7, Obama did not conduct any formal observance of the National Day of Prayer. Although he signed the proclamation, he did not continue the practice of President Bush of inviting Catholics, Protestants and Jews to a formal ceremony to recognize the day.
Don Wildmon reminded us in his article that our forefathers were not ashamed of their faith. In the Mayflower Compact, they declared that their voyage had been undertaken "for ye glorie of God, and advancement of ye Christian faith."
Schools and universities in America were founded on the Christian faith. The referenced article mentioned some of them, but in my research I discovered that 106 of the first 108 colleges in America were started on the Christian faith. By 1860 there were 246 colleges in America. Seventeen were state institutions; almost every other one was founded by Christian denominations or by individuals who avowed a religious purpose.
Interestingly, as late as 1892 in the Holy Trinity Case, the Supreme Court solemnly declared that this was a Christian nation. And yet, people deny that our nation was ever a Christian nation and never founded on Christian principles. (See Christian Nation )
- Harvard (1636) - The Rules and Precepts said that, "Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, (John 17:3), and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning."
- William and Mary (1691) - The college was started, "that the Church of Virginia may be furnished with a seminary of ministers of the gospel, and that the youth may be piously educated in good letters and manners, and that the Christian religion may be propagated among the Western Indians to the glory of Almighty God."
- Yale (1701) - Started by Congregational ministers, with the primary goal "every student shall...know God in Jesus Christ."
- Princeton (1746) was founded by Presbyterians to preserve and spread the fervor of the Great Awakening.
- University of Pennsylvania (1751) -Although not started by a Christian denomination, its laws reflected Christian character. Here are the first two, relating to moral conduct: 1. None of the students or scholars, belonging to this seminary, shall make use of any indecent or immoral language: whether it consist in immodest expressions; in cursing and swearing; or in exclamations which introduce the name of God, without reverence, and without necessity. 2. None of them shall, without a good and sufficient reason, be absent from school, or late in his attendance; more particularly at the time of prayers, and of the reading of the Holy Scriptures.
- Other colleges: Columbia, 1754 (called King's College until 1784), Dartmouth ,1770; Brown started by the Baptists in 1764; Rutgers, 1766, by the Dutch Reformed Church; Washington and Lee, 1749; and Hampton-Sydney, 1776, by the Presbyterians.
- Massachusetts had the first education law in 1647 which said that it was "one chief project of Satan to keep children from the knowledge of Scripture" and required that all parents make sure their children learned to read and write. The Bible was used as a common text in early American schools, as was the Christian New England Primer. Our founding fathers thought it was right and proper for schools to use the Bible as a text in schools. John Adams is quoted as having said in 1756, "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 would this region be!"
Today, in schools across America, our young people are not allowed to mention the name of Jesus or have a Bible in their lockers.
Wildmon mentions some examples:
"Renee Griffith, 2008 co-valedictorian at Butte High School in Montana, planned to tell her fellow graduates that during her high school experience she had learned to be a person with a purpose from God with a passionate love for Him. Her co-valedictorian expressed confidence that "the power for change is inherent in humanity and each individual" and that "we all have the framework for greatness and impact." His humanistic faith was acceptable to the authorities, but just before the ceremony, officials ordered Renee to remove the words "Christ" and "God" from her speech and replace them with "sharing my faith" and "lived with a purpose, a purpose derived from my faith and based on a love of mankind." She refused, and she was therefore barred from speaking at her graduation. She sued, and her case is currently before the Montana 13th Judicial District Court.
In Colorado, high school valedictorian Erica Corder mentioned Jesus Christ in her graduation speech, and her principal then ordered her to sign an apology as a condition for receiving her diploma. She sued, and her case is currently before the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
And in a Nevada high school, valedictorian Brittany McComb strayed from her script to say that Jesus had filled a void in her life, and as she said, "God's love is so great that he gave up - gave up his only Son ...," her microphone was shut off in mid-sentence. The liberal 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals recently ruled that her free speech and equal protection rights were not violated, and she is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court."
As Wildmon said, we can be proud of the young people he mentioned for standing up for their rights.
In the second article I read by Don Wildmon, in the American Family Association Journal, he also talked about not being ashamed. It's in the latest issue and not available online yet. The title is, "Not Ashamed."
Wildmon mentioned that he believes that Paul, in saying that he was not ashamed of the Gospel, was also saying that he had pride in the Gospel, "not boastful or arrogant pride and self-importance, but reasonable and justifiable respect."
Wildmon shared a long list of things of which he is not ashamed, of which he is reasonably and justifiably proud.
He began his list with:
"I am a Christian, and I am not ashamed of it.
I am an American, and I am not ashamed of it.
I am a conservative, and I am not ashamed of it."
He continue his list saying that he was pro-life, believed that marriage is for one man and one woman, that he votes his convictions not a political party, that he does not buy anything that he cannot afford, that he believes the baby in the womb is a person, that sex is not a product for sale, that our schools should educate and not indoctrinate, that judges should judge and not legislate - and of these things he is not ashamed.
He mentioned believing that the Constitution and not the laws of other nations should be the source for legal decisions here, that the liberal media is biased, that capitalism nurtured by Christian ethics is the best economic system - and of these things he is not ashamed.
He said that:
"I believe socialism will make us all equal - equally poor, and I'm not ashamed of it.
I believe that those who preach tolerance are the most intolerant individuals you will ever meet, and I am not ashamed of it.
I believe those who refer to others as bigots are the real bigots, and I am not ashamed of it."
Wildmon ended by explaining that he believes he has earthly life to live and he intends to live it fighting for the things he believes. And that he is not ashamed of that.
As I read through the list of things that Don Wildmon believes and of which he is not ashamed to admit believing, I found that I agreed with each one. I believe each of these same things and I am also not ashamed.
Have you pondered exactly what you believe? Have you ever written it down like this? Why not? Are you ashamed?
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Comments: 56 ( 1 removed by Marilyn M. )
NIV Matthew 6:1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
No other comments are needed, I believe... no other discussion. All is clear. If only your "Christians" care just a little bit for what Jesus actually told. :-)
Blessings - S.
Obviously, we'll have to disagree about this, Svetlana. Since it's my discussion, I believe I have the right to decide whether or not more comments are accepted and whether or not more discussion is needed.
We're not talking about giving or acts of righteousness here. We're talking about what we believe. Jesus made it known what he believed. And he also gave us some pretty clear instructions about what we're supposed to do - go and make disciples being one of them.
It's rather difficult to go and make disciples without speaking about one's faith.
I deliberately used the word "needed", nor "allowed" or "accepted", Marilyn. I've met some of your American fundie missionaries here in Moscow many years ago - and I daresay that I would feel MUCH more sympathy for them and for your country in general if they didn't "speak" about faith, but just kept their mouthes shut and learned first. Such utter primitivism is not for the country of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, you see - and I wonder how someone could buy it even in America. "Speak about faith" doesn't mean to show it off, especially in such... e-r-r... version. As for Obama, kudos to him for NOT being a hypocrite! Probably the first US President on my memory who won, at least partially, my sincere respect. :-)
Blessings and best wishes - S.
But Svetlana, the difference in my country and yours is that mine was founded on Christian principles.
Marilyn - Russia has become Christian in 888 CE, even before the first Viking set his foot on American shore!!!... That's what I'm trying to say - no wonder that your missionaries looked so... so... e-r-r-r. :-) They simply forgot to know their place.
Blessings - S.
And another thing... if someone knows about Christianity a single bit, it's easy to see that NO country can be possibly founded on "Christian principles" since Christianity is just not "designed" for it. It is NOT political by nature. Jesus had NO state machine in mind, He was preoccupied with God's kingdom among us. It could be adjusted to serve the politicians' needs, but then it will be not Christianity, but a junkie substitute for it.
Blessings - S.
Have you read our founding documents, Svetlana? Many have said that the country cannot possbly work without those principles. And that's probably why it's not working so well anymore. :)
So when we were told that the communists would not allow any religious activities in Russia, was that false information?
Yes, this was false. Churches were functioning even during the Communist regime, and I was baptized in one as a baby. They didn't allow any religious propaganda, that's true, but those who DID want to believe, believed - and with much more sincerity than I can see now when every bureaucrat considers it fashionable to stand during the Easter service with candles, barely hiding their yawns...
Blessings - S.
Interesting. And yet they would not allow pastors who preached all over the world to come there or Christian bands to come either.
Well, Gorbachev came and they came... and you already know what a typical reaction was. ;-) Again, this is the country of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky - who NEVER were prohibited, BTW.
Blessings and best wishes - S.
Svetlana, I'm curious to know how you explain away what Jesus said just before the ascension. He said to the apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel. That was a command to all Christians. Sharing our faith is part of being a Christian. Maybe you just choose to obey what you want but the Bible doesn't give us that option.
First, historical Jesus NEVER said it. This is the common opinion of all the Biblical scholars with even the modicum of knowledge and reputation. These words were ascribed to him by the early church. As a Biblical scholar, I know this for sure. Second, sharing our faith doesn't mean to throw it into the people's faces. The most disgusting thing in your US missionaries I noticed is that they arrived to the country with the 100% literacy (unlike your own, BTW) - assuming that the people here couldn't just take the Bible out of the bookshelf, read it by themselves and make their OWN conclusions. And, third, Bible or not, you, too, choose to obey what YOU want, or otherwise you would have slaves, or become your husband's property, or ordered your own son to be executed for any disobedience... the list could be continued. Obviously, you haven't read the WHOLE Bible, much less given any thought to it, dear Kimberly... :-)
Blessings - S.
Svetlana, it appears that your studies have been different than mine. Have I read the entire Bible? Yes, three times. I know what it says. In Matthew 28:19-20, it says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." I checked 5 commentaries - Barnes, Wycliffe, Adam Clarke, Matthew Henry and Jamieson, Fausset, & Brown Commentary and they all agree as to the meaning of this.
It appears that you don't understand the part about a wife being submissive. I have seen some wonderful marriages where that was the case, but it has to be in one where the man has a wonderful love and connection to the Lord and when he loves his wife so much that he would lay down his life for her. When that is actually the case, a woman can gladly be submissive, because the man will not take advantage of that.
Of course we're free to obey or not obey. That has always been the case. But we are not free to make up what the words mean or don't mean. Truth is truth whether we want to believe or not.
Dear Marilyn - please, don't refer to the hopelessly obsolete commentaries for any other reason save the historical ones. For me, this is just as absurd as if you were referring to Ptolemy's theory when speaking with an astronomer. And I won't buy any "submissiveness" for a woman, under ANY dressing. Maybe the Bible's attitude towards women was "progressive" in its own times (though even that I doubt), but not in ours. After all, I'm a 21st century woman, not the 1st. And please remember to whom you owe the fact that you can vote, own the property and feel yourself a human, not a chattel. Certainly NOT to the church that always opposed progress and human rights, not endorsed them. Period. ;-)
Blessings - S.
Svetlana, this discussion is hopeless. We will continue to disagree. I love the Lord with all of my heart, mind and soul. I believe that the Bible is God's word, His instruction manual for us and His love letter to us. Thanks for your comments, but if you have more, I suggest that you put them in your own post. Thanks.
Why should anyone be ashamed of what they believe?
Unnecessary ignorance is another matter. Belief isn't exactly voluntary any more than the first language we learn is a choice. That's why those brought up Christian are almost always Christian and so forth.
Second, I may be ashamed of the behavior of my children (while they were children) and of my team's play since I am the head coach, but I am not ashamed of the behavior of anyone for whom I am not responsible.
Larry, we'll have to disagee about " That's why those brought up Christian are almost always Christian and so forth." We're doing a study right now by a pastor whose mother as Jewish and his father was nothing (a professional gambler, actually). He ended up being a Christian pastor. Many preachers kids leave the faith. And while 80% of people who become Christians when they are under 18, that means that 20% are adults when they become Christians. In many cases, they are persons whose parents were not religious.
It's not so much that we believe. It's that we have forced or tried to force Christianity on the native Americans and others for years. We have to be careful. I'm not advocating not believing, merely saying that there is a better way.
Hmmmmmm, I read my Bible and do pay heed to everything it says.....interesting!
Great article, Marilyn.
Mark 8:38 "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Luke 9:26 "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
Amen to that, Felix!!
I do not think any one has to be ashamed of what they believe.I believe in God and in Jesus Christ. But I do not go to church . But it does bother me that the nonbelievers have taken God out of the schools. Out of our courts and almost out of every thing that our fore fathers set up for us.
Schools are strictly for science, not for religion, ANY religion. Period. Besides, by all Russian saints, what kind of "God" it is if someone can "remove" Him/Her from any place whatever?...
Blessings - S.
Again, we'll have to disagree, Sventlana. One cannot possibly have a well rounded education if religion is left out of the picture. History has to include religion, since what has happened in the world has to do with who believed what at any given time.
History of religion, yes; religion per se, no.
Blessings - S.
Great post. Thank you.
I am never ashamed of my faith. I do however, refuse to argue my beliefs and follow the words regarding 'putting your pearls before swine' (my pearls being my precious beliefs and faith) and 'shaking the dust from my feet and walking away' from those who don't or can't understand what I'm speaking about. You get no where by arguing with people about what is so precious and personal to those who believe. I'm all for answering the question that is asked, but preach to others, no, that's not me. We as Christians have our own beliefs, and some are not the same, so how can we get others to believe as we do. They will find what they need to do if they only 'ask'. That's when I'll help Him out down here and answer a question. It's the fanatacism that has made many Christians 'ashamed' or silent. I'll suffer in silence.
Bravo, Marilyn!!
All indians and not a genuine tried and true chief to be found..... Our forefathers were basically God fearing, brave and wise men... Our nation was built upon and blessed abundantly through our faith in and comittment to our Heavenly Father. "In God We Trust" To look at her today, I hate to say, but I am shamed at what she is becoming. All because some took it upon themselves to "change or fix" that which was not originally broken instead of building upon what worked and what we had been given by God, while those that knew better, stood by afraid and did little to nothing to stop them.... We reap what we sow and our nation today is starving...
Marilyn, EXCELLENT article btw......
I believe we were outnumbered, not that no one was willing to try to work with what we had. If one were to really examine the Scriptures, it's all in there. This has been happening for decades, but few saw the real signs.
Marilyn, you did a great job and those who wish to ignore what the Bible says will be dealt with ultimately.
I believe that Don Wildmon is a liar and a bigot, and that he uses the AFA to spread hate, intolerance, and ignorance. And I am not ashamed of my belief. I am, however, disappointed that some of my fellow Americans appear to share Mr. Wildmon's twisted worldview.
Hi Will. These are my beliefs. I don't think they're twisted at all, but a part of what it means to be a Christian. Have a great rest of the day.
"Christian Nation" is a very informative site, Marilyn!! They sure can't argue with those facts.. lol.. I'm headed now to check out the other link you provided! Thank you.....
Ohhhhhhhhhhh yes!!! Your "Are we ashamed" link is a great educational tool as well! That is for those who are serious and may have a hankering to get educated... lol... Isn't it all so very easily understood and apreciated when we seek our knowledge and wisdom from Scripture while we watch the foolish madness of minds that are dancing all around us....
His timing is always perfect and when, we sure don't know
But untill he catches us up, his word from us should flow
I won't doubt him or try to rush that which only he knows best
But I would lie if I should say I don't long to be held to his chest.
Yes our King sure is coming because he loves us so.
But there are still some folks he's waiting on to turn to him you know
When those last precious souls surrender, angels in joy will weep
Every last knee will then bow to Jesus Christ our King! ~Sandy A
Thanks, Sandy!
I don't go to church, but I believe in God and Jesus and don't feel people need to be ashamed of what they believe in. It does bother me that people who are not spiritual do not feel that God has a place in schools.
Here's the thing ... if this country was founded as a Muslim country, and I am a Christian, I would not want my kids taught to believe in Allah when they went to a public school. So I can certainly see that point of view from non-Christians. Yes, I think children need religion. And they should get it ... at HOME and at CHURCH. Not at school. There are too many different religious sanctions in this country, because we are a melting pot. No matter how we were founded, we are a huge combination of diversity, which is beautiful. But we cannot expect to pick just one of the many belief systems and force it on everyone who sends their children to public school. God wants believers who have faith, not believers who are taught doctrine and spit it out to pass tests at school.
But do you think that the valedictorian who wants to mention God as her reason for her success should be kept from doing so?
No. I think someone giving a speech about their own personal success should be allowed to say whatever they want. I just don't believe that our schools should teach religious faith, unless they are prepared to teach EVERY possible faith system in the world, and there are an awful lot of them.
Hi Will. These are my beliefs. I don't think they're twisted at all, but a part of what it means to be a Christian.
I noticed that your "Christian Nation" link is to a website maintained by an organization called Vine & Fig Tree. According to the info on their website, they believe:
Are these your beliefs as well, Marilyn? Do you believe that the United States should be a theocracy? And do you share Vine & Fig Tree's ultimate goal of eliminating all churches and all governments, not only in the U.S. but throughout the world?
I also noticed that the folks at Vine & Fig Tree believe in "radical, comprehensive, total predestination". They don't believe in free will. Are those your beliefs also, Marilyn?
Hi Will. Not going to get into any religions discussions or debates with you. Sorry. My beliefs are listed above by Wildmon. I believe that God is our Creator and Father, that Jesus, His Son died for our Sins. I believe that the Holy Spirit is our Guide and Comforter. I believe in the trinity. And I believe as Wildmon about the issues he listed, and I am not ashamed.
The link was provided only for the page about the Holy Trinity case. I researched that elsewhere and could have used a different link, I suppose, but I'm sure you would have asked if I mirrored all the thoughts from any other site as well.
My beliefs are listed above by Wildmon. I believe that God is our Creator and Father, that Jesus, His Son died for our Sins. I believe that the Holy Spirit is our Guide and Comforter. I believe in the trinity. And I believe as Wildmon about the issues he listed, and I am not ashamed.
Don Wildmon believes that the United States should be a theocracy, and that any government that doesn't function according to biblical standards is illegitimate.
The link was provided only for the page about the Holy Trinity case. I researched that elsewhere and could have used a different link, I suppose, but I'm sure you would have asked if I mirrored all the thoughts from any other site as well.
Do you want the United States to be a theocracy, Marilyn? I think you do.
Wil, I explained what I believe. That's all I have for you.
Wil, I explained what I believe. That's all I have for you.
And I explained what I believe. I believe that you want the United States to be a theocracy. I also believe that Don Wildmon is a liar and a bigot, and that he uses the AFA to spread hate, intolerance, and ignorance, and that you purposefully assist him in doing so. And I am not ashamed of my beliefs.
I believe that when I get to Heaven I am going to get a huge reward for putting up with you, Wil.
No, I don't want a theocracy.
"I believe that when I get to Heaven I am going to get a huge reward for putting up with you, Wil."
I believe that neither you nor Don Wildmon will ever get to Heaven.
No, I don't want a theocracy.
Given many of the sources of the information you spead here on Gather, I believe that you're not being honest.
And I am not ashamed of my beliefs.
Wil, as I have tried to explain to you before, sometimes the best explanations or descriptions of a problem or event are found on a web site that might not be what I believe otherwise. That doesn't mean that the one page is not a source to be used. As my pastor always says, "Truth is truth no matter who reports it."
My prayer for you is that one day your heart will be softened.
"Wil, as I have tried to explain to you before, sometimes the best explanations or descriptions of a problem or event are found on a web site that might not be what I believe otherwise. That doesn't mean that the one page is not a source to be used."
I wasn't referring only to your link to the Vine & Fig Tree folks, Marilyn. Wildmon wants a theocracy, too. First in the U.S., and then globally.
"As my pastor always says, "Truth is truth no matter who reports it."
Is Homer Simpson your pastor, Marilyn? Because your "truth" looks like doughnut truth ("only the truth, and the whole truth, with a hole in the truth") at best, a complete and utter lie at worst.
Wil, the fact that those colleges were started by Christians is historical fact.
Wil, the fact that those colleges were started by Christians is historical fact.
Did I say it wasn't? That's how doughnut truth works, Marilyn. The United States of America was not founded as a Christian theocracy. That is also a historical fact.
It seems to me that this nation WAS, in great part, founded on Christian principles, resulting in a foundation of Christian theocracy. I don't believe the framers ever intended to deny that,nor should we.
With more than 76% of the population being Christian, Americans in government, from the beginning, as well as across the USA today, identify with that precept. It seems a perfectly legitimate descriptive term, despite the protests of radical left wingers and atheists.
In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson said government's purpose is to secure the inalienable rights "endowed (on us) by our Creator."
In his Farewell Address, George Washington called religion an "indispensable support" to political prosperity, warning us not "to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
Ben Franklin proposed opening the Philadelphia Convention each day with prayer, because he believed that "God governs in the affairs of men," and he feared the prospect of forming a government solely "by Human Wisdom, and leav(ing) it to chance, war and conquest."
Were all the Framers Christians? No, but many were, and even those who didn't accept Christ (namely Franklin and Jefferson) believed in a higher power and recognized religion's importance to any free society.
The Constitution does not mention God, and true, we have a separation of church and state. But both statements are irrelevant. Separation of church and state was more for the benefit of the church than the state.
We are founded in significant part upon the Christian idea that every person is created equal...a phrase straight from the Bible. There are a multitude of Bible teachings which determined the way this country was founded.
Some phrases from the Declaration of Independence: (Which appeals to God no less than five time.)
"... the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them..."
"...We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..."
"...we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor..."
God, not government, grants liberty is seen in Galatians 5:1. The "pursuit of happiness" is found in Ecclesiastes 3:13. The Fourth Amendment comes from Deuteronomy 24:10, 11. The Eighth Amendment originates in Deuteronomy 15: 2, 3. Fisher Ames, the same man who wrote the First Amendment, also wrote that the Bible should always remain the principle text book in America's classrooms.
The United States of America was built upon three fundamental documents: The Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. 97% of the founding fathers were practicing Christians and exercised their faith in public office, at work, at home, and had it taught to their children in their schools.
Now, we are seeing an attempt to remove all traces of religion from these documents. There's nothing "prejudiced" about telling the truth about our heritage ... but there is something "un-American" about suppressing it.