First, I want to take this time to explain where I live and the sentiment around me. I live in what is referred to as the Bible Belt in America. The state I live in is undeniably Republican and comes with an assortment of beliefs that have been deemed as "gospel". The most interesting of many is the notion that "our" country was built on Christian faith and whoever disagrees can go straight to hell. Having been raised around this induction of collective assertions, I decided to educate myself on the truth about our history and how these common beliefs became such a mainstay in our daily lives that no other influence is tolerated.
Having spent the majority of my life thinking "outside" of the box, I am completely used to being criticized by not only family but also those around me who just accept what is taught without asking questions. This would include the majority of people I meet or try to have a conversation with who do not already know me. I also find that the local newspaper elects to buy into the notion that "our" nation is built on the Christian minded forefathers as well. This, in particular, bothers me the most considering the avenue in which is supposed to refrain from expressing biased opinions. I am proven wrong about what a newspaper is actually supposed to function as on a weekly basis.
Had I been raised in a larger, more affluent part of the United States, I may have gotten an accurate account of history. Instead, I was raised to study a watered down version that encouraged the students to believe in a misinterpreted, biased, myth based history that is still being assigned to it's students. I was cheated out of one of the most basic educational facets, I believe. History is supposed to be facts. A record of what is going on that day. Sure, there are things that lead up to an experience, but the basic knowledge is something that is recorded and not something prettied up to fit one's ideas and beliefs.
History is not supposed to be an opinion. Fact: I woke up on February 19, 2011 at 0815. That is history. There is no room for: I woke up on February 19th, 2011 at 0815 thinking about what I am going to cook for breakfast. Because instant oats were a famous breakfast at the time, I decided I would eat Oats. That is how history is told in a small town in Oklahoma in a Republican state in the middle of the United States of America.
Now, I try to reason the question, "Is religion the backbone of America?". In order to answer this question, it takes an understanding of history. First, "America" was not discovered. It already had inhabitants thriving without needing another entity to supply them resources. In order to understand this new's of a "NEW WORLD" we have to remember that it was a time in which satellites were not beaming information back to earth. The myth that a man named Christopher Columbus was the first to discover North America is so widespread that there is actually a holiday in honor of this man. The sad truth is, Christopher Columbus wasn't only not the original discoverer, but he was not even the first European to land in America. The Vikings are who should hold this honor, with their first nautical landing from Greenland. Yes, the notorious Erik The Red would find America many years before the famed Christopher Columbus landed.
The second Monday in October is considered Columbus Day to most of America. Many people observe this holiday in honor of their hero Christopher Columbus, who has been given the acknowledgement of "discovering" America. It is a crock of crap today as it was a pile of shit then. I refuse to celebrate this holiday, as I refuse to celebrate anything that is a lie. This is what I have been raised to believe. This is the type of people who are writing our history books and teaching our children. This is the type of history that is like a fairy tale and I know that it has soiled the minds of many people.
Religion did not and has not built America. When someone says "Our founding fathers would turn in their graves if they saw how this great land was corrupted by anti-Christian values", please tell them I said to fuck off. After that, if they are still listening to what you have to say, remind them that it was the founding father's they have to blame for NOT having religion as a forefront to all decisions made for this country. Have them read the Constitution, and show them that it does not include the phrase "Separation of Church & State," neither does it say "Freedom of religion." Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. [bold caps, mine] That is the 1st Amendment. Funny how the very people who are yelling and cursing a government that does not allow for religion are also the same people who love to refer to the Constitution. It is my opinion that these same people have not read nor understand the Constitution and that they are just influenced by a society and thinking that is infected with myths, lies and rumors. Much like the public schools when teaching history.
shawnhunley
