Treaty reference misapplied

Bill Bancroft’s assertion (Letters, May 23) that the Treaty of Tripoli proves the founders never considered this a Christian-based nation is ludicrous. Read the treaty! It’s about behavior on the high seas, with Congress placating a potential enemy, saying America was not a theocracy inherently at odds with a Mohammedan state.

“America’s God and Country” (William Federer) lists 2,100 quotes from founders and early Americans proving the opposite of Bancroft’s opinion. And don’t forget that pesky Supreme Court decision, Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States (Feb. 29, 1892), which declared us a religious people and a Christian nation.

Jesus said his kingdom is not of this world (per its format or processes). When Jesus does set up His kingdom, it will be a global theocracy that He will rule with a “rod of iron.”

God is impartial concerning who can be saved, but salvation is exclusively through Christ! God has honored only the religion He gave through Moses on Mount Sinai. No one can keep it; a Savior is essential. So it’s true, all “religions” are powerless, but Christ restores a relationship; He doesn’t purify religions.

Most of the founders understood this; many Americans today don’t.

Rod Foss

Spokane