Just in time for Christmas: House Resolution 847

‘Tis the season for lots of things, among them politicians making sure we understand what the season really “means.”

House Resolution 847 “acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of western civilization.”

Introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) earlier this month, the resolution passed 372-9.

It makes a great read:

Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world;

Whereas there are approximately 225,000,000 Christians in the United States, making Christianity the religion of over three-fourths of the American population;

Whereas there are approximately 2,000,000,000 Christians throughout the world, making Christianity the largest religion in the world and the religion of about one-third of the world population;

The original version of the resolution included the text:

Whereas identify themselves as those who believe in the salvation from sin offered to them through the sacrifice of their savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who, out of gratitude for the gift of salvation, commit themselves to living their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Bible.

So what does the passage of this resolution actually mean?

Resolved, That the House of Representatives–

(1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world;

(2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide;

• (4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization;
  (5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and

(3) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith;6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world.

Separation of Church and State? I guess that doesn’t mean much of anything.

abroach.com | | December 24, 2007