NationStates Jolt Archive


Very Interesting....

Culex
31-01-2005, 04:07
I thought this very interesting and nice:

High Atop the Washington Monument

I thought that you and others may like to know this. One detail that is not mentioned in DC, there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.

With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc... This is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this historical information.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.

Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5,125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.


Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.


So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"


Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo... Praise be to God!"

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with it's division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.

A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.


Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ...."One Nation, Under God."

I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!

"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large." And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Laus Deo!
As you probably guessed, over 92 percent of Americans like the idea that our Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear when one studies the history of our great nation, that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations.

When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look.

Though many try to disprove and reason, their arguments are weak and easily proven without basis. Their efforts will forever be in vain; God assures us of that. Have you noticed as of late, how many more people are coming together, affirming the fact that this nation was, from the beginning, built on God? Any nation that is not built upon God will fail Do you wonder why, when other nations fall into an abyss, does the United States continually prosper? Now you know, but do not let the arrogance of some instill doubt within you. The truth is . . We have always been one nation under God! Laus Deo! Praise be to God!

You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", it's location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget it's meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
(Psalm 127: 1)

Tell me what you think. :)
Evil Arch Conservative
31-01-2005, 04:15
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.

Looks legal to me. I think the government should be strictly secular, but the constitution begs to differ.
Minskia
31-01-2005, 04:16
some people are taken that seperation of church and state to far. All the four fathers ment was that the goverment couldn't force a religion on the people. Nothing more, nothing less. Than you. Now time for the people who disagree with me to yell and shout.
Reaper_2k3
31-01-2005, 04:18
some people are taken that seperation of church and state to far. All the four fathers ment was that the goverment couldn't force a religion on the people. Nothing more, nothing less. Than you. Now time for the people who disagree with me to yell and shout.
four? did i miss something, and it was jefferson that repeatedly stated the words "wall of seperation betwee church and state"
Buechoria
31-01-2005, 04:18
That's really cool. Thank's for telling me - I wouldn't have known it otherwise! :P
Culex
31-01-2005, 04:20
Exactly what minskia said.
No religion is to be forced on the people.
But our nation is based so much on Christian thought.
Stormforge
31-01-2005, 04:21
L'Enfant planned the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials before they died! Holy crap! Say hello to my new religious figure!
Evil Arch Conservative
31-01-2005, 04:26
four? did i miss something, and it was jefferson that repeatedly stated the words "wall of seperation betwee church and state"

Jefferson interpreted the first amendment in favor of the establishment clause generally, but there is another side with an equally compelling argument that is the free exercise clause. Putting laus deo on the washington monument could be considered free exercise of religious beliefs, even if it was by the government.
New Fuglies
31-01-2005, 04:27
Exactly what minskia said.
No religion is to be forced on the people.
But our nation is based so much on Christian thought.

Uhh... most western nations are but grew tired of theocracy. ;)
Serene Forests
31-01-2005, 04:50
Exactly what minskia said.
No religion is to be forced on the people.
But our nation is based so much on Christian thought.

Wrong! see Article 11 of the Barbary Treaties: Treaty of Peace of Friendship:

"As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion,-as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen,-and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."

The US government is a SECULAR Democratic Republic, no matter what folk think. It is to be neutral in religious issues. Many people came here to get away from the religious restrictions imposed on them by their home nations.

I've heard that many of the Founding Fathers were Deists, not Christian. What history books have you been reading?

Oh, and what the author meant by "Musselmen"? Muslims.



source: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/barbary/bar1796t.htm
Underemployed Pirates
31-01-2005, 06:57
for what it;s worth.
Robbopolis
31-01-2005, 08:16
four? did i miss something, and it was jefferson that repeatedly stated the words "wall of seperation betwee church and state"

And it was Jefferson who wasn't even at the Constitutional Convention. He was busy playing ambassador to France.
Armed Bookworms
31-01-2005, 08:24
four? did i miss something, and it was jefferson that repeatedly stated the words "wall of seperation betwee church and state"
Subconciously you realize what he meant. You capitalized church, as in High Church. The sort of thing England and several other European countries have had.
Armed Bookworms
31-01-2005, 08:26
Wrong! see Article 11 of the Barbary Treaties: Treaty of Peace of Friendship:

"As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion,-as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen,-and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."

The US government is a SECULAR Democratic Republic, no matter what folk think. It is to be neutral in religious issues. Many people came here to get away from the religious restrictions imposed on them by their home nations.

I've heard that many of the Founding Fathers were Deists, not Christian. What history books have you been reading?

Oh, and what the author meant by "Musselmen"? Muslims.



source: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/barbary/bar1796t.htm
That was put in place, when you get right down to it, as a bit of political expediency to stop the Barbary pirates from raping our shipping.
Silent Truth
31-01-2005, 08:29
I stopped reading after the eighth or ninth time I read "Praise be to God!"
Robbopolis
31-01-2005, 08:29
Wrong! see Article 11 of the Barbary Treaties: Treaty of Peace of Friendship:

"As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion,-as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen,-and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."

The US government is a SECULAR Democratic Republic, no matter what folk think. It is to be neutral in religious issues. Many people came here to get away from the religious restrictions imposed on them by their home nations.

I've heard that many of the Founding Fathers were Deists, not Christian. What history books have you been reading?

Oh, and what the author meant by "Musselmen"? Muslims.



source: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/barbary/bar1796t.htm

Jefferson called the Bible the cornerstone for American liberty.
"Our contry was founded on the gospel of Jesus Christ." -- Patrick Henry
Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution, 52 were active member of their respective churches.
"We've staked our future on our ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all our heart." -- James Madison
Washington's farewell address expressed that it is impossible to have national morality apart from religious principle.

As for the above quote, it seems logical to me that when making a treaty with a Muslim group, that we should attempt to seperate oursleves from any sort of religion so that peace may be made a bit easier.

Our country was founded on the Christian religion, even if the new "history" books don't like that idea.
Slinao
31-01-2005, 08:39
some people are taken that seperation of church and state to far. All the four fathers ment was that the goverment couldn't force a religion on the people. Nothing more, nothing less. Than you. Now time for the people who disagree with me to yell and shout.

It was done so that the nation couldn't force a religion onto people like the King did with the Church of England, as well as prevent the church from ruleing the nation like the Pope did in the past.

It was to protect religion, the people, and the nation.

Many people see it now as protecting the church from the laws, and allowing them free rein.

Others feel its to keep it all secular, and to keep religion to churchs.

I think it means that religion shouldn't be a base for making laws or ruling the government. It should be by the people and for the people. Secular and Religious, to encompass the whole.

Maybe its my centralist ideals, but it just makes more sence that way. Don't need as much government that is given anyways.
Pantylvania
31-01-2005, 08:41
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/monument.asp
Culex
02-02-2005, 00:06
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/monument.asp
I recieved it in an email.
Interesting how tose are the exact same words..... :p