Why Do Many Believe This Country was Founded Upon Christian Principals?

Here is a poll that shows over 85% of the U.S. consider themselves Christian.

My guess as to why so many claim that the principals of Christianity is what this nation was founded upon, (now notice I am not claiming that the founders were mostly Christian, merely that the principals were), is evidenced by:

- a Letter that John Adams wrote to Thomas Jefferson on June 28, 1813 where he was saying that this was in fact the basis for the system of government in America…

The general principles, on which the Fathers achieved independence, were the only Principles in which that beautiful Assembly of young Gentlemen could Unite....And what were these general Principles? I answer, the general Principles of Christianity, in which all these Sects were United: . . . Now I will avow, that I then believe, and now believe, that those general Principles of Christianity, are as eternal and immutable, as the Existence and Attributes of God; and that those Principles of Liberty, are as unalterable as human Nature and our terrestrial, mundane System. - Lester J. Capon, ed., The Adams-Jefferson Letters 2 vols. (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1959), 2:339-40

- And when Adams wrote: “The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue equity and humanity…” - John Adams, The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States, Charles Francis Adams, Ed., (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1856) III:421, dairy entry for July 26, 1796.

When most people miss a meeting and want to know what took place, they ask one of the participants who was there for an account. Now, the account may not be 100% accurate, but one would hope that the "tone" or the "concepts" of the meeting would be similar if all were asked.

There may be other quotes that may show that others had other things to say about the founding principals of our nation, but I doubt we will find such an exact quote on the "Underlying Principals" of our founders. We may find that other things were discussed, but I would love to see other quotes about the "Principals" not being Christian, I just can't believe that Adams would have been so specific and yet not be with a consensus.

- And many other early records that show that most of the framers believed in God, (most were Theists), and most believed in Christian principals, even if they weren't Christian, (as evidenced by Adams quote above), and above all they wanted a nation that had no “National Church”, but yet one that recognized God.

Again, no one particular church. Secular does not mean "anti-religious", it means, "not relating to a religion or a religious body." - American Heritage Dictionary

.“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great Pillars…” - George Washington

Some of the Founding Fathers were slave owners, and many of them recognized that they needed to do something about that, and some did. But most saw it for what it was and worked to get rid of such an evil practice. But that is for a different post.

Well there you have it.

Probably will be ignored by the Christian haters out there, but then all you can do is present your facts and let those who are open minded ponder it with real intent to know and not intent to start putting it down as quickly as they can.