tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931682382198278362.post4578942285276190701..comments2008-06-23T19:22:31.892-06:00Brad Hartnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6931682382198278362.post-6233365368024724632008-06-23T19:22:00.000-06:002008-06-23T19:22:00.000-06:00Brad, regarding your fourth item, which I duplicate below ...<BR/><BR/>"4.) At the very least, Washington maintained a deep appreciation and allegiance to Christianity. This is evidenced by his regular attendance and his devotion to Christian principles."<BR/><BR/>Washington was tremendously respectful of others sentiments and liberty. While I take no offense to you interpretation, I'm not sure it is accurate. His expression of "appreciation and allegiance" *may* be a reflection of his respect for the sentiments of others. I'm not saying it is, but am cautious about making a definitive claim.<BR/><BR/>In any event, Washington's appreciation and allegiance appears (to me) to be focused on liberty, justice, and civil harmony, rather than any <I>authoritatively specified</I> philosophy and/or religion.<BR/><BR/>I suspect GW was like many others. His religion is inspired by the words and actions of others but is not subject to them. His religion was subject to his will, and while influenced, not subject to the will of another.<BR/><BR/>However, to be honest, I don't think GW's religious opinions are of any real significance. What is of significance is the manner in which he lead his life. All to often those who claim him to be among them wish to take actions against others in a manner that would appear to be in direct contradiction to the historic record of how GW's life :-(<BR/><BR/>I have no reason to expect your opinion is far from mine, but thought I'd offer a comment with a different perspective :-)bpabbotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17047791198702983998noreply@blogger.com