Is the USA a Christian nation? - George Washington

Washington was a great man in every way. A man of deep conviction and modesty, nothing I have read has led me to believe he was anything other than the personification of what American "values" should be. He was not the ‘Father of the Declaration of Independence’, he was not the ‘Father of the Bill of Rights’, and he was not the ‘Father of the Constitution’. He was however the 'Father of our Country'. What a title to be given to any man about a nation that would grow to become arguably the greatest nation the world has ever seen. What an honor. One could literally go on for hours on this man’s deeds; examples of his self sacrifice, martial skill, personal integrity, wisdom, intelligence, and benevolence.

Though not instrumental in the framing of our government or its intrinsic tenets, Washington never the less gave this nation its character and therefore his views should carry at least as much and perhaps even more weight than the other founding fathers. This makes it all the more disconcerting that historians can’t really decide on some of his most basic convictions.

There is evidence that he was a strong proponent of religious tolerance/liberty. One of the better quotes demonstrating this was in regards to fears from the Jewish community which of course had faced persecution almost everywhere else. “...the Government of the United States ... gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance. ... May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.” In addition he is quoted as having said "If they be good workmen, they may be from Asia, Africa, or Europe; they may be Mohammedans, Jews, or Christians of any sect, or they may be Atheists."[1]

At times he went to church fairly regularly. At other times he would go years without attending. When he did go he often visited many different denominations both catholic and protestant. Debate continues to what degree Washington was a Christian and to what degree he was something else. In fact debate even rages on whether or not he took communion when he did attend. So the long and the short of it is, no one is really sure what Washington’s views were on Christ. The only thing historians can seem to agree on concerning this is that they can’t agree.[2][3][4] In fact the debate is so ingrained in our study of this great man that Wikipedia actually has a page on the debate, independent of the page on him.[5]

James Madison's vote was, ‘abstain’ because of a lack of information. George Washington’s vote is, ‘abstain’ because of conflicting information. What will Hamilton's be?

Score:1-1-2

Citations:
[1] wikipedia.org , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington#Religious_beliefs
[2] ushistory.org (Proof Washington was a Christian?), http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/youasked/060.htm
[3] earlyamericanhistory.net , http://www.earlyamericanhistory.net/founding_fathers.htm
[4] infidels.org , http://www.infidels.org/library/historical/franklin_steiner/presidents.html#1
[5] wikipedia.org, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_and_religion