While only 9 signers were CONFIRMED masons, 13 became masons after the signing, and 10 were probable masons, but no documentation of confirmation can be found, so the number could be as high as 32 of the 56 signers.
Many of the most prominent founders were masons, including Washington, Hancock, Franklin, Locke and many, many others. They were less than flattering to religion of any sort.
To make the claim that the founders were guided by Christian principles is simply not true. One only has to read the voluminous quotes available from them about religion and Christianity, spoken before, during and after the American Revolution to understand how untrue a statement that is.
However, I will say that, like them, I would be willing to die to preserve your right to worship or not worship as you see fit, having spent 9 years in the military. Can you say the same, with your religious background, that you would be willing to die to defend my right to deny deity, if I so desired?
This , then, is the crux of what a true, constitutionally grounded American should be; Tolerant of others views and beliefs, and willing to allow fellow citizens the rights that you claim for yourself. Tnere is no other way to function under the constitution.
My beef with Christians and politics is this. Have you ever heard of an avowed atheist even running for public office? The freedom-loving religious right would run him/her out of town on a rail, despite whatever good qualities they posessed for the public office they would seek.
This may also explain why many, many politicians claim to be Christian, but are, in reality, no more Christian than I am. Please, don't get me started on hypocritical, pious politicians, for I am sure to offend everyone.
Hank's prosepctive gutiar player said: "Mr Williams, I'm not sure I can play for you, the onliest chords I know are C D & G"
Hank repleis, after a short pause: "Well, what else is there?"
