The USA was Founded by Christians, Deists, Quakers, Germanic Pagans, Jews, and Native Americans Who Did Not Want to Live Under the Tyranny of Christian Theocracy, aka European Monarchy

The United States was founded on principles of religious freedom and the separation of church and state, rather than as a Christian nation. The Founding Fathers, influenced by Enlightenment ideas, explicitly sought to ensure that the new nation would not have an official state religion, allowing for the free practice of diverse beliefs. Here are some key points to support this argument:

First Amendment: The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution explicitly prohibits the establishment of a state religion and protects the free exercise of religion. This reflects the Founding Fathers’ intent to create a secular government that allows for religious diversity.

Treaty of Tripoli: Signed in 1797, the Treaty of Tripoli states in Article 11, “the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” This treaty, approved by the Senate and signed by President John Adams, clearly indicates that the U.S. was not intended to be a Christian nation.

Diverse Beliefs Among Founders: While many Founding Fathers identified as Christians, others were Deists who believed in a non-interventionist Creator. Key figures like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Paine were influenced by Enlightenment thinking, which emphasized reason, science, and skepticism of religious dogma.

Religious Diversity in the Colonies: The American colonies were home to a variety of religious groups, including Quakers, Jews, protestiants, Catholics, Deists, and adherents of folk traditions like Powwow. The desire for religious freedom was a significant motivation for many settlers, who sought to escape the religious persecution and state-sponsored religions of Europe.

Writings of the Founding Fathers: Many Founding Fathers wrote extensively about the importance of religious freedom and the dangers of religious tyranny. For instance, Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and James Madison’s Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments both argue for the separation of church and state and the protection of individual religious rights.

Secular Framework: The U.S. Constitution itself is a secular document. It does not mention God or Christianity, instead establishing a government based on the principles of democracy, rule of law, and individual rights.

These points collectively support the view that the United States was founded to be a nation where individuals could practice their religion freely without government interference, rather than as a nation founded on Christianity. This foundational principle of religious liberty remains a cornerstone of American democracy.

The Pennsylvania Dutch, also known as the Pennsylvania Germans, included practitioners of a folk healing and a magical tradition known as “Powwow” or “Braucherei.” This tradition has roots in Germanic Paganism, though by the time it was practiced in Pennsylvania, it was often a syncretic blend that included Christian elements.

The Pennsylvania Dutch arrived in large numbers in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, primarily seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities. Their cultural and spiritual practices were indeed part of the diverse religious landscape in colonial America.

While the Powwow tradition was part of the broader tapestry of beliefs in early America, it’s important to note that the primary religious and philosophical influences on the founding of the United States were still largely from Christian and Deist perspectives. The Founding Fathers themselves, including key figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin, were influenced by these dominant ideologies.

Powwow, often referred to as “Pow-Wow” or “Powwow,” is a term that historically and culturally refers to a variety of folk Pagan magic practices found in German-American communities, especially among Pennsylvania Dutch (Deutsch) people. It represents a syncretic blend of European folk traditions, including elements of traditional Germanic Paganism, and Christian beliefs. Here’s how Powwow relates to the historical context:

Historical Context of Powwow

Syncretism and Folk Magic:

   – Blending of Traditions: As Germanic Pagans converted to Christianity, many of their pre-Christian customs and practices were retained in Pagan folk traditions and integrated into Christian frameworks. This blending created a unique form of folk magic that combined elements of Germanic Paganism with Christian beliefs.

   – Cultural Preservation: Powwow emerged as a way to preserve and adapt ancient folk practices in a new cultural context, allowing practitioners to maintain connections to their ancestral traditions while aligning with Christian practices.

Immigration and Cultural Continuity:

   – Migration to America: German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and other parts of the New World carried with them their folk Pagan traditions, including those related to healing, protection, and magic. Powwow, as a form of Pagan folk magic, continued to be practiced within these communities.

   – Cultural Adaptation: In the context of American colonial life, Powwow practitioners adapted their practices to the new environment while retaining elements from their Germanic heritage. This included using Germanic Pagan charms, spells, and rituals for protection, healing, and other purposes.

Christian Integration:

   – Christian Influence: Although practitioners of Powwow often used Christian symbols, prayers, and rituals, they did so in a way that was consistent with their Germanic Pagan folk magic traditions. This integration allowed them to navigate their religious environment while preserving their Germanic Pagan folk practices.

   – Dual Belief Systems: Powwow practitioners often combined Christian faith with Germanic Pagan folk beliefs, creating a unique practice that reflected both their ancestral traditions and their new religious context.

Key Aspects of Powwow

Healing Practices: Powwow often includes various Pagan healing rituals and remedies, such as the use of charms, incantations, and herbal treatments. These practices reflect a deep connection to traditional Germanic Pagan folk medicine and Pagan magical beliefs.

Protective Magic: The practice includes Pagan rituals intended to protect individuals from harm, illness, or misfortune. This can involve the use of symbols, prayers, and specific ritual actions.

Cultural Expression: Powwow represents a form of cultural expression and continuity for German-American communities, linking them to their European Pagan heritage while adapting to life in the New World.

In summary, Powwow represents the continuation and adaptation of traditional Germanic Pagan folk practices within a Christian framework, reflecting the complex interplay between heritage, adaptation, and cultural preservation among German immigrants in America.

Despite the significant religious shift from traditional Germanic Paganism to Christianity, many folk practices and spells retained their original forms and purposes, with only surface-level changes to align them with Christian beliefs. This phenomenon is a common occurrence in cultural and religious syncretism. Here’s how and why this happens:

Continuity of Folk Pagan Practices

Core Practices Retained:

   – Traditional Rituals: Many folk magical practices and rituals from Germanic Paganism were deeply embedded in the cultural practices of communities. These core elements often persisted despite the overarching religious shift to Christianity. This means that many rituals, spells, and practices used in Pagan folk magic remained similar to their pre-Christian forms.

   – Adaptation, Not Replacement: Instead of completely replacing the old practices, they were often adapted to fit the new religious context. For instance, traditional Pagan spells and charms of Germanic Paganism were modified to include Christian elements like invoking Jesus or using Biblical texts, but the underlying magical intents and methods remained largely the same.

Christian Syncretism:

   – Symbolic Integration: Christian symbols and prayers were integrated into traditional folk Germanic Pagan practices to create a syncretic system. For example, using Psalms or invoking Jesus in spells was a way to reconcile the old practices with Christian faith. This allowed practitioners to maintain their folk Pagan traditions while adhering to the new religious norms.

   – Preservation of Power: The belief in the effectiveness of these practices persisted. Practitioners continued to believe in the power of Pagan spells and rituals, so they retained the traditional forms and methods, simply incorporating Christian elements where necessary.

Historical and Cultural Factors

Cultural Continuity:

   – Deep-Rooted Traditions: Pagan folk practices are often deeply ingrained in cultural traditions. Even with a change in official religion, the customs and beliefs held by the common people often persist. This continuity can be seen in various forms of folk magic and superstitions.

   – Community Tradition: In tight-knit communities, especially among immigrants, preserving ancestral Pagan customs was a way to maintain cultural identity. This included adapting rather than abandoning traditional Pagan practices.

Functional Adaptation:

   – Practical Adaptation: The practical aspects of Pagan folk magic, such as healing rituals or protective charms, were valuable to the communities. By integrating Christian elements, practitioners could continue using familiar Pagan methods while aligning with societal norms.

Syncretic Practices:

   – Blending of Beliefs: Throughout history, people have often blended new religious elements with existing practices. This syncretism allows for the continuation of traditional practices in a form that fits within the new religious or cultural context.

In summary, the continuity of traditional Germanic Pagan spells and practices in Powwow, despite the shift to Christianity, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Pagan folk traditions. While the surface elements may have changed to align with Christian beliefs, the core methods and intents of the practices often remained unchanged from Paganism, reflecting a deep-rooted cultural continuity.

That said, the religious diversity of the colonies, including groups like the Quakers, Jews, and various Protestant denominations, as well as folk traditions like Powwow, contributed to the broader cultural and social environment in which the United States was founded. This diversity reinforced the importance of religious freedom and the separation of church and state, as enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution.

Germanic Pagan Deities and Their Adaptations

Odin (Woden):

   – Role: Odin is the chief of the gods, associated with wisdom, war, and magic. He is often invoked in rituals and spells for knowledge and protection.

   – Adaptation: In Christian-influenced folk magic, Odin’s role might be replaced with Jesus or saints, but the methods of seeking wisdom or protection remain similar.

Thor:

   – Role: Thor is the god of thunder and protection, widely worshiped for his power to safeguard and bless.

   – Adaptation: Thor’s protective aspects are adapted to Christian symbols, such as invoking Jesus or using crosses in rituals for protection.

Freyja:

   – Role: Freyja is associated with love, fertility, and magic (seidr). She is often called upon for matters of personal well-being and enchantment.

   – Adaptation: Freyja’s role in magic and personal blessings aligns with Christian practices, such as using Psalms for blessings and protection.

Tyr:

   – Role: Tyr is the god of law and heroic glory. He is invoked for justice and courage.

   – Adaptation: Appeals for justice and courage are made through prayers to saints or Jesus, while the underlying ritual forms remain similar.

Frigg:

   – Role: Frigg, Odin’s wife, is associated with home and family, often invoked for protection and well-being.

   – Adaptation: Her protective and familial aspects are integrated into Christian practices, with prayers and blessings focusing on family and home.

Germanic Pagan Methods for Raising Power

Runes:

   – Role: Runes are used for divination, magical inscriptions, and invoking specific powers. Each rune has its own significance and magical potency.

   – Adaptation: Runes are integrated into Christian practices by combining them with Christian symbols or using them to write prayers.

Incantations and Chants:

   – Role: Oral spells and chants are crucial in invoking magical powers and effects. These are recited in rituals for healing, protection, or other purposes.

   – Adaptation: Christianized incantations might include Biblical verses or prayers while retaining the rhythmic and performative aspects of the original chants.

Herbal Remedies:

   – Role: Herbs and natural elements are used for their healing and protective properties. The knowledge of these remedies is a significant aspect of traditional Germanic Pagan magic.

   – Adaptation: Herbal remedies continue to be used in Christian contexts, often accompanied by prayers or blessings to sanctify their use.

Sacred Symbols:

   – Role: Symbols like Thor’s hammer (Mjölnir) or various runes are used in Germanic Pagan rituals to invoke divine protection and blessings.

   – Adaptation: These symbols might be replaced or complemented with Christian symbols, such as crosses or religious icons, while maintaining their protective or blessing functions.

Folk Rituals:

   – Role: Rituals involve invoking Germanic Pagan deities, performing specific actions, and using symbolic objects to achieve desired outcomes.

   – Adaptation: Christianized rituals retain the structure and methods of traditional practices but incorporate Christian elements, such as using holy water or prayers.

In this way, Germanic Pagan practices adapt to new religious contexts while preserving core elements and methods.

In the 18th century, several forms of Protestantism were present in the United States. Some of the major Protestant denominations included:

Puritans (Congregationalists): Predominantly in New England, particularly Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Anglicans (Episcopalians): Strong presence in the southern colonies such as Virginia, Maryland, and the Carolinas.

Baptists: Found throughout the colonies, with significant numbers in Rhode Island, New Jersey, and the southern colonies.

Presbyterians: Particularly strong in the middle colonies like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Quakers (Society of Friends): Concentrated in Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey.

Lutherans: Primarily in areas with significant German populations, such as Pennsylvania.

Reformed Churches: Including Dutch Reformed (New York) and German Reformed (Pennsylvania).

Methodists: Began to grow in the latter part of the century, especially following the Great Awakening.

These groups often represented the diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds of the early American colonists.

Each of these Protestant groups left Europe for various reasons, primarily seeking religious freedom or escaping persecution:

Puritans (Congregationalists):

   – Reason for Leaving: The Puritans sought to purify the Church of England from what they viewed as Roman Catholic practices. Facing persecution for their beliefs and practices in England, they moved to the New World to establish a community based on their religious principles.

   – Primary Destination: New England, particularly Massachusetts.

Anglicans (Episcopalians):

   – Reason for Leaving: While Anglicans were not typically fleeing persecution, many sought to expand colonial ventures and establish religious communities in the New World. Some were part of the Anglican establishment or came as part of colonial administration.

   – Primary Destination: Southern colonies, such as Virginia and Maryland.

Baptists:

   – Reason for Leaving: Baptists often faced persecution in England and other parts of Europe due to their beliefs in adult baptism and separation of church and state. They sought greater religious freedom and opportunities to practice their faith without interference.

   – Primary Destination: Rhode Island, New Jersey, and southern colonies.

Presbyterians:

   – Reason for Leaving: Presbyterians faced persecution in Scotland and England, where their form of church governance was often at odds with the state church’s policies. They sought freedom to worship and organize their church according to their own practices.

   – Primary Destination: Middle colonies, such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Quakers (Society of Friends):

   – Reason for Leaving: Quakers were persecuted in England and other European countries for their pacifist beliefs, refusal to swear oaths, and nonconformist religious practices. They sought a place where they could practice their faith freely and live according to their principles.

   – Primary Destination: Pennsylvania, founded by Quaker William Penn.

Lutherans:

   – Reason for Leaving: German Lutherans often faced religious and political pressures in their home countries, including conflicts and restrictions based on religious identity. They sought greater freedom and opportunities in the New World.

   – Primary Destination: Areas with German-speaking communities, such as Pennsylvania.

Reformed Churches:

   – Reason for Leaving: Followers of Reformed traditions, including Dutch Reformed and German Reformed, faced religious conflicts and persecution in their home countries. They sought to establish communities where they could practice their Reformed faith freely.

   – Primary Destination: Dutch Reformed in New York, German Reformed in Pennsylvania.

Methodists:

   – Reason for Leaving: Methodists were part of a revivalist movement that gained momentum in England and faced some opposition from established churches. Many early Methodists came to America to spread their evangelical message and establish new congregations.

   – Primary Destination: Various colonies, growing significantly in the late 18th century.

These groups sought the freedom to practice their faith without the constraints and persecution they faced in Europe, contributing to the diverse religious landscape of early America.

The United States was founded not as a Christian nation but as a nation committed to the principles of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. The diverse religious landscape of the early colonies, including Christians, Deists, Quakers, Germanic Pagans, Jews, and Native Americans, played a crucial role in shaping these foundational principles. By rejecting the tyranny of religious theocracy and embracing a secular government, the Founding Fathers ensured that individuals could practice their beliefs freely, making religious liberty a cornerstone of American democracy.