Conspicuous in their absence

The things we don't find in our religion might tell us more than the things we do

Why did they layout D.C. like this? (2)

Why this symbol?

Many evangelists now insist that America was founded to be a Christian nation. They say that our founding fathers were Christian. However, when we look at the writing of our founding fathers we do not find references to Jesus, or The Bible, or salvation or the trinity, or any of the other terms that demonstrate Christian faith.
Instead we find the generic terms "Creator," and "Divine." These more generic terms were popular among Deists of the 18th century. Evidence is that most of the founding fathers were Deists. In fact, George Washington specifically stated that this was not a Christian nation. Thomas Jefferson referred to Christianity as a severe "perversion." Also when we look at the symbols they used, they symbols are distinctly non-Christian. Instead, they used the pyramid, square & compass, the pentagram and hexagram, the eagle, etc. All symbols derived from non-Christian sources.

Why would people founding a Christian nation never use Christian terms or symbols? Why would they stick to non-Christian terms and symbols?

Various televangelists have called George W Bush a Christian leader. However, others have observed that he does not attend church. He celebrated only a secular Christmas, playing only secular music at his Christmas party. So, what makes us think a leader who does not take part in Christian traditions might actually be Christian?

Some evangelists have presented the war as a Christian priority. Some have even said that Bush was chosen by God to lead the final battle between good and evil.
However, the Bible has no prophesies regarding a Godly leader who will lead the final battle. The Bible instead talks of evil leaders who will lead mankind against God to destruction. Jesus said "Love your enemies," and "turn the other cheek." Neither Jesus nor the diciples ever discussed Christian governments. Instead they distinguished between heavenly and earthly, Caesar and God.

Christmas, Easter, holy days of obligation.

Recently the religious right have made an issue of Christmas. Check the Bible. The celebration of Christmas is never mentioned in the Bible. Easter is never mentioned. There is no mention of early Christians celebrating these holidays. There is no mention of when or how to celebrate them. The exception is that in some translations the two references to Passover are translated as "Easter." If the two holidays are never mentioned in the New Testament, are they really important to Christianity, or even a real part of Christianity?
Instead, in one passage, in Paul mentions that those who believe they need to celebrate holidays have failed to understand the message.

Abortion is considered a core issue for American Christians. However, there is not a single clear reference to abortion anywhere in the Bible. There is one vague reference in the Old Testament about accidentally harming an unborn child. In that same set of passages there is a reference about accidentally killing somebody with a broken ax. This set of passages also have detailed instructions on the proper way to sacrifice a bull. Instead, later old testament mention the Godly killing of heathen babies.

The Bible has no clear reference to the Trinity in the New Testament. Yes, God is mentioned, as well as the Holy Spirit, the Holy Father, and the Son of Man. There are various names for God in the Old Testament. Similarly, no discussion as to how we should understand God, Father, Holy Spirit, and Son of Man ever occurs. Perhaps, the Trinity is a concept added later by those trying to come to grips with the words.

Mary is now revered by many Christians. However, she is never once mentioned in the Epistles. If Mary is so important why do the apostles never mention her?
Instead, in the few passages that mention Mary, Jesus clearly distances himself from her. He says things like "Woman, what have I to do with you?" Why are there only a few, mostly distancing, references to Mary, and no references to Mary at all after the four Gospels?

There is only one vague reference to celibacy in the New Testament. That reference is not a command. Instead its suggestion for facing hard times.
Instead there is a very clear reference saying that priests should have a wife and well behaved children. The passage even states that the behavior of the children should be part of the determining factor qualifying the man for priesthood. Also, Peter's mother-in-law is mentioned.

The only mention to Mary being a virgin occur at the birth of Jesus. Later the Gospels mention Jesus' brothers. James calls himself the brother of the Jesus.

There is no clear reference to a papacy. There is one vague reference to Peter being a "rock" or "pebble." There is no clear reference to a central priestly authority.
Instead, Jesus specifically instructs his followers not to become rulers over each other, including his instruction, "Call no man father." There is a reference to Paul arguing with Peter. New Testament writers say that Jesus is "the rock." Old Testament writers say that God is "the rock." Why if Peter were the Pope would there never be a single reference to his authority, and a clear reference showing his authority challenged by another church leader?

Nearly all Christians baptize infants. Yet, there is not a single reference to infant baptism in the New Testament. There is not a single clear command given to baptize infants. All the New Testament examples of baptism are adults.