So much for us being a Christian nation

I just found out about the Treaty of Tripoli, unanimously approved and ratified by the Senate in 1797, which ended the war between the U.S. and North Africa (the original War on Terror).

Article 11 of the treaty reads:

As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries. (emphasis mine)

Well, they spelled "tranquility" wrong, but the rest is pretty clear. Note the part where America officially declares that it is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion. The president at the time was John Adams, who helped write the Declaration of Independence, so he would probably know.

Therefore, the debate is settled. America is not a Christian nation. The end. If anyone tells you it is, just say "Treaty of Tripoli!" and walk away, argument over.

Also note that the North African states were technically under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, which, being in control of Mecca at the time, was the official Muslim Caliphate. Which means the Muslim Caliphate signed a treaty promising never to attack the U.S. under any religious pretext. Which means that Osama bin Laden, if he actually claims to be acting as an official agent of Islam, violated the treaty his forebears signed...