Whose view of the O T is authoritative? Jewry or Christianity?

[chi pan]

the founding fathers were not deists. some were christian and some were not. Thomas Pain was not. others were. here are some quotes.

While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.

--The Writings of Washington, pp. 342-343.

"I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.

--The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, p. 385.

The Bible will also inform them that our gracious Creator has provided for us a Redeemer, in whom all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; that this Redeemer has made atonement "for the sins of the whole world," and thereby reconciling the Divine justice with the Divine mercy has opened a way for our redemption and salvation; and that these inestimable benefits are of the free gift and grace of God, not of our deserving, nor in our power to deserve."

--In God We Trust—The Religious Beliefs and Ideas of the American Founding Fathers, p. 379.
John Jay- 1st Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and President of the American Bible Society