As I understand it manifest destiny and divine destiny were intertwined. God intended for the US to control all land from sea to sea. The Natives were either to be converted or destroyed as heathens. As they were incarserated on reservations, they were banned from practicing their faith or speaking their language. Religion played a large part in the destruction of the natives culture.
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You are Sooo right cosworth !
When they say that the US is(now) 80% christian, .....back then (1608-1860 ish) the US was MORE christian(perhaps 90-95%), and again...the Jews/Muslims/Hindu's/Buddhists had virtually ZERO to do with the ATROCITIES !
When you say that "GOD" prompted the actions against the Indians, during the FALSE PHOPHESY of MANIFEST DESTINY, it wasn't the "GOD" refered to in the OLD TESTAMENT,.....NO, it was the "GOD" refered to in the NEW TESTAMENT. GOD in the "NT" = Jesus, and therein lies the Problem/reason. !!
Heck, the Indians knew MORE/LONGER about "GOD"/Creator than ANYONE/(group), and I...M E A N...A N Y O N E......(jews/Asians..approx. 5000 years/...Hindu's I'm not exactly sure)
But what the Indians KNEW way back then, to be a "BS" story, was Jesus.
They were right THEN....They are right..NOW(except for the poor "converts" who chose jesus, rather than STARVE to death.
Hey, I'm not knocking anyones beliefs,......to each his/her own.