I agree and disagree with both of you guys, though I'm sure we're all on the same page.

God is definitely necessary to the philosophy and morality of the United States. The unquestionable belief in a Creator and His "God-given rights" forms the bedrock of what can and can't be altered in our country. It's what people will die for.

If you don't believe in this absolute authority, and if you do believe that our nation is formed by concepts delivered by flawed human beings, then America could not have the solidity, conviction, and exceptionalism that makes us unlike any other country on Earth.

At the same time, it's not that our nation and philosophy is like Christianity because it's based on Christianity. Rather, both endeavors work towards the same truth and realization of God's Will, and thus their similarity.

So while you don't need to be Christian to fully appreciate the American Spirit, you do need to know God. And the true God just happens to be who Jesus spoke of and also is.