Cat in Socks
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2013 RELIGIOUS LibERTY ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
Sponsored by the Religious Liberty Council of the Baptist Joint Committee
Entry forms are pages 2 and 3 of this document
ESSAY TOPIC The United States of America was religiously diverse at its founding. Its population included numerous Protestant groups, small Catholic and Jewish populations, those who practiced traditional Native American religions as well as those who practiced African religions. The United States has become even more religiously diverse, yet Christianity has remained the majority faith tradition since the country’s beginnings. Today, some Americans assert that the country was founded as a “Christian nation” while others contend that statement is a myth. Using the Constitution and writings of the Founders, research and evaluate the claim that the United States was founded as a “Christian nation.” Include a discussion of the current implications for religious freedom for all people in a democratic country in which the majority rules in elections and ballot initiatives. ELIGIBILITY The contest is open to all high school students in the graduating classes of 2013 and 2014. There are no requirements involving GPA, faith, activities or anything else. PRIZES First Place – $2,000 & trip for two to Washington, D.C.* Second Place – $1,000 Third Place – $250 LENGTH 800 (minimum) to 1,200 (maximum) words Note: the word count does not include title and bibliography SUBMISSION & DUE DATE: The essay, student registration form and essay adviser form all must be mailed together to the following address by March 1, 2013: Baptist Joint Committee Essay Contest 200 Maryland Avenue, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 Entries and registration forms must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2013. No email or fax entries will be accepted. REQUIREMENTS 1. Submitted essays should be in 12-point type, double-spaced and single-sided. To ensure fairness, your name (or any other identifying information) should not appear on
2013 RELIGIOUS LibERTY ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
Sponsored by the Religious Liberty Council of the Baptist Joint Committee
Entry forms are pages 2 and 3 of this document
ESSAY TOPIC The United States of America was religiously diverse at its founding. Its population included numerous Protestant groups, small Catholic and Jewish populations, those who practiced traditional Native American religions as well as those who practiced African religions. The United States has become even more religiously diverse, yet Christianity has remained the majority faith tradition since the country’s beginnings. Today, some Americans assert that the country was founded as a “Christian nation” while others contend that statement is a myth. Using the Constitution and writings of the Founders, research and evaluate the claim that the United States was founded as a “Christian nation.” Include a discussion of the current implications for religious freedom for all people in a democratic country in which the majority rules in elections and ballot initiatives. ELIGIBILITY The contest is open to all high school students in the graduating classes of 2013 and 2014. There are no requirements involving GPA, faith, activities or anything else. PRIZES First Place – $2,000 & trip for two to Washington, D.C.* Second Place – $1,000 Third Place – $250 LENGTH 800 (minimum) to 1,200 (maximum) words Note: the word count does not include title and bibliography SUBMISSION & DUE DATE: The essay, student registration form and essay adviser form all must be mailed together to the following address by March 1, 2013: Baptist Joint Committee Essay Contest 200 Maryland Avenue, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 Entries and registration forms must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2013. No email or fax entries will be accepted. REQUIREMENTS 1. Submitted essays should be in 12-point type, double-spaced and single-sided. To ensure fairness, your name (or any other identifying information) should not appear on