Another fable

While many people may derive benefits from belief in the Christian God, including spiritual well-being and goodness, (Where does goodness actually come from? Kadashan, Bert Adams Sr., Sunday, Sept. 1), several historians and a poet (me) believe the "Valley Forge Prayer" to be a fabrication. Its source is Parson Mason Locke Weems, the 19th century publisher who more famously provided us with the cherry tree fable.

• Photos

Against that, we have testimony from Bishop White who claims Washington did not kneel in prayer, and eyewitness accounts report that he stood during the devotional service. The evidence of Washington's personal diaries suggests that he was not much of a church-going man.

Besides, everyone knows that the real Washington was kidnapped and replaced by Adam Weishaupt, founder of the Bavarian Illuminati (a notorious association of free-thinkers).

M.D. Christenson

Juneau