@JennMGreenberg To add balance to this, many American states (9 of the original 13), had established state Christianity, and some even levied public taxes to pay clergy.
@KR3Wmatic You basically articulated the "dilemma" aspect of the Gospel (pretty well actually). The second half is that He offers us salvation based on His righteousness and atonement.
@emilyjuniper_ It's performative transgression - likely intended as a deathwork, a sacramental act attacking and undermining the culture whose interdicts they revile.
@iamAtheistGirl Morality is based purely upon God's character, so it actually predates humans themselves. It's technically independent of the space-time continuum.