"I have heard other modern version defenders imply that Westcott and Hort are irrelevant to the subject of the biblical text because "no textual critic now holds to the Westcott and Hort theories of textual criticism."

This position dodges THE REAL ISSUE, WHICH IS THE FACT THAT WESTCOTT AND HORT REPRESENTED THE SIGNAL DEPARTURE FROM THE RECEIVED TEXT THAT IS REPRESENTED TODAY IN THE POPULAR THEORIES OF TEXTUAL CRITICISM. Westcott and Hort built upon the foundation established by their predecessors, such as Griesbach, Lachmann, and Tischendorf. Westcott and Hort adapted the textual theories of these men into their own unique blend.

While today’s textual scholars do not always admit that they follow Westcott and Hort, many of the more honest ones do admit that they are powerfully influenced by the these men. Bruce Metzger is probably the most influential textual critic alive.

"In the spring of 1778, the Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, PA. They resolved three main religious controversies. They:

Decided that there would be no religious test, oath or other requirement for any federal elected office
Allowed Quakers and others to affirm (rather than swear) their oaths of office
Refrained from recognizing the religion of Christianity, or one of its denominations, as an established, state church.
But there was no specific guarantee of religious freedom."