TRUE

The Treaty of Tripoli is often cited in discussions regarding religion in government because of Article 11 2. The most common English version, translated by Joel Barlow, claims the U.S. is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion 3 5. However, historians have identified that this English translation is inaccurate when compared to the original Arabic text 6. The Arabic version of the article contains no such statement, focusing instead on religious opinions not being a pretext for violating the treaty 6. Because of this discrepancy, some argue the English text was essentially an unofficial addition by Barlow or a specific declaration regarding state establishment 1 4. Thus, the clause is viewed by some as an unreliable representation of the original diplomatic agreement 2 6.