Did America Have a Christian Founding?

1. America's founding was deeply influenced by Christian principles

The American republic was not founded in 1787 as a unitary, confessional, Christian state. But it was founded within the context of an overwhelmingly Christian population, and nearly all the Founders adhered to, or were influenced by, Christian moral teachings and practices.

Christian influence pervasive. The vast majority of America's population in the founding era identified as Christian, with Protestantism dominating. This demographic reality shaped the cultural and intellectual context in which the Founders operated. Even those Founders who were not orthodox Christians were steeped in Christian ideas and moral teachings.

Biblical literacy widespread. The Bible was the most widely read and influential book in colonial and early America. Founders frequently quoted and alluded to Scripture in their writings and speeches, often without citation because they assumed their audience's familiarity with the text. This biblical literacy informed political discourse and shaped ideas about government, rights, and morality.

Christian principles in key documents. While not explicitly Christian, foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and Constitution reflect Christian ideas about human nature, rights, and government. Concepts like human equality, inalienable rights, and limited government power align with Christian theology, even if not exclusively derived from it.

2. The myth of widespread deism among the Founders is unfounded

With the exception of Allen, all the founders regularly called deists are clearly on record speaking or writing about God's intervention in the affairs of men and nations.

Deism overstated. Many scholars and popular authors have claimed that most of America's Founders were deists. However, a careful examination of primary sources reveals little evidence to support this assertion. Of the Founders commonly labeled as deists, only Ethan Allen unambiguously fits the definition.

Key figures mischaracterized:

• Benjamin Franklin: Expressed belief in divine providence late in life
• George Washington: Frequently referred to God's intervention in human affairs
• John Adams: Affirmed belief in divine providence and Christianity's importance
• Thomas Jefferson: Rejected some Christian doctrines but believed in God's involvement in history
• James Madison: Spoke of God's role in human events, including the Constitutional Convention

Orthodox Christianity prevalent. While some Founders held unorthodox views, the majority adhered to recognizably orthodox Christian beliefs. Many were active members of Christian churches and integrated their faith into their political philosophies.

3. The Constitution reflects Christian values, not secular Enlightenment ideals

The constitutional order they designed, one characterized by federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances, reflects their Christian commitments.

Christian view of human nature. The Constitution's system of checks and balances and limited government power stems from a Christian understanding of human sinfulness and the corrupting influence of power. This contrasts with more optimistic Enlightenment views of human nature.

Key constitutional principles:

• Federalism: Reflects subsidiarity, a principle with roots in Christian thought
• Separation of powers: Aligns with Christian views on the distribution of authority
• Limited government: Consistent with Christian ideas about human rights and dignity

Natural rights grounded in theology. The Founders' conception of inalienable rights, foundational to the Constitution, was largely based on the Christian idea that humans are created in God's image and endowed with inherent dignity.

4. Jefferson and Madison's influence on church-state separation is overstated

Jefferson was a brilliant man who made important contributions to the creation of the American republic, but this does not mean that he was responsible for everything that happened in the founding era.

Jefferson's limited role. Thomas Jefferson was not involved in drafting or ratifying the First Amendment, as he was serving as ambassador to France during this time. His famous "wall of separation" metaphor came years after the amendment's adoption and was not influential in its original understanding.

Madison's nuanced views. While James Madison played a significant role in drafting the First Amendment, his views on church-state relations were more complex than often portrayed. He supported some government involvement with religion, including appointing chaplains and attending worship services in government buildings.

Other influential voices:

• Roger Sherman: Helped draft the First Amendment and supported religious liberty
• Oliver Ellsworth: Played a key role in the final wording of the Religion Clauses
• Fisher Ames: Proposed the final language of the First Amendment

5. Most Founders supported government promotion of religion and morality

Without an exception of which I am aware, they agreed with George Washington that of "all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."

Religion and republican government. The Founders widely believed that religion, particularly Christianity, was essential for fostering the moral character necessary for self-government. They saw religious faith as a source of civic virtue and social stability.

Government support for religion:

• Proclamations for days of prayer and thanksgiving
• Funding for legislative chaplains
• Support for religious education in the Northwest Ordinance
• Religious language in official documents and speeches

State-level promotion. Many state constitutions and laws in the founding era explicitly supported and encouraged Christianity, including religious tests for office and laws protecting Christian morality.

6. Religious liberty was rooted in Christian theology, not Enlightenment philosophy

An important reason Americans embraced religious liberty was because of their Christian convictions.

Theological arguments for freedom. Many Founders argued for religious liberty based on Christian principles, such as the duty to worship God according to conscience and the idea that true faith cannot be coerced.

Key Christian advocates:

• Roger Williams: Early proponent of "soul liberty"
• William Penn: Argued persecution produces hypocrites, not true believers
• Isaac Backus: Baptist minister who championed religious freedom
• John Leland: Influential Baptist leader who supported church-state separation

Biblical basis. Advocates for religious liberty frequently cited Scripture to support their arguments, particularly New Testament passages emphasizing voluntary faith and the separation of religious and civil authority.

7. The Founders supported religious accommodations and exemptions

America's founders embraced a robust understanding of religious liberty—one that included creating exemptions to protect religious citizens from general, neutrally applicable laws.

Protecting conscience. The Founders recognized that some laws, even if generally applicable, could burden religious practice. They supported accommodations to protect religious freedom in such cases.

Examples of accommodations:

• Allowing Quakers to affirm rather than swear oaths
• Exempting religious pacifists from military service
• Protecting religious minorities' right to worship

Constitutional protection. The Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment was understood by many Founders to require religious exemptions in some cases, a view later adopted by the Supreme Court.

8. Christian principles benefited all Americans, regardless of faith

One need not be a Christian to profit from limited government, checks and balances, and the rule of law.

Universal application. While rooted in Christian ideas, the constitutional system created by the Founders benefits citizens of all faiths and none. Principles like religious freedom, limited government, and the rule of law protect everyone's rights.

Religious diversity protected. The Founders, while mostly Christian, designed a system that accommodated religious diversity. They rejected religious tests for federal office and protected the rights of religious minorities.

Ongoing relevance. The Christian-influenced principles of the founding continue to shape American law and society, providing a framework for addressing contemporary challenges in religious liberty and church-state relations.

Last updated: November 18, 2024