The U.S. Was Never Founded as a Christian Nation

A Nation Divided by a Myth

Picture this: It’s 1787, and delegates from 13 states have gathered in Philadelphia to draft a Constitution defining a fledgling nation. Heated debates fill the air, but one subject conspicuously absent is religion. Contrary to modern Christian nationalist claims that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, the Founding Fathers crafted a government without mention of Christianity, Jesus, or the Bible.

Today, some argue that the Founders were covert Christians who intended for the United States to embody biblical values. However, a closer look at their writings, personal beliefs, and the laws they established reveals a vision far removed from the evangelical narrative.

The Founding Fathers: Deists, Skeptics, and Secular Thinkers

While Christianity was culturally dominant in 18th-century America, many Founding Fathers rejected its orthodox tenets. Leaders like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison adhered to deism—a belief in a Creator who does not intervene in human affairs—and expressed skepticism toward institutionalized religion.

Thomas Jefferson, for instance, famously created the Jefferson Bible, a version of the New Testament stripped of miracles, divine claims, and the resurrection. In an 1819 letter to William Short, Jefferson revealed his personal creed:

“I am of a sect by myself, as far as I know.”

Similarly, Benjamin Franklin was a self-described deist. In his 1790 letter to Ezra Stiles, Franklin stated:

“I have some doubts as to Jesus Christ’s divinity, though it is a question I do not dogmatize upon.”

John Adams further dispelled the notion of a Christian nation in the 1797 Treaty of Tripoli, which explicitly states:

“The Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”

Religion and the Constitution: A Secular Framework

The Founding Fathers’ commitment to religious liberty is most evident in the Constitution, which establishes a clear separation between church and state. The First Amendment’s “establishment clause” prohibits Congress from favoring any religion, underscoring their intent to create a pluralistic society.

James Madison, the chief architect of the Constitution, passionately defended this principle in his Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments (1785), warning against government entanglement with religion:

“The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man.”

This vision was revolutionary. By ensuring that religion remained a private matter, the Founders safeguarded individual freedoms. They prevented theocracy from taking root in the new republic.

Addressing Counterarguments

Christian nationalists often argue that the Founders were privately Christian and merely avoided overtly religious language for the sake of inclusivity. However, their writings consistently contradict this claim. Jefferson’s criticisms of the clergy, Franklin’s doubts about Christ’s divinity, and Adams’ explicit statements about the secular nature of government all point to a deliberate rejection of Christian nationalism.

Some proponents point to phrases like “endowed by their Creator” in the Declaration of Independence as evidence of Christian intent. However, the term “Creator” is deliberately broad, reflecting deist beliefs rather than a specific religious doctrine.

It’s worth noting that some Founders, such as Patrick Henry and John Jay, were devout Christians who believed in integrating faith into public life. However, they were in the minority. The Constitution’s secular framework reflects the broader consensus among the Founders to avoid entangling religion and government.

Timeline of Key Moments

• 1785: James Madison writes Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments, opposing state-sponsored religion in Virginia.
• 1787: The U.S. Constitution is drafted without mention of Christianity or the Bible.
• 1791: The First Amendment, establishing the separation of church and state, is ratified.
• 1797: The Treaty of Tripoli, declaring the U.S. is “not founded on the Christian religion,” is ratified unanimously.
• 1802: Jefferson pens the Letter to the Danbury Baptists
• 1804: Jefferson completes the Jefferson Bible, removing supernatural elements from the New Testament.

A Modern Connection

The tension between secular governance and religious influence is far from resolved. For example, debates over prayer in schools and religious symbols on public land often evoke arguments about the Founders’ intentions. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District upheld a public school football coach’s right to pray on the field, reigniting debates about the role of religion in public institutions.

Such cases illustrate the ongoing struggle to balance religious freedom with the Founders’ commitment to pluralism. Understanding their vision is essential for navigating these contemporary challenges.

The Danger of Historical Revisionism

The narrative that the United States was founded as a Christian nation isn’t just historically inaccurate—it’s a threat to the freedoms the Founders sought to protect. By distorting the past, Christian nationalists risk undermining the pluralism and inclusivity that define American democracy.

Understanding this history is vital as debates over religion’s role in government and schools persist. Recognizing the Founders’ commitment to a secular framework helps preserve a nation where freedom of belief is protected for all.

Surprising Facts

• George Washington rarely mentioned Jesus in his writings and often avoided taking communion, suggesting a more deist perspective.
• Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense, openly criticized Christianity in his later works as “a fable.”

Conclusion: A Nation for All, Not for One

The Founding Fathers built a nation where individuals could practice—or not practice—religion without government interference. Their secular framework wasn’t an oversight but a deliberate design that continues to safeguard liberty and diversity in modern America.

As debates over religion’s role in public institutions continue, remembering the Founders’ vision can guide us toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

This article is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), and you are free to share and republish under the terms of the license.

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