US EditionDid the founders create a Christian nation? No, but religion did shape their thinking
Historians say the founders were influenced by religion, while a 2022 Pew survey found 6 in 10 adults saw a Christian founding.
- As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration and Independence approaches, President Donald Trump is promoting "America Prays," culminating in a May 17 gathering on the National Mall in Washington amid intensified debate over a Christian founding.
- Historical records show founders held diverse religious views: some like John Jay and Patrick Henry were devout Christians, while others including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington embraced rationalistic beliefs, invoking "Providence" or "Supreme Ruler."
- The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights forbids "establishment" of a national religion, yet Historian Mark David Hall argues that "There's plenty of evidence Christianity had an influence" on the founding.
- Six in 10 U.S. adults surveyed believe the founders originally intended America to be a Christian nation, according to a 2022 Pew Research Center report, yet this perception contrasts sharply with founders' documented theological diversity.
- Many scholars believe the First Amendment created a religious free market where diverse faiths have flourished, yet amid 250th anniversary celebrations, Christian activists continue redoubling claims of a Christian founding.
44 Articles
44 Articles
Religious historian debunks Trump Cabinet’s claim US 'was founded as a Christian nation'
Far-right Christian nationalists, from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to The Heritage Foundation's Kevin Roberts to Pastor Doug Wilson, are claiming that the United States was designed to be a "Christian nation." This isn't a new argument: the late Rev. Jerry Falwell Sr., founder of Liberty University and the Moral Majority, claimed, during the 1980s, that the "separation of church and state" argument was designed by Satan to keep Christians fro…
Did the founders create a Christian nation? No, but religion did shape
When he talks about the role of religion in the founding of the United States, historian Gregg Frazer does not attract eager audiences. “Neither side really wants to hear what I say,” says Frazer, a professor of history and political studies at The Master’s University, a Christian school in Santa Clarita, California. The founders, Frazer says, did not create a Christian republic. Several key founders either rejected core Christian doctrines or w…
Associated Press News
Did the founders create a Christian nation? No, but religion did shape their thinking
There’s long been debate over the intentions of America’s founders about the role of religion. That’s been turbocharged with the approaching 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July Fourth.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 49% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
