Christianity and the U.S.A.

Are We a Christian Nation?

Many religious traditions across cultures teach their followers to strive for an ideal state—often referred to by different names, such as Valhalla, the Kingdom of God, or Nirvana. While these concepts may appear to be rooted in belief or faith alone, they are equally built on a system of actions that guide how members of the faith treat one another and engage with the world.

In this sense, a religion is more than just a set of beliefs—it is fundamentally a moral system that manifests itself through the actions of its adherents. Religious teachings provide a framework for behavior, a set of guidelines on how to live one’s life and how to contribute to the collective well-being of the community. These actions, governed by the established moral system, are intended to bring about the ideals of the religion on earth.

Actions Over Belief: Manifesting Religious Ideals in the World

The moral system at the core of any religion dictates the behaviors that are expected of its followers. Whether it’s codes of charity, respect, honesty, or justice, the actions people take based on these moral codes are the true essence of what it means to practice a religion. In other words, it’s not only the belief in a higher power that defines a religion’s impact—it’s the collective actions guided by a shared moral vision that matter.

For example, in Christianity, the “Kingdom of God” is often portrayed as something to be realized through charitable acts and love for one’s neighbor, not just belief. Similarly, Norse traditions speak of Valhalla, a form of paradise reached not through passive belief but through the actions of warriors bound by honor and duty. Buddhism speaks of Nirvana, achieved through a life of ethical conduct and mindfulness.

In each case, the religious ideals are realized through a network of actions. The belief system serves as a justification or explanation for why certain actions should be taken, but the focus remains on the behaviors themselves—the moral system put into practice.

The Broader Application: The U.S. as a Nation Shaped by Diverse Moral Influences

When we examine the foundation of the United States, we can see how this principle—of religion as a moral system manifesting through action—helps us understand the country’s relationship to religion, particularly Christianity. The U.S. is a secular nation by law, with a clear separation between church and state as outlined in the Constitution. However, this separation should not be confused with a lack of religious influence, including that of Christianity, on the country’s foundational legal and philosophical principles.

The United States was founded during a time when ideas from many traditions—including Christian ethics, Enlightenment rationalism, and classical philosophy—were all contributing to the emerging political and moral framework. Among these influences, the moral teachings of Christianity were one significant factor in shaping the values of the Founders.

Thomas Jefferson’s Admiration for Christian Morals

Thomas Jefferson, perhaps the most prominent advocate of the separation of church and state, serves as a key example of how Christian morals influenced the country’s foundation, even in a secular context. Jefferson’s admiration for Jesus’s teachings is well-documented through his creation of the Jefferson Bible, a work in which he painstakingly edited the New Testament to remove supernatural elements, leaving only the moral teachings of Jesus.

In Jefferson’s The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth (commonly called the Jefferson Bible), he focuses on the ethical guidance of Jesus, such as love, humility, and justice, without the miraculous events that traditional Christianity emphasizes. This act of editing reflects Jefferson’s respect for the moral framework of Christianity, which he found valuable for its ethical teachings, even though he rejected its theological elements. Jefferson’s approach demonstrates how Christian moral principles were one of the many influences on the personal philosophies of some of the Founding Fathers, even among those who identified more closely with deist or secular Enlightenment ideals.

Concrete Examples of Christianity’s Influence on Enlightenment Thought and the Constitution

The Enlightenment, a movement that greatly influenced the American Revolution and the drafting of the Constitution, was built on ideals of reason, natural rights, and justice. These ideals, while often framed in secular terms, were not divorced from Christian moral thought. In fact, the Christian moral framework, particularly its emphasis on the inherent dignity and equality of all people, played a significant role in shaping these Enlightenment principles.

One concrete example is the influence of John Locke, a key Enlightenment thinker who heavily influenced the Founding Fathers, especially Jefferson. Locke’s ideas about natural rights to life, liberty, and property are rooted in the Christian belief in the sanctity of individual life. In his Second Treatise of Government, Locke refers to the “state of nature” in which individuals are free and equal by virtue of their creation by God, echoing the Christian idea of human dignity bestowed by the Creator. These ideas were directly influential in Jefferson’s drafting of the Declaration of Independence, which speaks of “unalienable rights” endowed by the Creator.

Additionally, the U.S. Constitution’s emphasis on justice, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights can be traced to Christian moral ideals. Concepts such as the presumption of innocence, the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment (found in the Eighth Amendment), and the focus on individual liberty reflect a moral system that values the dignity and worth of each person. These are values that align with Christian teachings about the inherent worth of individuals and the need for compassion and fairness in justice.

A Blend of Ideas: Enlightenment, Christianity, and Secularism

While Christianity influenced the moral thinking of many Founders, it was not the only influence. The U.S. was equally shaped by Enlightenment ideals, particularly those centered on reason, natural rights, and individual liberty. Thinkers like John Locke, who greatly influenced Thomas Jefferson, drew on a variety of sources, including Christianity, but also secular and classical philosophy.

Locke’s ideas on natural rights, for example, align with Christian teachings on human dignity, but they also reflect Enlightenment thought that emphasized human reason and equality. This blending of ideas can be seen in the Declaration of Independence, where Jefferson wrote of “unalienable rights” endowed by a Creator. Though the language acknowledges a divine source, it avoids specifically endorsing any single religious tradition, maintaining a balance that allows for diverse interpretations.

This pluralistic foundation is essential to understanding why America protects freedom of religion while still reflecting a moral system partially influenced by Christian values. It’s also why statements like “this is a Christian nation” are more about historical context than an assertion of religious dominance.

References to God in American Symbols: A Testament to Christian Moral Influence

Beyond the legal framework of the Constitution, references to God in American symbols serve as further evidence of Christianity’s influence on the foundation of the country. One prominent example is the phrase “In God We Trust,” which appears on U.S. currency. This motto first appeared on coins in 1864 during the Civil War and later became the official national motto in 1956, a move meant to highlight the nation’s reliance on divine guidance in contrast to the atheistic ideologies of the Soviet Union. By 1957, it was included on all U.S. paper currency.

Additionally, the U.S. national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key, contains the line “And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust,’” in its third stanza, further embedding a reference to God in one of the most recognized national symbols.

However, it’s important to note that these references to God are deliberately kept ambiguous, reflecting the country’s commitment to religious inclusivity. The phrase “God” is not explicitly tied to any particular denomination or religious tradition, allowing for an interpretation that can include Christians, Jews, Muslims, deists, and others who believe in a higher power. This ambiguity demonstrates the United States’ unique balance: while influenced by Christian moral systems, it remains open to religious plurality and committed to the protection of individual religious freedom.

It’s also worth noting that phrases like ‘In God We Trust’ were adopted later in the country’s history, with the motto officially added to U.S. currency during the Civil War and becoming the national motto in 1956. These developments reflect the evolving nature of American identity, rather than the Founders’ original intent.

A Christian Moral Foundation in a Secular State

To claim that the U.S. has nothing to do with Christianity, or that it is not influenced by Christian principles, would be a misrepresentation of the country’s historical foundation. Just as a religion manifests itself through the actions of its adherents, the moral principles of Christianity have manifested in the legal and philosophical framework of the United States. The country’s government may separate itself from the practice of religion, but it is clear that Christian moral ideals helped shape the tapestry of foundations that make up the nation.

By embracing the moral system of Christianity without necessarily endorsing its theological claims, figures like Thomas Jefferson demonstrated that the U.S. was built on a unique fusion of Christian moral philosophy and secular Enlightenment thought. The Jefferson Bible stands as a symbol of this fusion—an acceptance of Christian ethics even in a secular context.

Thus, when some individuals claim that the U.S. is a ‘Christian nation,’ they are often referring to the moral foundations that shaped early American society. While this sentiment might not fully capture the broader nuances of the nation’s founding, it acknowledges the fundamental role that the Christian moral framework played in developing the country’s founding legal theory. However, the country’s founding principles ensure that these influences coexist with a framework that protects religious pluralism, ensuring that the moral contributions of Christianity do not translate into religious governance. This understanding allows us to see the U.S. not as a ‘Christian nation’ in terms of religious governance, but as a nation whose legal and ethical principles were deeply influenced by Christian moral thinking. At the same time, deliberate efforts were made to maintain inclusivity for all beliefs through ambiguity in references to God.

Read More:

1. Thomas Jefferson and the Jefferson Bible:

• The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth (commonly called the Jefferson Bible): This can be accessed through the Smithsonian or online archives. It illustrates how Jefferson valued the ethical teachings of Jesus without endorsing the supernatural claims of Christianity.

1. John Locke’s Influence on the Founders:

• Locke’s Second Treatise of Government is widely recognized as a major influence on the Declaration of Independence. Many historians and political philosophers document Locke’s emphasis on natural rights, life, liberty, and property, which align with both Christian ethics and Enlightenment ideals.

1. Historical Context for “In God We Trust” and U.S. Currency:

• The U.S. Department of the Treasury provides a history of the adoption of “In God We Trust” on currency, which was formalized during the Civil War and later became the national motto in 1956.

1. Enlightenment’s Influence on American Founding:

• Various scholarly works explore the impact of the Enlightenment on American political thought, including the integration of secular and religious ideas. One key source is Bernard Bailyn’s The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution.

1. U.S. Constitution and Religious Pluralism:

• The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, available through historical and legal archives, underscores the legal framework for religious freedom and pluralism.