It has become increasingly popular in today’s culture to downplay, distort or deny the Christian influence on the founding of the United States.
But history tells a different story—one that boldly affirms that America was built on biblical truth, Christian conviction and faith in Almighty God. While our Founders never sought to create a theocracy, they absolutely drew upon the moral and spiritual framework of Christianity to shape a free and just society.
The Declaration of Independence plainly acknowledges that our rights are not given by government but by our “Creator.” This wasn’t vague spirituality—it was rooted in a biblical worldview that declares all men are made in the “image of God.” Such a radical idea—the God-given worth of every person—formed the bedrock for our freedoms and stood in direct contrast to the monarchies and tyrannies of Europe.
From the earliest colonies, America was a place where the Bible shaped law, education and public life. The Mayflower Compact began with the words, “In the name of God, Amen.” Early settlers came not only for economic opportunity, but to freely worship Jesus Christ. They established schools like Harvard and Yale to train ministers and raise up godly leaders. Sadly, they have come a long way from those roots. We see it in their fruits. Public morality was deeply tied to Christian teaching.
When the Founders gathered to form a new nation, they didn’t leave their faith at the door. George Washington warned in his Farewell Address that “religion and morality are indispensable supports of political prosperity." John Adams declared that “our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.” These men understood that liberty without virtue leads to chaos, and that virtue comes from faith in God. The God of the Bible.
In the years leading up to the Revolution, preachers thundered messages about God-given liberty, the sin of tyranny and the call to righteousness. The Great Awakening stirred hearts, revived churches and helped birth the spirit of independence. Pastors were known as the “Black Robe Regiment” because of their willingness to stand for truth—even to the point of taking up arms to defend freedom.
Even the structure of our government reflects biblical values. The separation of powers, checks and balances and the concept of fallen man all align with a Christian view of human nature. The Founders knew that no man could be trusted with unchecked power—only God is perfectly just.
Today, as many try to erase our Christian heritage and replace it with moral relativism and godless ideologies, we must stand firm in the truth. America’s greatness is not in her gold or military might—but in her foundation. A foundation built, however imperfectly by man, is based on the perfect Word of God.
If we hope to preserve freedom for future generations, we must return to the faith that birthed this nation. Christianity isn’t just part of our past—it’s the key to our future.
