Christianity, Founding Fathers and Shaping the United States

 


    The establishment of the United States was a period deeply ingrained with religious conviction. To see how deep it goes, one can simply start studying the founding of each colony, and what they believed in.  By reading through the founding documents and personal beliefs of each of the key architects of American Democracy, it is easy to see that they were influence by Christian beliefs. These beliefs would go on to shape the nation's founding documents and governance structures. My blog explores the personal religious beliefs of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, and in turn examining how their faith informed their political ideologies and actions.

George Washington: Ever the Faithful Leader

    George Washington is called the "Father of His Country," a man who fought to ensure that freedom would be ensured for a brand-new country and continued to serve even after the Revolutionary war as the first President. Washington was a private man when it came to his personal beliefs, however his public actions and private writings show us that he was a man guided by a sense of divine providence and belief. During Washington's Farewell Address, delivered in 1796, he underscores the importance by saying "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports."1 This belief shows us that he believed in the necessity of religious virtue in public life/  These convictions were a cornerstone of Washington's leadership, influencing his vision for the young nation, and a nation that would continue to grow with the time. His words clearly show that he knew the nation needed God to continue to prosper.

Thomas Jefferson: The Enlightened “Christian”

    Thomas Jefferson was the key author of the Declaration of Independence.  It is a well-known fact that he had a complex relationship with Christianity. Many characterize him as a Deist, which is someone who believes in a higher power, but does not believe in a particular organized religion. Jefferson's writings however reveal a respect for Christian moral teachings that clearly influenced his writings that formed our government. In his Notes on the State of Virginia, Jefferson showed admiration for the ethical teachings of Jesus, even though he held skepticism towards traditional Christian doctrines2. Jefferson ensured that religious freedom was enshrined in the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, reflecting his belief in the separation of church and state. This ensured faith would inform American governance but would not dominate the conversation. This statute laid the groundwork for the First Amendment, guaranteeing religious liberty for all citizens 3.

Benjamin Franklin: The Practical Believer

    Benjamin Franklin was a polymath, meaning he was skilled in many different areas, and was one of the most influential and remembered Founding Fathers. He approached religion, especially Christianity, with a blend of pragmatism and reverence. Franklin's faith evolved throughout his life and he consistently acknowledged the moral and societal benefits that religious belief held. In his autobiography, Franklin recounts how he composed a creed to live by, emphasizing virtues like justice, sincerity, and moderation, which were rooted in Christian ethics4. His approach to religion is clear by his call for daily prayers, recognizing the need for diving guidance during the founding of that nation during the Constitutional Convention of 17875.

The Connection between Faith and Governance

    The religious convictions of these three founding fathers illustrate how Christian values and Enlightenment principles were integrated. This was an ideal that was found among many of the Founding Fathers. a broader trend among the Founding Fathers. These principles and convictions are evident in key American documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The Declaration's assertion that "all men are created equal" and endowed with "unalienable Rights" reflects a belief in a higher moral order, while the Constitution's framework promotes justice, liberty, and the common good. This echoes Christian ethical teachings and is a core belief6. 

    The moral foundations of legislation all trace back to the core beliefs of these early leaders which is very clearly rooted in Christianity. If we can understand the religious motivations of the Founding Fathers, we gain a valuable insight into the principles that continue to shape American governance today, and hopefully into the future7.

Conclusion

    The personal faiths of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin played a crucial role in shaping the United States' founding documents and governance. Their integration of Christian values with political principles created a foundation that has endured for over two centuries.  While some argue that Jefferson and Franklin were not “true Christians” their record speaks for itself as shown through a wide range of primary sources.  With the contemporary political and ethical challenges, we all face every day it is important for us to reflect on the moral and ethical framework of the Founding Fathers.

 

Footnotes

  1. George Washington, Farewell Address (1796).
  2. Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia (1785).
  3. Thomas Jefferson, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1786).
  4. Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1791).
  5. Benjamin Franklin, Appeal for Prayer at the Constitutional Convention (1787).
  6. The Declaration of Independence (1776).
  7. The Constitution of the United States (1787).

Bibliography:

Washington, George. Farewell Address. 1796. Accessed through Sabin Americana, Jerry Falwell Library.

Jefferson, Thomas. Notes on the State of Virginia. 1785. Accessed through Sabin Americana, Jerry Falwell Library.

Jefferson, Thomas. Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. 1786. Accessed through Sabin Americana, Jerry Falwell Library.

Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. 1791. Accessed through Sabin Americana, Jerry Falwell Library.

Franklin, Benjamin. Appeal for Prayer at the Constitutional Convention. 1787. Accessed through Sabin Americana, Jerry Falwell Library.

The Declaration of Independence. 1776. Accessed through Sabin Americana, Jerry Falwell Library.

The Constitution of the United States. 1787. Accessed through Sabin Americana, Jerry Falwell Library.

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