How the Founding Fathers’ Faith Shaped the Birth of America
- Amanda Smith
- Dec 17, 2024
- 4 min read

The United States of America is often referred to as a “Christian nation,” though this idea has been hotly debated in recent years. Some modern historians and revisionists claim the Founding Fathers were merely deists or secularists. However, a closer look at their writings, speeches, and actions reveals a deep reliance on biblical principles. While not all the Founding Fathers were devout Christians, the foundation of America—its laws, values, and vision—was undeniably shaped by a biblical worldview.
Today, as faith becomes increasingly marginalized in public life, it is essential to rediscover these Christian roots and understand how they shaped the birth of this nation. By examining the beliefs and intentions of the Founding Fathers, we gain insight into America’s true origins and how we, as Christians, can reclaim and preserve those principles.
The Biblical Influence on America’s Founding
When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, it boldly declared that “all men are created equal” and “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” These words weren’t born from secular philosophies—they reflected a belief in a higher power and the biblical truth that humanity is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
The Founding Fathers understood that human rights do not come from kings or governments but from God Himself. This foundational belief in God-given rights shaped America’s commitment to liberty, justice, and equality. It also set America apart from other nations of its time, where rulers often claimed divine authority for themselves.
What Did the Founding Fathers Believe?
George Washington Often called the “father of our country,” George Washington’s faith is clear in both his private writings and public actions. As Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, Washington ordered chaplains to serve among the troops, encouraged prayer and fasting, and frequently credited God for America’s victories.
In his farewell address, Washington warned: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”
Washington understood that without faith and virtue, a free society could not endure.
John Adams John Adams, the second President of the United States, was a committed Christian who often referenced Scripture in his writings. He believed that America’s success depended on its moral foundation, writing: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Adams recognized that liberty requires self-governance, and self-governance requires moral restraint—something that can only come from faith in God.
Thomas Jefferson While Thomas Jefferson is often labeled a deist, he still held deep respect for Christian values and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jefferson even authored The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, a groundbreaking law that affirmed the right to worship freely. Jefferson believed that faith, though personal, played an essential role in shaping morality and justice.
Benjamin Franklin Though Franklin’s beliefs were more complex, he frequently acknowledged God’s hand in the affairs of men. During the Constitutional Convention, Franklin called the delegates to prayer, declaring: “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men.” Franklin’s statement reflects a common understanding among the Founding Fathers: America’s success was not by chance but by God’s providence.
The Role of the Bible in America’s Foundation
Beyond the personal faith of the Founding Fathers, the Bible directly influenced America’s founding documents and legal system.
The Declaration of Independence: The language of equality, justice, and unalienable rights reflects biblical themes of human dignity and divine justice.
The Constitution: The concept of checks and balances mirrors the biblical understanding of human nature—that man is sinful (Romans 3:23) and power must be limited.
The Bill of Rights: Religious liberty, freedom of speech, and the right to assembly align with the biblical principle of free will and the freedom to worship God without coercion.
Early American leaders also relied on the Bible as a guide for governance. Schools used Scripture as the foundation for education, and many state constitutions explicitly referenced God and Christianity.
What Happened to America’s Christian Foundation?
Over time, America’s Christian heritage has been eroded by secular ideologies and revisionist history. Many modern textbooks minimize the role of faith in the founding of this nation, presenting the Founding Fathers as purely secular thinkers. This shift has led to moral confusion and cultural decline.
When we remove God from the foundation of our nation, we lose the very principles that made America strong: liberty grounded in truth, justice shaped by morality, and unity built on shared values.
Reclaiming America’s Christian Roots
As Christians, it is our responsibility to share the truth about America’s founding and teach future generations about the biblical principles that shaped this nation. Here’s how we can make a difference:
Educate Ourselves and Others: Read the writings of the Founding Fathers and study the Bible’s influence on American history. Share these truths with your children, friends, and community.
Defend Religious Liberty: Stand up for your right to worship and live according to biblical principles. Religious freedom was a cornerstone of America’s founding, and it must be preserved.
Pray for Revival: America’s greatest hope is not in politics or policies but in a return to God. Pray for revival in our nation and for leaders who honor God’s Word.
Live Out Our Faith: The Founding Fathers understood that a free society depends on a moral people. As Christians, we must lead by example, living with integrity, love, and courage.
The United States was founded on the belief that freedom comes from God and that a nation cannot thrive without faith and morality. The Founding Fathers were not perfect, but they recognized the importance of biblical principles in building a just and prosperous society.
Today, as we face challenges that threaten to divide and weaken our nation, we must look back to the foundation laid by our forefathers. By reclaiming America’s Christian roots, we can build a stronger future—one grounded in truth, justice, and faith in God.
As Christians, let’s honor the legacy of those who came before us and commit to standing for truth in our homes, churches, and communities. The future of our nation depends on it.
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