The Surprising Truth About Faith and American History
The Myth of America as a Christian Nation
"America was founded as a Christian nation." These seven words have been repeated countless times in conservative circles, Christian media, and patriotic gatherings. But is this statement historically accurate? The truth about our founding fathers' religious beliefs might surprise you.
Many Americans proudly believe that figures like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin were devout Christians who established the United States on biblical principles. This narrative has shaped political discourse for generations and continues to influence how many Christians approach their civic duties today.
The Founding Fathers' Actual Religious Views
Thomas Paine: Revolutionary Deist
Thomas Paine, author of "Common Sense," played a crucial role in the American Revolution. His writings helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence and inspired many during the Revolutionary War. However, his religious views were far from Christian.
In his later work "The Age of Reason," Paine revealed his true beliefs:
He called the Bible "a history of the grossest vices"
Referred to Christianity as "the fable of Jesus Christ"
Described the Virgin Birth as "blasphemously obscene"
Stated "my own mind is my church"
Maintained until his death that "there are no prophecies concerning Jesus Christ"
Benjamin Franklin: Freemason and Deist
Benjamin Franklin, a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, was:
A faithful lodge-attending Freemason
Master of the Masonic Lodge in Philadelphia
A participant in the controversial Hellfire Club in England
Someone who rejected the Christian doctrines of original sin and imputed righteousness
George Washington: Moral but Not Christian
Our first president is often portrayed as deeply religious, but historical evidence tells a different story:
Washington regularly walked out of church during communion services
His own pastor, James Abercromby, described him as "a deist"
He was a prominent Freemason whose motto was "Deeds not works"
While moral and principled, there's little evidence he embraced core Christian doctrines
John Adams: Unitarian Rejecter of the Trinity
Our second president openly rejected core Christian teachings:
Called the Trinity "a fabrication"
Praised philosophers like Rousseau and Voltaire over religious reformers
Oversaw the Treaty of Tripoli, which explicitly stated: "the government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion"
Thomas Jefferson: Creator of His Own Bible
Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, had particularly strong views against orthodox Christianity:
Called the Book of Revelation "the ravings of a maniac"
Created the "Jefferson Bible" by cutting out all supernatural elements, miracles, the resurrection, and the ascension
Described Paul as "the first corrupter of the doctrines of Jesus Christ"
Predicted that belief in the virgin birth would one day be "classed as a fable"
Believed in "good works" for salvation rather than faith in Christ
The Real Christians in Early America
If we want to identify true Christians in early American history, we should look to:
The Pilgrims (1620) - Separatists led by William Bradford who left England seeking religious freedom, bringing the Geneva Bible
The Puritans (1630) - Non-separatists led by John Winthrop who sought to reform the church from within and brought the King James Bible to American soil
These groups, unlike the latter founding fathers, demonstrated clear commitment to orthodox Christian beliefs and practices.
Why This Matters Today
Understanding the true religious views of America's founding fathers helps us:
Recognize the difference between moral character and true Christian faith
Avoid misusing history to advance modern political agendas
Remember that our primary battle as Christians is spiritual, not political
Make informed decisions about civic engagement without distorting biblical priorities
The church was never intended to be a political organization but a spiritual one. While Christians should be good stewards of their citizenship rights—including voting for moral candidates—these activities should never replace our primary mission of sharing the gospel.
The One True Foundation
Regardless of what historical figures believed, the foundation of authentic Christianity remains unchanged: "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life, and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).
Saving faith isn't about political affiliations or national identities, but about believing in Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God who offers salvation through His death and resurrection.
This blog post only scratches the surface of this important topic. To gain a deeper understanding of the founding fathers' religious beliefs and the implications for Christians today, we encourage you to listen to the full sermon here. Pastor Fortunato's in-depth analysis provides additional historical context, biblical references, and practical applications that will challenge and strengthen your faith.
Click here to listen to the complete sermon on "Were America's Founding Fathers Christians?"