One Nation Under God

our foundation

Photo by chris robert on Unsplash

The United States of America was built upon foundational beliefs, one of which was a profound reverence for God. While the U.S. is a secular nation by constitutional design, its roots are undeniably intertwined with religious convictions, particularly those stemming from the Judeo-Christian tradition. This connection to a belief in God can be traced back to the early settlers, the founding documents, and the values that shaped the nation’s identity.

The Pilgrims and Early Settlers

The story of America’s founding begins with religious freedom seekers. The Pilgrims, who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, were devout Christians fleeing religious persecution in England. They sought a new world where they could freely worship God according to their conscience. The Mayflower Compact, one of the earliest governing documents in American history, explicitly refers to undertaking their journey "for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith."

The colonies that followed, including Puritan Massachusetts, Quaker Pennsylvania, and Catholic Maryland, were often founded with religious intentions. The emphasis on building communities centered around faith in God was a driving force in the creation of these early settlements. It provided a moral framework and a sense of purpose for the people seeking a new life in the Americas.

The Founding Fathers and Religious Belief

When the Founding Fathers set out to create a new nation, they did so with a firm acknowledgment of a higher power. The Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, is a striking example of this. It proclaims that all men are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." The use of the word "Creator" reflects the widespread belief in a divine being responsible for human dignity and the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

While the Founding Fathers came from different religious backgrounds and held varying degrees of personal faith, most shared a belief in some form of divine providence guiding the nation. George Washington, in his Farewell Address, warned against the dangers of abandoning religion and morality, stating that "religion and morality are indispensable supports" of political prosperity.

In God We Trust

This sentiment carried into the national values. The phrase "In God We Trust" was first introduced on U.S. coins in 1864 during the Civil War, reflecting the belief that the nation’s survival and unity were dependent on divine guidance. It was later adopted as the official national motto in 1956, cementing the belief in God as a core aspect of American identity.

Throughout American history, moments of crisis and triumph have often been accompanied by appeals to God. Presidents regularly invoke God in their speeches, whether calling for unity, expressing gratitude, or offering hope in times of despair. From Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, which referenced divine justice during the Civil War, to Ronald Reagan’s frequent references to America as a "shining city on a hill," the belief in God has remained a powerful force in American political and cultural life.

A Moral Foundation

The influence of religious belief in shaping American values cannot be overstated. The idea that human rights are God-given, and therefore inalienable, has been central to the nation’s understanding of freedom and justice. The U.S. Constitution protects the free exercise of religion, allowing for a diversity of faiths to flourish while acknowledging the moral foundation that belief in God has provided.

As we approach the polls this November, it is crucial that we remember the importance of God in the fabric of our nation. Our country cannot endure if we stray from the foundational principles that have guided us. The Republican Party understands that faith in God must be central to our values and policies. When comparing the platforms of the Mississippi Republican Party and the Mississippi Democrat Party, it becomes clear that the Democrats fail to mention God, reflecting a stark contrast in priorities. The Republican Party recognizes that God must be at the heart of our lives, our state, and our nation, ensuring we remain strong and united.