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.
Dana, thank you for your wise and insightful summary of the foundations of our nation. It is comforting to have JesusFollower leaders like you at the helm of our nation. I am privileged to be invited to attend the Capitol Prayer Group, under the capable leader of Representative Dan Eubanks, when I am in town. I thought you might be blessed with my WisdomSketch. Just know that I “have your back” in intercessory prayer. Feel free to let me know if you have challenges you want me to include.
A WisdomSketch from a Wise Ol’ University Professor :-):
The Flagship Scripture Passage of Intentionality in Spiritual Formation
Flagship: the ship in a fleet that carries the Commanding Admiral . . . The best or most important thing owned or produced by a particular organization. I love Eugene Peterson’s translation of Philippians 3:12-14: “I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. “Friends don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I'm not turning back.” Philippians 3:12-14 (MSG) I call these verses The Flagship Passage of Intentionality. In my “Dr. Sam’s Spiritual Formation Vocabulary Terms” I define intentionality as “The Master’s Mission Manifesto: In our setting a manifesto is our declaration of intentionality to bring everyone God calls us to love and lead home to Jesus and disciple them in the Faith!”
Based on that, there’s an intentional goal – a God-given-and-anointed mission – and I intend to reach it in His enabling power. I’m intentionally keeping my eye on the goal, my Head in His Word, my Heart in His purposes for me, and my Hands reached out to those He calls me to love and lead; and my Habits of the spiritual disciplines which will keep me growing strong and healthy in my spiritual formation. And by His grace and for His glory I will intentionally accomplish His plans for my life as I pray out my My Life Purpose Power Prayer: “Creator of the Universe ... Maker of My life – Your life repeated in my life, Lord; I intend to become the holy JesusFollower leader You designed me to be. Empower me, Lord, by Your Son – as clay in Potter’s Hands – to become all You created me to be. Energize me, Lord, by Your Spirit – as gold in Refiner’s Fire – to accomplish all You call me to do. Enliven me, Lord, by Your Love – as one who’s been transformed – to bring all you call me to love and lead home to You. Enkindle me, Lord, as one who dwells in Your presence through the Triad of Spiritual Formation Principles, to be the conduit for the Wind of the Spirit to rekindle the smoldering coals of the Church in fresh revival . . . to “be counted worthy of Your calling so that by Your power you can fulfill every good purpose of mine and act prompted by my faith . . . so that the name of the Lord Jesus is glorified in me, and me in Him.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12) SO!, Endow me, Lord, with the anointing and guidance of The Flagship Passage of Intentionality “I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running and I'm not turning back. [AND! I intend to take with me on this journey all those whom He calls me to love and lead. So, help me, God!]” Philippians 3:14 (MSG) TGBTG! :-) A WisdomSketch of Dr. Sam 2:46
Dr. Sam Bruce, D. Min, D.Min, MDiv
PointeOfHope Ministries, President
Mid-America Christian University, Online Professor
Mission Mississippi: a Racial Reconciliation Movement, Board of Directors
Attend MS Capitol Prayer Group
Thank you for your emails.
The Word tells us if we forsake our Lord, He must forsake us, He is forgiving if we but repent.
The America today is not interested in Repentance...no political party is calling for
epentance and asking for national Repentance. Trillions in debt...abortions by the millions.
The great American Dream is a false hope. A national SHAME...WHO CAN BE PROUD OF THAT?