GOP officials are pushing religion. “Christian nationalism” (“CN”) is based on the belief that the U.S. is divinely chosen, the New Testament should shape gov’t policies & white Christians should dominate American culture. [FN16] Some are open about the label. All ignore 1/15

or fabricate history. Indiana’s Lt Gov wants to amend the State’s “constitution to require candidates for public office to profess their belief ‘in Judeo-Christian orthodoxy – a religious oath similar to those found in Revolutionary-era state constitutions.” [FN17] 2/15

The U.S. Constitution bans such oaths. (Art. VI,) Indiana’s first constitution (1816) contained a provision identical to the current (1851) constitution: “No religious test shall be required, as a qualification for any office of trust or profit.” Art I, §5. 3/15

This series of blogs is meant to show blatant lies told about our history. Some in the GOP have experience at book bans. [FN18] That is why we need to preserve our history from destruction. Now, back to the blog, already in progress. 4/15

The Articles of Confederation had been the charter of government for 13 former colonies of the British empire since 11/15/1777. [FN19] The Revolutionary war formally ended with the Treaty of Paris on 9/3/1783. [FN20] The Articles did not function well in peace. 5/15

Defects in the Articles were significant. On 11/30/1785, James Madison presented resolution, for Congress to regulate trade in Virginia’s legislature. [FN21]; on 1/21/1786, Virginia named 8 representatives to meet representatives from other States to discuss trade. [FN22] 6/15

The 12 “commissioners” from five (5) States met in Annapolis on 9/11/1786 and issued a report on 9/14/1786 concluding that “regulating trade is of such comprehensive extent” that “may require a correspondent adjustment of other parts of the federal system.” [FN23] 7/15

This report led to the Congress, on 2/21/1787, to authorize the May, 1787, gathering of delegates in Philadelphia in what we refer to as the Constitutional Convention. “For the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.” [FN24] It is important to note: 8/15

Despite assertions by Christian nationalists that this country was founded as “Christian,” none of the records just cited mentions Jesus Christ. No one invokes a divine spirit for guidance. “In the year of our [l]ord” has no specific religious meaning. [FN25] Next up: Philadelphia. 9/15

Footnotes:
FN16. David Wippman and Glenn C. Altschuler, opinion contributors, “Inside Christian nationalists’ war on religious freedom,” The Hill, 8/2/26, accessed 8/5/26. 10/15

FN17. Sydney Byerly, “Lt Gov Beckwith Wants Indiana Candidates to Attest Belief in ‘Judeo-Christian Orthodoxy,” The Indiana Citizen , 7/30/26, accessed 8/5/26.
FN18. Confessions of an (alleged) book banner - Importantville, by Adam Wren, 09/24/2023 11/15

FN19. Articles of Confederation, West’s Annotated Indiana Code, Constitution,” (1999), p. 17.
FN20. Nat’l Archives, Founders Online, “Definitive Treaty of Peace between the United States and Great Britain, 3 September 1783,” signed by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and John Jay for the United States. Accessed 6/19/25. 12/15

FN21. Mr Madison’s Resolution for Empowering Congress to Regulate Trade, Virginia House of Delegates, 1 Elliot’s Debates, pp. 114-15.
FN22. Reps from States “to consider ... uniform system in commercial regulations” for “common interest [&] permanent harmony;” Proposition of the General Assembly of Virginia, Id. Pp. 115-16. 13/15

FN23. Proceedings of Commissioners to Remedy Defects of the Federal Government, Id., pp. 116-18.
FN24. Report of Proceedings, pp. 119-20. 14/15

FN25. The official Constitution’s text ends before these extra words of attestation that were not ratified by the state conventions in 1787-88. Akhil Reed Amar, professor, Yale School of Law, “The Constitution and the Candidates///” The Daily Beast, 8/19/12. 15/15