How do you evaluate whether the following statement is true: The United States was founded as a Christian country? You have to rely upon items that can be examined or reviewed by others. [FN40] Our inquiry is of events, their conclusion, and the nature of that conclusion. 1/11

The National Archives lists the Declaration of Independence [FN41], the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights as “instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States.” [FN42] The Declaration does not support Christian Nationalists’ claims. 2/11

“Jesus Christ” is not mentioned. [FN41] Other references are consistent with deism, [FN43] a religion that rejected supernatural faith in “an anthropomorphic God,” but “posited a naturalistic religion” w/“God understood as a supreme intelligence.” The same authorities note, 3/11

“In the Declaration’s long list of complaints against the English crown, not one was about religion.” [FN44] It’s also important to note that Christian nationalists presume any mention of a deity in the founding documents is their god. 4/11

Documents that drew attention to the need for regulation of commerce, [FN45] reported results of the conference in Annapolis, [FN46] and called for repairs to the Articles of Confederation, [FN47] thus leading to call for the Philadelphia convention do not mention deities. 5/11

The Framers were men of business, who saw the need for improved commerce. Over half of the 55 delegates were lawyers, called to create a government. James Madison arrived early. His study of the history of republics was thorough and a guide for a charter of government. 6/11

Footnotes:
FN40. A flat statement, e.g., “Jesus told me,” that relates an unverifiable experience a person would have the effect of binding everyone & is not valid basis for a government. 7/11

FN41. Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. 1 Elliot’s Debates, pp. 60-66.
FN42. National Archives, “America’s Founding Documents,” accessed 8/6/26. 8/11

FN43. “Nature’s God,” “Creator,” “Supreme Judge of the World,” & “divine Providence” See, David Holmes, Prof. Religious Studies, College of William and Mary, “The Faiths of The Founding Fathers,” Oxford Univ Press, 2006, p. 65. 9/11

FN44. Isaac Kramnick and R Laurence Moore, “The Godless Constitution,” (2005), p. 16.
FN45. “Mr Madison’s Resolution for Empowering Congress to Regulate Trade,” 11/30/1785, 1 Elliot’s Debates, pp. 114-15. 10/11

FN46. “Proceedings of Commissioners to Remedy Defects of the Federal Government,” 1 Elliot’s Debates, pp. 116-18.
FN47. Report of Proceedings, 02/21/1787, 1 Elliot’s Debates, pp. 119-21. 11/11