Religion imbues our history

THE OLYMPIAN | • Published July 11, 2009

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As we conclude another celebration of our nation’s independence, our core nature is being debated, being stirred by a statement recently made by our president. “We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values.”

Our history shows that we have been distinctively shaped by the Judeo-Christian ethic. But does that mean that we are a Christian nation?

Defining the question determines the answer. If being a “Christian nation” means that everyone is a Christian, then we are certainly not a Christian nation.

Religious liberty has been a hallmark of our nation that has allowed a broad variety of religious faiths to co-exist peacefully within our borders.

However, if we recognize that Christianity was the religion of the vast majority of our Founding Fathers, and if its influence permeates our founding documents, and the Christian ethic and moral code became the accepted rule for social order, then we begin to see why we have been, and continue to be called a Christian nation.

It is these ideals and values that have historically shaped our nation’s view of law, justice, economics, history, politics, ethics and so much more.

America’s history reveals a uniquely Christian influence running through most every facet of her development.

The “Mayflower Compact” defined the Pilgrims purpose in coming to America as coming for “the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.”

The Plymouth Charter says the colony was established: “To advance the enlargement of the Christian religion to the glory of God Almighty.” The Delaware and Virginia charters and the Rhode Island Compact bear similar sentiments.

The Continental Congress called the signers to prayer and fasting before signing the Declaration of Independence – which states their belief in Creator God.

Christian pastors played significant roles in the formation of America. Frances Bellemy, a Baptist preacher wrote our “Pledge of Allegiance.” Samuel Smith wrote the Hymn “My Country ’Tis of Thee.”

The introduction to the First Amendment that secures such rights as freedom of the press, freedom to worship as we see fit, and to peacefully assemble was written by John Leland, a Gospel minister.

Our early universities were founded and led by Christian denominations and their pastors. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, William and Mary, Dartmouth and Columbia were founded with the expressed intent to educate youth for Christ.

John Harvard, a pastor in Charlestown, Mass., stated that the purpose of the university was, “That every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main ends of his life and studies: to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the foundation of all knowledge and learning, and see that the Lord only giveth wisdom.”

Columbia University: “The chief things that are aimed in this college are to teach and gauge the children to know God and Jesus Christ and to love and serve Him in all sobriety.”

American’s first schoolbook, “New England Primer” included the Lord’s Prayer on its cover and taught the alphabet through Theological verse.

The Latin words surrounding the seal on our dollar bill are interpreted, “God has smiled upon our beginnings.” And the words, “In God We Trust” have been included since 1865.

The influences of Christianity established education institutions, opened hospitals that extend mercy, and created documents that recognize “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights...” May God bless America!

Curt Bidwell is pastor of First Baptist Church of Tumwater. Perspective is coordinated by Interfaith Works in cooperation with The Olympian. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by Interfaith Works or The Olympian.”