Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?

This is one of the most challenging questions, and no one ever gets it completely correct. This is my take.

No, the United States was not founded or established as a Christian nation. Prior to establishing the nation of the United States of America (late 18th century, upon ratification of Constitution), this land was a multicultural center of migration for Europeans striving to express their religious freedom. Many of these colonists came here specifically to escape government-mandated worship in the manner the state required: Germany, England, and many other European nations had established religions, and some were state-sanctioned. After Columbus landed in Hispaniola in 1492, frustrated Europeans sought refuge in this land, where they believed they could practice their faith with liberty.

Upon arrival, Europeans were met by people described as “Indians” due to the misconception that Columbus has sailed all the way to Asia. These people had long-established cultures, with different nations establishing their own societies. Colonial leaders claimed the land for their kings, and many treaties were signed with the native people. William Penn was one of the few who went out of his way to purchase land at a fair price to the natives. Over time, hundreds of treaties were broken, always by the ever-expanding white culture.

Europeans kept coming, and with them, the demand for more land. Agriculture was a necessity to feed the burgeoning white population, so wealthy land owners purchased ships to go to Africa and return with slaves to work this new land.

Not exactly a Christian beginning.

Slaves in shackles, and natives pushed off the land where they had lived for centuries — labeled ‘savages’ because of their disinterest in converting to Christianity. If you think I’m kidding, look at my review of the Declaration of Independence here.

Those who came here in pursuit of religious liberty tried to force their own faith on the natives, then broke faith with their own God by kidnapping men and enslaving them (see Exodus 21:16), a violation God prohibited.

After telling King George that he was a tyrant, the wealthy white men — who had taken the land from the ‘savages’ and kidnapped the Africans — sold other whites on the idea of creating a nation of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” What they failed to mention was those goodies were only going to be available to the wealthy white men: Africans, Natives, and all other groups — including women — would either NOT be free in the land of the free or they would not have no rights.

Taking land from others, kidnapping and enslaving an entire race, and suppressing the rights of women doesn’t exactly sound like Christianity to me.

Jesus taught us one principal: L-O-V-E. He taught us the most important commandment was love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. He taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves. He taught us to love our brother and to be prepared to lay down our life for him. He taught us to love our enemies, and to pray for those who curse us.

Jesus focused his teachings on this one principal because He knew…

“Love covers all sin.” Pr. 10:12

None of the actions of the colonists or the Founding Fathers could be described as Christian. Many have said or written that many of the Founders were Christian, but that is debatable. Donald Trump has claimed to be a Christian also, but I see no evidence of that in how he lives.

The government established by these men was designed to keep the government from organizing around or selecting a state-sanctioned religion. That part has held up OK for the most part, but most Americans have no true knowledge of history, religion, or the truth. This fact, coupled with the explosion of white nationalism — using the name of Christ to do deplorable things — is reminiscent of how the Catholic Church acted for centuries.

The United States of America was not, and is not established on any faith or religion. I would argue that those who stole this land, kidnapped and enslaved others, and created a nation that denied basic human rights to the masses while decrying the same to the king was established on greed, evil and hatred, not L-O-V-E.

To be considered Christian, a person must have the L-O-V-E of Jesus in his/her heart, so that their lives resemble that of Jesus Himself. We have had some great leaders, and we have made some progress toward the goal of freedom for all. The Founders definitely did not intend that at the outset, and the Republican Party — which represents the interests of the wealthy white man today — is hell bent on stripping any progress made for the equal treatment of all.

I hope this has cleared that up.

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© Timothy J. Sabo