Examining What Some of Our Forefathers Said About God In Our Schools, Courts of Law and Government

America is not only one of the greatest nations in the history of the world, it has also become its longest ongoing constitutional republic. Its original government has now endured well over two centuries. However, America's longevity is only as stable and secure as its foundation, so what is the foundation of American government?

Political scientists now know that the greatest single source of political inspiration for our founding fathers was the Bible, which was cited in 34% of the quotations from the founding era (1760-1805). 1 Origins of American Constitutionalism, 1987.

The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were....the general principles of Christianity. 2 Letters to Thomas Jefferson, June 28, 1813. John Adams

The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His Apostles...

This is genuine Christianity and to this we owe our free constitutions of government.

3 History of the United States, 1832.

Noah Webster
Whether this (new government) will prove a blessing or a curse will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation (Proverbs 14:34). Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself and encourage it in others.

4 From Henry's handwritten notes on the back of his copy of the Stamp Act resolutions, made public after his death.

Patrick Henry

Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.

5 Notes on the state of Virginia, 1781.

Thomas Jefferson

Before any many can be considered as a member of civil society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe.

6 A Memorial and Remonstrance, 1785.

And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17) we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.

7 Presidential Proclamation, 1815.

James Madison

Benjamin Rush, the first founder to call for free national public schools, explained: Let the children...be carefully instructed in the principles and obligations of the Christian religion. This is the most essential part of education.

8 A Plan for Free Schools, 1787.

The great enemy of the salvation of man, in my opinion, never invented a more effectual means of extirpating (removing) Christianity from the world than by persuading mankind that it was improper to read the Bible at schools.

9 "A Defense of the Use of the Bible in Schools," 1791

James Wilson, a signer of the Constitution and an original Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, explained:

Human law must rest its authority ultimately upon the authority of that law which is divine....Far from being rivals or enemies, religion and law are twin sisters, friends, and mutual assistants. Indeed, these two sciences run into each other.

10 "Lectures on Law, Delivered in the College of Philadelphia," 1790-1791.

No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States...We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious (favorable) smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself ordained.

11 "Inaugural Address," April 30, 1789.

George Washington

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion...Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

12 Letter of October 13, 1789.

John Adams

For more information and resources about the Christian heritage of America, contact:

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1 Origins of American Constitutionalism, 1987.
2 Letter to Thomas Jefferson, June 28, 1813.
3 History of the United States, 1832.
4 From Henry's handwritten notes on the back of his copy of the Stamp Act resolutions, made public after his death.
5 Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781.
6 A Memorial and Remonstrance, 1785.
7 Presidential Proclamation, 1815.
8 A Plan for Free Schools, 1787.
9 "A Defense of the Use of the Bible in Schools," 1791.
10 A Lectures on Law, Delivered in the College of Philadelphia," 1790-1791.
11 "Inaugural Address," April 30, 1789.
12 Letter of October 13, 1789.