Why Didn’t the Framers of Our Constitution Declare This to Be a “Christian Nation”?
October 31st, 2024
“A religious sect may degenerate into a political faction in a part of the Confederacy; but the variety of sects dispersed over the entire face of it must secure the national councils against any danger from that source.”
James Madison, The Federalist, Paper #10
“In a free government the security for civil rights must be the same as that for religious rights. It consists in the one case in the multiplicity of interests, and in the other in the multiplicity of sects. The degree of security in both cases will depend on the number of interests and sects; and this may be presumed to depend on the extent of country and number of people comprehended under the same government. . . .Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit.”
James Madison, The Federalist, Paper #51
Our Constitution contains no references to God, Jesus Christ, or Christianity. Furthermore, Article VI bans “religious tests” for public office. Were the authors of this founding document therefore dismissive of religion or its role in early American society? Certainly not. Based upon their own experiences and those of their immediate ancestors, however, they were acutely aware of one fact: Namely, the “establishment” of a state religion made it far too easy to justify “prohibiting the free exercise” of other religions (or lack thereof).
History is replete with examples of what can happen when a specific religious outlook or denomination obtains too much political power: E.g., the fate of early Christians in the Roman Empire; the medieval papacy; the Spanish Inquisition; medieval antisemitism in Europe; the Salem witch trials; the Armenian genocide by the Ottoman Empire; the persecution and forced conversion of Native Americans; the Holocaust; the persecution of Baha’is in Iran; the destruction of historic monuments by the Taliban; and the present day persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Sudan, China, and various other nations. The list is long and bloody.
The framers of our Constitution were (mainly) educated individuals who were well-acquainted with the historical record in this regard. They understood that designating any religion as the official “state” religion logically and unavoidably diminishes any other faith (or lack of faith) to a “second class” status. Should any one religious doctrine be granted primacy over all others, then it only follows that these other teachings do not deserve the same respect, protections, and rights as the “state” religion itself. How could they? This is a “Christian Nation,” after all!
I know many believers in Christian Nationalism will object strenuously to this conclusion. Some will argue their faith requires them to “love their neighbors as themselves” and that any concerns either other religious groups or atheists may have are unjustified in this modern age. Looking at the historical record (as we did earlier), however, it seems most unwise to take such assurances at face value. As it is, the current Republican candidate for president already has publicly stated that “the Jewish people” would be partially to blame if he loses!
Other adherents of Christian Nationalism might attempt to rationalize a lack of concern about the rights or sentiments of non-Christians by referencing particular passages from the Bible such as:
–”Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. . . .Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
–”Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34).*
–”It is not without purpose that the ruler carries the sword; he is God’s servant, to inflict his avenging wrath upon the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4)
Biblical proof texting (i.e., using a Bible verse or passage out of context to support a theological belief or argument) has long been a common practice. Ever since our Constitution was first drafted and ratified, those members of American society who were unhappy with the fact that our nation’s founders did not explicitly identify the U.S. as a “Christian Nation” have done their best to change the situation, using such proof texting to help accomplish their ends. I have always firmly believed, however, that there is something very wrong about taking the Gospel, the “Good News” of Jesus Christ, wrapping it in a flag, and using it to justify a campaign for political dominance.
None of this is to say that Christians should be apolitical or reluctant to let their faith-based values shape their political outlook. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been my own primary source of inspiration and comfort throughout my lifetime. For me, however, following Jesus’ example asks for tolerance, empathy, humility, and service, NOT overwhelming social, cultural, or ideological influence.
In this post, I have set forth what I think was the principal reason the framers of the Constitution did not include language declaring ours to be a “Christian Nation.” Taking lessons from human history, they were (rightfully) wary of the possible consequences the establishment of a state religion might have for our republic in the long run. There are numerous other reasons, to be sure; it is likely these will be discussed in future blogs.
“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right . . .” (Abraham Lincoln)
This land is OUR land,
Dan Orraj
*Have fun reconciling this passage with Jesus’ statement in the very same book of Matthew 26:52, “Put back your sword where it belongs. Those who use the sword are sooner or later destroyed by it.”