American Government and Christianity

Kerby Anderson —

The founding of this country as well as the framing of the key political documents rests upon a Christian foundation. That doesn't necessarily mean that the United States is a Christian nation, although some framers used that term. But it does mean that the foundations of this republic presuppose a Christian view of human nature and God's providence.

In previous articles we have discussed "The Christian Roots of the Declaration and Constitution" [on the Web as "The Declaration and the Constitution: Their Christian Roots" ] and provided an overview of the books On Two Wings and One Nation Under God. Our focus in this article will be to pull together many of the themes of these resources and combine them with additional facts and quotes from the founders.

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MEET THE AUTHOR

KERBY ANDERSON "I enjoy studying early American history, to learn not only what the founders said, but what they meant as well. For me, our country's spiritual foundation is a rich treasure trove that reminds me of God's goodness." Kerby Anderson is National Director of Probe Ministries. He holds masters degrees from Yale and Georgetown Universities. He is the author of several books and the host of "Point of View" (USA Radio Network) in addition to being the most frequest contributor to the Probe radio program. Kerby also produces a daily syndicated radio and web commentary.

Radio Page for Sept. 21-25: A Pilgrim's Progress: Suffering in the Life of John Bunyan

Radio Page for Sept. 14-18: What Do We Make of the Stem Cell Debate?

Radio Page for Aug. 31-Sept. 4: The Sovereignty of God

Related Articles:

The Declaration and Constitution: Their Christian Roots
Kerby provides an overview of the structure of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He documents the sources of these documents and provides an overview of their Christian roots.

Deism and America's Founders
The views and beliefs of our country's founders were as diverse and complicated as today. Don Closson focuses on the role of deism.

On Two Wings
Michael Novak's book On Two Wings documents the Judeo-Christian foundations of this country and disputes the teaching that the American Founders were secular Enlightenment rationalists. Instead, Kerby tells us, he persuasively argues that they were the creators of a unique American blend of biblical faith, practical reason, and human liberty.

Slavery in America
Slavery is a sad and tragic chapter in American history that we must confront honestly. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Kerby explores how the founders and framers approached slavery and what their views were, as well as how Christians addressed this issue through the abolition movement.