Our Christian foundation

The United States was founded on Christian principles. The “Embarkation of the Mayflower” is a massive painting in the capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C. It shows the Pilgrims gathered around an open Bible. Biblical principles guided the writing of the Mayflower Compact – the first governing document in our country. The Supreme Court rendered a unanimous decision in The Church of the Holy Trinity v. the United States in which the opinion declared that America is a “Christian Nation.” This does not mean it is the State religion or that other religions are not welcomed to be practiced.

Our founders were not all Christian but they were influenced by Christian principles based on their familiarity with the Bible. This included Benjamin Franklin who was a libertine.

On Thursday, June 28, 1787 at the Constitutional Convention, when the delegates were at an impasse to create a unified Constitution for what would become a newly formed republic, Franklin reminded them of the time 11 years earlier, in that very same room, when they had signed the Declaration of Independence as a result of daily prayer together. Franklin’s call to prayer is credited with the ultimate success of the Convention.

The scripture references are included to demonstrate the influence of the Bible on Franklin.

“In this situation of this Assembly, groping, as it were, in the dark to find political truth (Job 12:25), and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights (James 1:17), to illuminate our understanding?

In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection (Psalm 121:7).

Our prayers were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending Providence in our favor. And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend (John 15:15)? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?

I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God governs the affairs of men (Daniel 4:17).

If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice (Matthew 10:29; Luke 12:6) is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid (Psalm 75:7)? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that ‘except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it’ (Psalm 127:1).

I firmly believe this; and I also believe without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and we shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages (Psalm 44:14).

I therefore beg leave to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven (James 1:5) and its blessings on our deliberation be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business.”

As we celebrate the 4th of July, let us not forget our founding “Father.”