The foundation of Christian nationalism rests on several core beliefs: That the United States was divinely established as a Christian nation, that its laws and government were built on Christian doctrine, and that the nation’s origins were intentionally tied to biblical principles.
Christian nationalists argue that America was once a truly Christian nation, that it has since strayed from that identity, and that it must be restored to its original, Christian purpose. Yet a closer look at both the founding documents and Scripture tells a more complicated story.
The architects of the U.S. Constitution were well aware of the bloody religious conflicts that had plagued Europe for centuries. They therefore sought to erect a bulwark against such sectarian strife. They wanted to prevent the establishment of a state religion that could lead to persecution and civil unrest. Their primary concern was to forge a republic with religious freedom, rather than religious uniformity.
The United States was not founded as a Christian nation, but rather as a secular republic that guarantees religious freedom to all its citizens.
One would think that if the founding fathers had wanted to establish a Christian nation, they would have explicitly said so in the founding documents. They didn’t. Many of the founders, while personally religious, held views that favored reason and natural law over strict adherence to religious dogma.
Thomas Jefferson, for example, compiled “The Jefferson Bible,” in which he cut out supernatural elements such as miracles and featured Jesus as a great moral teacher. In his farewell address, George Washington stressed the importance of religion and morality for national prosperity but did not advocate for the establishment of Christianity as the state religion.
In the Treaty of Tripoli, John Adams stated: “The Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” This treaty, ratified unanimously by the Senate, serves as a clear declaration of the nation’s secular foundation.
While the separation of church and state is not explicitly stated in the Constitution, the principle of separation of church and state is derived from the Constitution’s Establishment and Free Exercise clauses. The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from establishing or endorsing a religion. The Free Exercise Clause of the Constitution guarantees individuals the right to practice their religions freely without government interference. These clauses were not intended to diminish the role of religion in private life, but rather to prevent the federal government from favoring any particular religion and prevent any kind of religious coercion.
Scriptural teaching does not support the belief that the United States should be established as a Christian nation, either. The Scriptures champion individual conscience over governmental degree in matters of faith. In Matthew 22:21, Jesus says, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” This passage is commonly interpreted as meaning there is a distinction between earthly and divine authority, between civil government and religious institutions. The passage suggests that faith is a personal matter, not one to be dictated by the State.
Furthermore, the New Testament espouses a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly political one.
John 18:36 quotes Jesus saying, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” This perspective directly contrasts with the idea of a nation-state being inherently “Christian” in its governmental structure or legal framework.
True faith is not to be imposed through earthly means or governmental force.
The New Testament consistently stresses the internal and personal nature of faith. Salvation is a matter of individual belief and repentance, not a national decree. Jesus extended invitations, not ultimatums for people to follow his path: “Come see,” never come or else.”
If there are two beliefs our founding fathers and Jesus agree on, they are: Individuals should have the freedom to embrace or reject Christianity, rather than having it imposed on them. And live the good news, don’t shove it.
Christian nationalism is a misnomer. It is neither patriotic nor Christian.