Religion in the American Founding

Posted by Brian Tubbs Jun 8, 2008

The questions of religion's role in America's founding are among the most contentious and controversial issues in today's political landscape. What role did faith play in the founding of the United States?

Opinions on this vary. Consider Michael Newdow, who has sued to stop the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools and prayer at presidential inaugurations. Newdow says: "When [the Constitution] was written, it was clear the founding fathers wanted the separation of church and state."

Is it clear? Well, Newdow is referring to the First Amendment, which forbids Congress from making any "establishment of religion." But, the very same Congress that sent the First Amendment to the states for ratification voted to hire chaplains at taxpayer expense for both houses of Congress. And President George Washington, who supported the First Amendment and presided over its adoption, is the man who called on God at his inauguration and urged the nation to pray with the America's first Thanksgiving Day Proclamation.

The Founders didn't want God removed from the public square, nor did they want a separation between politics and religious faith. What they wanted was to preserve religious freedom and to welcome religious diversity.

The issue, however, continues to spark great interest and debate. If it interests you, I encourage you to visit a new blog on the subject -- The American Creation. Click here to visit the blog, which consists of several contributors (including yours truly) from various perspectives. See you there.