Christian Nationalism: Foundations, Founders, and the First Amendment

What is Christian Nationalism?

Christian nationalism is a growing topic of discussion and debate in the American public sphere. According to the Pew Research Center, Christian nationalism is a form of religious nationalism that promotes Christian beliefs and seeks their dominance in the political, cultural, and social life of a nation. Adherents believe that the United States was founded by and for Christians, and should continue to reflect that identity in its laws and governance. Among religious groups, White evangelical Protestants are the most likely to support this view, with 81% asserting that the U.S. founders intended to establish a Christian nation. In contrast, Black Protestants (57%) and Hispanic Catholics (54%) are less likely to hold this view, though still, over half believe that America’s roots are Christian in nature.

The Founders’ Vision: Religion and the Republic

James Madison, often regarded as the “Father of the Constitution,” strongly opposed any entanglement between religion and the federal government. He argued that the general government had “not a shadow of right” to interfere with religion and warned that even the smallest governmental interference would be “a most flagrant usurpation.” With America’s broad religious diversity, Madison believed no single sect could dominate the others. During the ratification debates, Antifederalists pushed for religious freedom to be explicitly protected, which eventually led to the First Amendment. Madison proposed that civil rights should not be abridged on account of religious belief and that no national religion should be established. He believed religion was an inalienable right—given not by government but by God—and that all people should be free to exercise it according to their conscience.

Founding Documents and Religious Language

The Declaration of Independence references a Creator, but the Founding Fathers varied significantly in their personal religious beliefs. Thomas Jefferson, one of the principal authors, believed in God but rejected central tenets of Christian orthodoxy such as the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, miracles, and the resurrection. He embraced the moral teachings of Jesus but filtered them through Enlightenment rationalism, often referring to “our Creator,” “Infinite Power,” or “overruling Providence” rather than using explicitly Christian language. He described himself as a Christian only in the sense that he admired Jesus’ moral philosophy. His letters to figures like William Short and John Adams reflect a belief system closer to deism or philosophical theism than traditional Christianity.

John Adams, another key figure, held a deep respect for religion but likewise rejected essential Christian doctrines. In a letter to his son in 1816, Adams expressed horror at the concept of an incarnate God suffering on a cross, which he believed had led to the corruption of Christianity. Furthermore, as President, Adams signed the Treaty of Tripoli in 1797, which explicitly stated that the United States was “not in any sense founded on the Christian religion.” Adams supported freedom of conscience, even while criticizing sectarianism and extremism in religious circles.

Benjamin Franklin, often cited for his pragmatic and philosophical outlook on faith, believed in one God, divine providence, the immortality of the soul, and moral accountability. He viewed Jesus’ ethical teachings as the best the world had ever seen but had doubts about His divinity. Franklin didn’t consider these doubts to be essential to religious life and did not believe God punished unbelievers with divine wrath. In a letter to Yale’s president Ezra Stiles, Franklin expressed confidence in God's goodness based on his life experience but refrained from dogmatic certainty about theological details.

The Constitution and the Separation of Church and State

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution famously declares, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This clause is foundational to the American understanding of religious liberty. The Constitution itself does not mention God or Christianity. Among the 55 delegates who participated in drafting the Constitution, there was a wide range of religious beliefs. James Madison championed religious freedom, arguing that every individual had a right to worship according to their own conscience. He believed religious liberty was essential to a just and free society.

Alexander Hamilton advocated for a strong federal government and was religiously situated between the Episcopalians and Presbyterians. Although less vocal about his personal faith, he demonstrated public reverence and acknowledged the importance of morality in society. John Jay, while an active Episcopalian and contributor to religious institutions like the American Bible Society, held anti-Catholic sentiments. He owned slaves but also founded the New York Manumission Society, which worked to abolish slavery and support freed Black Americans. Jay believed the moral teachings of Christianity were essential for good governance.

Christianity, Politics, and Public Ethics

Christian nationalism argues for a merging of Christian identity with national identity, but the historical record reveals a more complex and pluralistic vision from the founding generation. Many founders were influenced by Enlightenment thought, deism, and rational morality rather than orthodox Christian doctrine. They supported religion as a source of virtue and civic responsibility but resisted its institutional dominance in political life. As John Adams once wrote, he appreciated public worship of all sects but did not feel compelled to believe everything he heard.

What emerges is a tapestry of religious thought—ranging from orthodox Christianity to deistic moralism—woven into the foundation of a secular republic. Rather than establishing a Christian nation, the founders created a nation that protects the rights of Christians, Jews, Muslims, atheists, and all others equally. Christian values may have influenced some of their decisions, but they consciously avoided creating a theocracy. Their legacy is one of religious freedom, not religious dominance.

Conclusion: Navigating Faith and Freedom Today

The tension between personal faith and public policy is not new. Today, Christian nationalism revives questions about whether the U.S. should reflect a specifically Christian character. But history suggests the founders envisioned a country where faith informs individual conduct and moral values, not one where religion dictates law or governmental authority. As American society continues to grapple with these questions, understanding the founders’ complex beliefs—rooted in freedom of conscience and mutual respect—can help guide a more informed and nuanced conversation.