Was America founded as a Christian nation? Men who loved God established America. They did not establish a theocratic government. They did establish a system dependent on biblical principles. They knew any other foundation wouldn’t last. As our July 4th celebration of Independence Day approaches, it seems appropriate to look at what some of the founders actually said. Here are just a few of the thoughts, and warnings, from those who founded our country*:
From George Washington:
“It is impossible to govern the world without God. It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits and humbly implore his protection and favor.”
“The future of this nation depends on the Christian training of our youth.”
“One’s god dictates the kind of law one implements and also controls the application and development of that law over time. Given enough time, all non-Christian systems of law self-destruct in a fit of tyranny.”
“Occupants of public offices love power and are prone to abuse it.”
“Real men despise battle, but will never run from it.”
“I am sure that never was a people, who had more reason to acknowledge a Divine interposition in their affairs, than those of the United States; and I should be pained to believe that they have forgotten that agency, which was so often manifested during our Revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God who is alone able to protect them.”
“Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do–then do it with all your strength.”
From Thomas Jefferson:
“The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty.”
“The press is impotent when it abandons itself to falsehood.”
“By oft repeating an untruth, men come to believe it themselves.”
“I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.”
“We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.”
“A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.”
“Evil triumphs when good men do nothing”
From Ben Franklin:
“Common sense without education, is better than education without common sense.”
“When you’re down to nothing, God is up to something. The faithful see the invisible, believe the incredible and then receive the impossible.”
“Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.”
“Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.”
“Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, creator of the Universe. That he governs it by his Providence. That he ought to be worshiped. That the most acceptable service we render him is doing good to his other children. That the soul of Man is immortal, and will be treated with justice in another life respecting its conduct in this.”
“A nation of well-informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the region of ignorance that tyranny begins.”
From John Adams:
“Always stand on principle even if you stand alone.”
“The destiny of America is to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to all men everywhere.”
“Those who trade liberty for security have neither.”
“We Recognize no Sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus!
“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it.”
Was America founded as a Christian Nation? Pastor and author Robert Jeffress cited a study by two professors from the University of Texas. They looked at 15,000 documents from the Founding Fathers to discover whom they quoted most. Their study revealed the founders quoted the Bible more than any other source. Our Christian heritage is evident.
May this prayer by George Washington be our prayer as well: “Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that thou wilt keep the United States in thy holy protection.”
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as his heritage.
Psalm 33:12
Was America founded as a Christian nation? What are your thoughts? Please leave a comment below?
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2026 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by kalhh from Pixabay
*Quoted material from A-Z Quotes
Excellent words from those who knew what they were doing and whom we depend.
Thanks for sharing. Happy 4th to you and Doug!
Thank you, Elizabeth. Happy 4th to you as well.