The Faiths of the Founding Fathers

Book Description

It is not uncommon to hear Christians argue that America was founded as a Christian nation. But how true is this claim? In this compact book, David L. Holmes offers a clear, concise and illuminating look at the spiritual beliefs of our founding fathers. He begins with an informative account of the religious culture of the late colonial era, surveying the religious groups in each colony. In particular, he sheds light on the various forms of Deism that flourished in America, highlighting the profound influence this intellectual movement had on the founding generation. Holmes then examines the individual beliefs of a variety of men and women who loom large in our national history. He finds that some, like Martha Washington, Samuel Adams, John Jay, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson's daughters, held orthodox Christian views. But many of the most influential figures, including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, Jefferson, James and Dolley Madison, and James Monroe, were believers of a different stripe. Respectful of Christianity, they admired the ethics of Jesus, and believed that religion could play a beneficial role in society. But they tended to deny the divinity of Christ, and a few seem to have been agnostic about the very existence of God. Although the founding fathers were religious men, Holmes shows that it was a faith quite unlike the Christianity of today's evangelicals. Holmes concludes by examining the role of religion in the lives of the presidents since World War II and by reflecting on the evangelical resurgence that helped fuel the reelection of George W. Bush. An intriguing look at a neglected aspect of our history, the book will appeal to American history buffs as well as to anyone concerned about the role of religion in American culture.

Customer Reviews:

The Founding Fathers Faiths.......2007-09-09

Right Wing Religious conservatives have tried to put George Washington on a pedestal as a founder of a Christian Nation. David L. Holmes doesn't take sides but confronts these myths regarding the founding fathers. I would also suggest Deism In American Thought, by Woodbridge Riley and of course Thomas Paines, The Age of Reason, our founding fathers had good reasons for insuring the separation of religion and state. I would offer as an example the laws that existed regarding Quakers that existed in some of the colonies as an example of what they were trying to prevent in their concept of a new nation. What people will do "In the name of God" is still a modern day concern. Secularism has become almost a religion in modern times, without including allowances for some ethics and spirituality. Man is not a noble savage!

Excellent, but the Deist label seems pressed too hard........2007-07-09

As an evangelical Christian, I have longed for a well researched book that strives to stick to the facts of the religious background of our founding fathers. Holmes' book does that, generally avoiding jumping to conclusions that are not warranted by those facts.

If you have been taught that the founding fathers were all Christians who strove to build a new nation upon the precepts of the Bible, this book will set you straight. The strength of the book lies in its reliance on actual records and statements of the key founders (e.g., the first five presidents and other notables). Thus, Holmes blows a wind of fresh air into today's wranglings that claim America to be a "Christian nation."

Yet, while reading, I often wondered if Holmes sees too MUCH Deism in early America. His citations of alleged Deistic comments by the founding fathers aren't always that clear or definitive.

Holmes surely proves that the influence of Deism was present in early America. But I'm not sure that the unbiased reader will readily agree that Deism was as widespread and as widely recognized in the 18th century as Holmes seems to suggest.

This mild criticism aside, this book is a readable and incredibly helpful resource for anyone who desires to know the specific religious beliefs and activities of the key players in our nation's founding.

Superb book on understanding Deism in 18th Century.......2007-02-08

I found this book by David L. Holmes to be superbly written, researched and presented. The author not only present a clear understanding of religious situation of the colonies prior to the Revolution but afterward as well. The main asset of this book lies in his understanding of how Deism as a religious and theological thought, influenced the acts, actions, political behavior and personal behavior of Ben Franklins, John Adams, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monore and James Madison.

Another service this book provides is that the author have a clear and logical understanding of Deism and explained to the reader in a clear and logical way that is easy to understand. He also explained how you can tell if one is a Deist by the language, mannerism and behavior when discussing religious matter. The author made it clear that while these men were born Christian, they didn't embrace Christianity as mature adults and ironic, some of them return the fold as they lay dying.

The book also point that one gift these men gave the American nation which was most reflective of their Deist faith was the concept of separation of Church and State. They defeated all efforts by the new nation to create Christianity as a state religion and ensure that religion and government stay out of each other's way.

These men who were Deist, ironically did not push this thought onto their families. The book also dealt with families of these men and come up with the fact that most of them were rise and remains as orthodox Christians.

The book briefly covered the religious lives of three regular Christians who supported our founding fathers, John Jay, Samuel Adams and Elias Boudinot.

The Epilogue proves to be quite interesting since the author discussed the faiths of our past presidents from Gerald R. Ford to George W. Bush. The mass difference between these men from each others truly reflect a true labyrinth of Christianity that is being practice in this nation today.

This book come well recommended and almost a standard mandatory reading material for any American interested in our nation's history. The book also serves as a warning against any revisionist thoughts by some in our country who wishes believe that men who founded our nation were some sort of religious fanatics or die-hard Christians.

The Faiths of the Founding fathers.......2007-01-11

An excellent study of religious transition. Gave me a good understanding of some of the religious issues of today

Great Book.......2006-11-08

I just finished reading the book "The Faiths of the Founding Fathers." I won't repeat what other reviewers have said, except to say that I felt the author laid out his research in a very easy to understand manner. This book helped me understand why there is such controversy around this topic. A person can point to one item out of many, such as church membership, participation or non-participation in church activities, and a person's actions, and draw the desired conclusion concerning whether a person is a Christian and/or religious. But the author examines all of these points and comes to a very sound conclusion regarding the people in question.

I enjoyed the book, and found it to be both informative and enlightening.

Christianity and the Constitution: The Faith of Our Founding Fathers

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Ben Franklin was a nerd
Definitly worth reading
Political TRUTH at last!
A bit simplistic
A bit simplistic

Christianity and the Constitution: The Faith of Our Founding Fathers
John Eidsmoe
Manufacturer: Baker Academic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0801052319
Release Date: 1995-08-01

Book Description

Using the writings of the founders and records of their conversations and activities, John Eidsmoe demonstrates the influence of Christianity on the political convictions of the founding fathers.

Customer Reviews:

Ben Franklin was a nerd.......2006-04-15

Eidsmoe is clear about his bias but the book certainly isn't an emotional diatribe. Exceptionally well researched, it's a fair and reasonable alternative to the standard dialogue in public schools and academia. A large section of the book is short and simple biographies of 13 old school patriots focused towards their religiosity. Eidsmoe's writing flowed reasonably well and they were interesting. What is outrageous is that, with the widely available historical documentation that Eidsmoe quotes from, some academics still assert that most the founding fathers were deists. Even Franklin himself advocated for official daily prayer during the constitutional convention, asserting that no empire can be made without the direct assistance of God. The original source material is completely twisted out of context or ignored all together to support the modern interpretation of church/state separation.

One can intelligently argue that current case law on church/state issues is right and proper or even that it doesn't go far enough in removing religion from government. It's a legitimate philosophical debate. However, when original source material from the founding fathers is read, it is impossible to argue the current state was ever the original intent. The founding fathers had absolutely no intention of placing the limits on religion that the modern courts do. Eidsmoe documents how Jefferson, though a Universalist and not a Christian, actually advocated earmarking federal funds for Christian missionaries to Native American tribes.

If you think Jefferson's Letter to the Danbury Baptists and his "wall of separation" phrase completely eliminated the comingling of religion and government, then read this book. Given the actual history, I don't understand why there's really any debate about this issue. This book really shows how history can be distorted and ignored to support the current spirit of the times.

Definitly worth reading.......2004-11-01

Oh how I wish every Christian in America would read this book. Too often we are weak only because we don't know our history.

The book starts out with a discussion of Calvinism, Puritanism, and some of the other "isms" that molded peoples opinions around the time of our Country's birth.

Much of the rest of this book is devoted to biographies of thirteen of our founding fathers, including Jefferson, Washington, Henry, and Adams (two of them). Some were Christians, some weren't. But the extent to which our Government was founded on Christian principles and morality is evident by studying their own writings.

The remainder of the book discusses the Biblical principles found in our founding documents (the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution), and how we've come from there to the godless mess we're in now. Just the last couple of chapters were in themselves worth the entire cost of the book!

Political TRUTH at last!.......2004-08-17

I'm familiar with the Founders own writings (original source documents) and I find this book to be an excellent faithful and true account of the important role of religion (Christianity) in the founding of this great nation - Gods New Israel (the New Jerusalem). I note that there are certain high-minded, haughty critics who with their post-modern jargon and foo-foo biased propaganda seek to belittle this great book however I exhort all those seeking for political truth to read this book. It is excellent, and once you have this knowledge, you will not be deceived by foo-foo propaganda from the limp-wristed liberal left. Thank you John - brilliant work.

A bit simplistic.......2004-01-09

John Eidsmoe's book is definately relevant to any inquiry into the relation between the Church and the Civil magistrate, particularly in regard to that relation at the founding of the constitution. The naive assumption that politics operate in an epistemic vaccum is, hopefully, washed away by Eidsmoe's presentation of general philosophical and religious precommitments of our nation's early politicians.

I believe Eidsmoe is a bit optomistic in regard to the orthodoxy of the faith of the constitutional founders, definately underplaying the Masonic influence on their views. Whatever their particular views, Christians should hardly claim them in defense of a thoroughly anti-christian covenantal document that established the *people* as the Sovereign of the nation. Vague references to God hardly establish a Christian nature to the document, though undoubtably, as Eidsmoe states, the structure itself can obviously be attributed to the Presbyterian model of government.

With that said, the book is, in the end, worth reading. Particularly the 22nd chapter, "Into the Third Century: Where does the US go from Here?" Eidsmoe, likely unintentionally, evidences the futility of a covenantal document that establishes human autonomy as Sovereign by it's thorough subjectivism. Eidsmoe demonstates this with a number of penal examples (what *exactly* is the normative referant for 'cruel and unusual' punishment today?)

After reading this book, I would highly recommend Gary North's "Political Polytheism" to supplement it with a little Biblical orthodoxy (keep in mind, Eidsmoe is a dispensationalist - *gag*)

A bit simplistic.......2004-01-09

After reading this book, I would highly recommend Gary North's "Political Polytheism" to supplement it with a little Biblical orthodoxy (keep in mind, Eidsmoe is a dispensationalist - *gag*)

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worthless read

Faith of Our Founding Fathers

historical depth

Less than honest

Here are some facts to consider... from a Christian

Faith of Our Founding Fathers
Tim F. LaHaye
Manufacturer: Master Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Original Intent: The Courts, the Constitution & Religion

America's Godly Heritage

Christianity and the Constitution: The Faith of Our Founding Fathers

The Foundations of American Government

America's Christian Heritage

ASIN: 0890512019

Customer Reviews:

worthless read.......2007-10-03

I wish that I had read the previous reviews of this book prior to spending my money. Instead I believed the cover that read, "Dr. Tim LaHaye moves past all the rhetoric, argumentation, and historical revisionism and simply examines the plain evidence". That is why I bought the book and why I was so terribly disappointed. This book is nothing but a thinly veiled attack on 'secular humanism'. And LaHaye couches that attack in useless, un-cited anecdote and terms like 'Secular Humanist Animals'. LaHaye laments that 'Creation Science' is not taught in school. (Dr. LaHaye, there is no such things as 'Creation Science', because there is no way to hold creationism up to the rigors of scientific inquiry).

If you are looking for a book that pours gasoline on the flames of your fear of the ACLU and the NEA, by all means, buy this book. If you are looking for a book that really does examine the facts of the role faith played in the founding of our nation, keep looking and don't waste your money on this rag.

Faith of Our Founding Fathers.......2007-01-15

Everyone needs to read this book so that they can remember from their childhood education or learn for the first time what our country was founded on!

historical depth.......2006-08-20

An important book for anyone involved in the educational, political, legal or spiritual activity of this nation.

Less than honest.......2004-12-09

As a pastor I suggest that Tim Lahaye vision of the Founding Fathers is a less than honest interpretation and revisionism of the lives of these men.

He regularly removes quotes for their historical context and readily leaves false impressions of the spirituality of what was a broadly diverse group of men. Deists, Unitarians, athiests, orthodox and more were the roots of American constitutional government.

Some like Patrick Henry are discussed as beacons of Christian orthodoxy without acknowledging that many of the most orthodox worked against the ratifying of the constitution by the states.

Individual quotations never tell the whole story of the man. The language of God was part of the general public discourse and was used often by many founders for its effect. While at the same time they, also, spoke boldly of the destructive nature of religion, the absence of God from this world in any intimate mannet, the evil of the institutions of faith, etc.

Jefferson's work on his missal called "The Jefferson Bible" displayed a rationalistic distaste for all things supernatural in the Gospels. He and many recognized the destruction the faith wars of europe had caused and believed the philosophies of Hume held more hope than irrational faith.

All in all LaHaye's work borders more more on fiction than fact and serves neither the church nor the public discourse of these men and the events they forged.

Here are some facts to consider... from a Christian.......2004-08-21

As a Christian who studies the Bible on a daily basis, I'm disgusted by how people will listen naively to whatever Tim Lahaye and others say because it sounds pleasing, without thinking critically. (The Bible has many warnings about that too.)

If you really want to learn about the "Faith of Our Founding Fathers" from a scholarly source by somebody who actually has researched facts, then I recommend an accurate and fair (and enjoyable) book instead called, "The Founding Fathers and the Place of Religion in America" by Frank Lambert instead. (ISBN 0691088292)

Yes, the U.S. colonies were established primarily as Christian colonies. However, there were so many disagreements in beliefs, that the states ended up persecuting people who preached different doctrines. People were being hung in Massachusetts because of their beliefs, and that was why Roger Williams left to found Rhode Island, a state that tolerated different religions.

In Virginia, Baptists preachers were thrown in prison because they disagreed with the established Anglican church. One of the people impacted by this was James Madison, who himself had attended a presbyterian seminary. His first action as a freshman lawmaker in Virginia was to fight for the rights of religious minorities. He became a decisive force for the separation of church and state.

Because of the persecution of religious minorities and the efforts by the established churches to silence dissent, the popular attitude was to hate the established churches, because they were seen as power-hungry and corrupt (like some today). That is why people like Madison and Jefferson fought for the creation of a secular government that "deregulated" churches and created a free-market of religious ideas.

Yes, there were other people (like Patrick Henry) who wanted to establish a Christian church, but guess who won in the end? Madison and Jefferson sold the founders on the idea that keeping the church and state in their own separate spheres was best for everyone, and the conventions agreed!

The framers were afraid that if they mentioned God in the Constitution, then that might lead to entanglement between the church and state. Instead of deriving their governmental authority from God, as had been done by other states before them, they wrote a Preamble that said, "We the people...do ordain and establish this Constitution," rather than saying "God ordains this Constitution" (which was proposed). Their preamble was completely different from the "City on a Hill" ideology of the past.

Madison was friends with Thomas Jefferson, a Deistic Unitarian who penned the words "separation of Church and State" in a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association. This letter was important because Jefferson was expressing what he believed was the "original intent" of the first amendment.

Has God cursed our nation as a result of this separation of church and state? Quite the contrary! Just look around and see how God has blessed us. Churches have grown, AND we probably have a higher percentage of Christian believers than before the Constitution was drafted.

God never needed civil power to grow his church. Look at what the apostles faced--the early church grew despite persecution. As soon as the church gained political acceptance and power, it becamed corrupted by greed, idolatry and syncretistic pagan practices.

What is the agenda behind the push by some zealous Christians to take control of the government, and why do they feel they need civil power? Is it because their theology is weak and devoid of spiritual power? (Those who rely on the law are legalistic.)

How to Get Your Husband to Go to Church with You

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faith IS the victory
Faith in Action
How to apply the word on God in your life
Book packed with bible living techniques
Excellent Read!

How to Get Your Husband to Go to Church with You
Vivian D'Arezzo
Manufacturer: Great Revival Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage

ASIN: 0978777603
Release Date: 2007-03-05

Product Description

In "How to Get Your Husband to Go to Church With You," the author shares powerful biblical principles on how to turn a marriage around so a husband may find God and consistently go to church with his wife. As a saved spouse with spiritual knowledge, God can use you to facilitate His will for your husband to attend church. The author includes anecdotal information based on her own struggle with her husband going to church. If your husband has never gone to church, if he has not been in years or attends only occasionally this book is ideal for you! God's Word does not change; He will do what seems impossible for you by changing the heart of our husband to become church goer. Jesus died on the cross and paid the price for our sins. He also purchased redemption for every area of our lives, including our marriages. God gave us a covenant of love sealed with the precious blood of His Son whereby we can live victoriously. This book will show you how to enforce the victory Jesus already won for you the victory of your husband going to church with you - the victory of your husband going to church with you!

Customer Reviews:

faith IS the victory.......2007-07-31

As a husband whose wife does not go to church with him, I read this book from the perspective of a man having a similar problem but with his wife - the same spiritual truths apply to men! If a man would implement what this book instructs, he too could learn to operate in faith and allow God to move on his situation. Armed with knowledge of the scriptures and an understanding of the actions I can take, I have every expectation that my wife will soon be going to church with me! This book provided me with the hope and tools that not only this situation but any situation I may face can be turned around by God

Faith in Action.......2007-06-25

As a single woman, never married, I was not sure how this book would apply to me. I found this book to be an outstanding account of "Faith in Action." The biblical references and examples of standing in faith for God's promises apply to all of us. I was moved by the honesty of the author to share her experience and the willingness of her husband to allow this story to be told. I also learned a lot about the importance of respecting your husband, standing on the promises of God (regardless of how the situation looks) and faith that the Lord will accomplish his plan for our life if we don't give up. It is a story of hope, perseverence and victory! I highly recommend it.

How to apply the word on God in your life.......2007-06-22

When I started reading this book I could not put it down. I was astounded by its practicality to my every day life. The principles used in this book can be applied to any situation. The book is a loaded with scriptures and also real life experiences which gives you hope that you are not alone. Loved the book, and greatly recommend it.

Book packed with bible living techniques.......2007-04-27

This book is packed with little known bible techniques to help carry out God's plan for you and your family. Don't let your denomination hinder your exploration of God's Word.

Excellent Read!.......2007-04-12

This book lends instruction on how to get the promises of God to manifest in your life. The best kind of prayer is ANSWERED PRAYER. It is a read that will get you excited about what is truly available to you through the scriptures. I have never read a book that offers instruction on 'How to be baptized in the Holy Spirit'. These principles apply to anything that you are praying for, not just a husband who isn't going to church. It's worth its weight in scriptures!

Faith of Our Founding Father: The Spiritual Journey of George Washington

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As much a history as gravity is false
A Closet Religious Tract
Well Documented Account of George Washington's Core Beliefs
Religious fanatasism - yes, History - NO
A Hero for These Times

Faith of Our Founding Father: The Spiritual Journey of George Washington
Janice T. Connell
Manufacturer: Hatherleigh Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1578261562
Release Date: 2003-10-22

Book Description

We all know George Washington the fearless leader, the brilliant general, our first president, and "The Father of Our Country". What we often overlook is Washington's deep spirituality.

Now, in Faith of Our Founding Father: The Spiritual Journey of George Washington, best-selling author Janice T. Connell gives an in-depth examination of Washington's spiritual life. Drawing upon Washington's personal writings, public speeches, eyewitness accounts and letters, Connell reveals the practical, down-to-earth faith that guided him throughout his life. From narrow escapes on the battlefield to braving cold and starvation, Washington often credited his life to "the all powerful dispensations of Providence".

In a world wracked by wars, terrorism, disease, starvation, immorality, and tyranny, the life of George Washington has a lot to teach us. The father of our country faced countless challenges throughout his life, not only on the road to establishing our nation, but also in his childhood, scarred by the early death of his father. It was George Washington's deep personal faith that allowed him to triumph over life's adversities, and it steeled him with the profound inner strength that carried him from the dark days of Valley Forge to the pinnacle of the Presidency.

This spiritual biography includes the entire text of the Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation, a text Washington learned by heart as a boy and that continued to guide his values throughout his life. In addition, it includes Washington's daily prayers. His prayer book, with a distinct prayer for the morning and afternoon of each day of the week, gave him comfort and strength all through his years.

George Washington was no stranger to sorrow, cold, hunger, persecution, violence, or terrorism. His deep sense of spirituality allowed him to stand strong in the face of adversity and triumph in the darkest of times. His story can bring similar strength and comfort to us all.

Customer Reviews:

As much a history as gravity is false.......2006-08-04

Quite interesting how tremendous in length someone would go to revision one of the greatest Americans to comform to the beliefs desired at the expense of the courtesy of doing him the justice of giving him a fair and objective historical analysis.

A Closet Religious Tract.......2004-11-08

Ms. Connell devotes the first half of this book to evangelical expository techniques. Therein, while she never formally labels Washington as a certified antecedent to today's regligious right, she attempts to leave that impression, no doubt with measurable effect on a reader who engages only the first part of the book. The tone of the book changes in the second half, almost as if written by a different author. The writing is more objective and historically accurate. I bought the book because when I selected Alf J. Mapp, Jr.'s The Faiths of our Founding Fathers for an Amazon order, I was offered Connell's book in a package deal. I know now, and I should have known when I ordered, that her publisher (Hatherleigh Press) was a give-away to the real nature of her book. Whether I should have known or not, Amazon should not have suggested to readers that Mapp, Jr.'s serious history and Connell's regligious tract would have similar appeal. Mapp, Jr., by the way, gives an excellent and accurate account of the faiths felt and practiced by Washington and other key figures of America's beginnings.

Well Documented Account of George Washington's Core Beliefs.......2004-04-05

Many people speak of the beliefs of the founding fathers and their political views. This book allows Washington to speak for himself -- with many verbatim transcripts and documented references. Very readable, providing one with a real perspective of the values of the day and, most importantly, the actual beliefs of George Washington himself without the "spin" of current day political pundits. Very refreshing and inspiring.

Religious fanatasism - yes, History - NO.......2004-03-14

This book is more a work of fiction than a proper historical treatment of Washington's religious beliefs. It was painful to read such stretches of imagination. In the environment today it's not surprising that our first President is being remade in the light that we want instead of what he was. If you are deeply christian and your not concerned about accuracy or facts, than I think you will enjoy this book. If you are looking for a non fiction treatment of the subject or a historical view, look elsewhere.

A Hero for These Times.......2004-02-21

Though I have always liked George Washington, this book has allowed me recognize him as America's greatest hero.The Spiritual Journey of George Washington is a luminous torch. I reread parts of this book every day. Washington's spirituality is incredibly contemporary. His wisdom is powerful. His discipline, the amazing protection he had in battle, his extraordinary humility - refusing to become the first King of the United States - all these and other explanations in this book of seminal events in George Washington's life make me appreciate what it took for the United States to become a nation.

Faith of the Founders: Religion and the New Nation 1776-1826

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Faith of the Founders: Religion and the New Nation 1776-1826
Edwin S. Gaustad
Manufacturer: Baylor University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1932792090

Product Description

Vintage Gaustadnow back in print

The Faith Of Our Founding Fathers (An Interview With John Eidsmoe)

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The Faith Of Our Founding Fathers (An Interview With John Eidsmoe)

Manufacturer: Southwest Radio Church
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet
ASIN: B000FDZSYA

Product Description

If the founding fathers were to see the hostile contempt with which modern thinkers treat Christianity, I believe they would consider it strange, offensive and self-destructive.» - John Eidsmoe. An «ordained minister of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren» who «holds five degrees in law, theology and political science» and «serves as a professor of constitutional law», John Eidsmoe is one of the most articulate and learned defenders of the conservative, Christian conception of the U.S. Constitution. In *Christianity and the Constitution*, published in 1987, he tries to correct the picture of America's founders, founding and foundational principles propagated by secular scholars whom he considers guilty of deliberately ignoring and suppressing the evidence of the crucial importance of Christianity in American history.

Revolutionary Spirits: The Enlightened Faith of America's Founding Fathers

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Revolutionary Spirits: The Enlightened Faith of America's Founding Fathers
Gary Kowalski
Manufacturer: Bluebridge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Bringing to life the complex creeds and personalities of America's Founding Fathers, this book confronts many of the myths about the religious views of some of the most notable figures in history. Offering clear and candid portraits of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Paine, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison as both religious reformers and political rebels, this analysis tells the illuminating story of these unorthodox men of faith and thought and reclaims their spiritual inheritance for all Americans. Providing a careful examination of how the Founders’ nature-based spirituality was tied to their fascination with science, this record includes discussions on Washington’s aversion to using the word "God" in public pronouncements, Jefferson's mathematical calculations to show that the biblical great flood would have been impossible, and Paine's thoughts on the possibilities of alien life.

So Help Me God: The Founding Fathers and the First Great Battle Over Church and State

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So Help Me God: The Founding Fathers and the First Great Battle Over Church and State
Forrest Church
Manufacturer: Harcourt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0151011850

Book Description

Today’s dispute over the line between church and state (or the lack thereof) is neither the first nor the fiercest in our history. In a powerful retelling of the birth of the American body politic, religious historian Forrest Church describes our first great culture war—a tumultuous yet nearly forgotten conflict that raged from George Washington’s presidency to James Monroe’s. On one side of the battle, the proponents of order—Federalists, Congregationalists, New Englanders—believed that the only legitimate ruler of men is God. On the other side, the defenders of liberty—republicans, Baptists, Virginians—cheered the Enlightenment and the French Revolution, and believed that only the separation of church and state would preserve man’s freedom. Would we be a nation under God, or with liberty for all?

In this vigorous history, Forrest Church offers a new vision of our earliest presidents’ beliefs, reshaping assumptions about the debates that still reverberate across our land.

American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation (Unabridged)

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American Gospel - No Answer
Pablum
Finally, a Balanced Truth
Bad history written by a journalist
Meacham has done excellent research

American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation (Unabridged)
Jon Meacham
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
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ASIN: B000FAJBPK

Customer Reviews:

American Gospel - No Answer.......2007-09-28

I have to admit, after reading A Peoples' History of the United States, I had much concern about this book. It seems that it was either going to state that the United States was founded on Christian beliefs or it was going to say that it was absolutely not founded on Christian beliefs. Much to my surprise, the answer was 'sort of.'

As much as one could, Mr. Meacham seems to have taken a middle road, analytical view of the topic. From the origins of separation of church and state to discuss what God and maker were the founding fathers speaking of, the book was found to be most informative an interesting. It seems that some readers will get annoyed because they want the book to pick a side and argue it but instead he presented both parts of the argument and follows history to where we are today with respect to faith, God and government.

His citation system is far superior to that found in A Peoples' History though it was still lacking. He provided a long citation list but only by page with no corresponding reference on said page. I don't know...maybe in popular history books editors feel that when a reader sees a superscript number that they will be turned off. What I would hope is that two editions could be published, one as the book currently is but also one with exact citations so the reader, if she so chooses, can look up a quote or fact and see if it is presented in an appropriate context. Another good thing was the inclusion of entire documents within the appendix to allow the reader to see the source material as it was and to either agree or disagree with Mr. Meacham's interpretation.

Pablum.......2007-09-13

Jefferson, Washington, Franklin, Adams, and Madison were Deists, not Christians. Deism, not Christianity, was the religion of the enlightenment and of the early American intelligentsia. This work is well-intended, but superficial, and only feeds into the big lie that America is a "Christian country." That charade needs to be played out, not played into.

Finally, a Balanced Truth.......2007-08-18

American Gospel tells the truth of the history of religion (primarily the belief in Christianity) in the United States. It is very satisfying because it tells the whole story.

I have been an evangelical (born-again) Christian for almost 30 years. In that time, I have heard people say "America is a Christian nation," and I even went to a lecture by David Barton, founder of Wallbuilders, who claimed that the founding fathers were all Christian men.

I love the Lord and I love to study American history. But when I would hear and read about how Christian the nation was (and many evangelicals want to ensure that it remains so), I always think, "How could this Christian nation have tolerated slavery? How could these Christian men say 'thou shalt not steal,' and then take land away from Native Americans?" I often felt like those I've heard go on about how America was founded by Christians would like for people to forget our country's greatest sins, or believe that Christians had nothing to do with them. In fact, on Independence Day weekend 2007, I went to Church and my pastor gave a message about America, and he said "The battle cry of America has always been freedom." That's a nice thought, but it's just not true.

The truth is that the founders wanted a nation where people could be free in every aspect, including their spiritual beliefs. I'm glad for a book that respects Christianity but does not justify, minimize or ignore America's sins.

Bad history written by a journalist.......2007-08-15

If you want a real historical account and worth while scholarship, I would suggest reading "The Faiths of the Founding Fathers." Meacham is an amateur. Any senior in an undergraduate history course should be able to point out the glaring omissions, half truths and shoddy scholarship. His thesis is not even original. It seems to me Meacham is a reporter who found a way to make money during a time where religion and government are of more concern to Americans. Meacham should stick to reporting and let historians write history.

Meacham has done excellent research.......2007-08-09

Jon Meacham has researched the history of religion (mostly Christianity) in the colonies and in the founding fathers writing. His detail is excellent, and his intrepretations are thoughtful and well supported.

The debates that occurred with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were carried out with the spirit of allowing religious freedom, yet acknowledging that religion played an important role in the lives of citizens and politicians alike.

Before anyone concludes that we declare the U S a Christian nation, it would be well worth your while to review the accounts of our founders as presented by Meacham.

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