Did America Have a Christian Founding?: Separating Modern Myth from Historical Truth

This is a well researched, well written work.It is on a topic that I have been interested in for several decades. I’ve read in this area before, and I am impressed with this book.

To “set the historical record straight” about Christianity’s role in building America’s foundation, Professor Hall narrates a more complete picture of this nation’s beginnings than those who have minimized the role of religion. He also summarizes today’s church-state issues, questioning unsupported assertions, drawing supportable conclusions, suggesting further reading, and amply footnoting sources (pp. 161-210). Those who want to own just one book on this subject should consider buying this one because of its range of topics and hints about further research options.Hall offers revealing insights, including one about Thomas Jefferson’s famous metaphor. Some argue that the First Amendment was intended to wall off religion from the public square by relying upon Jefferson’s 1802 Danbury Baptist letter as authoritative interpretation of the country’s first freedom. But because Jefferson was in France from 1785 until late 1789, there’s a timeline problem. When other founders drafted the Bill of Rights, he wasn’t even there, so how could Jefferson fully understand or accurately convey what other founders struggled to enact? After he returned, ratification continued, but “there are no records of him participating in any of these debates or attempting to influence them.”Though this book is “intended for the reading public,” I wouldn’t be surprised if after finishing it, some readers will want to know more on this timely, controversial subject and continue their own research.

As this book demonstrates the answer is no. Most founders were Protestant Christians. They and most Americans of the time were influenced primarily by religious writings not enlightenment writings. While enlightenment writers promoted religious freedom, so did many Christian writers. It is not surprising that religious dissenters who endured persecution in England might think religious freedom is a good idea. It is also not surprising that very few believed in the modern idea of complete separation between church and state. What is surprising is how many historians and legal writers from the 1940's on would neglect so much evidence to the contrary to argue that the founders shared their own ideas about church and state relations. While the First Amendment prohibits a national establishment of religion it also prohibited the national government from limiting a state from establishing religion. This book makes an important argument about what history really shows about the influence of religion on the founding.

This book explores the role of Christianity in the founding of the United States. The book is divided into four parts:The first part of the book provides an overview of the history of Christianity in America and the various ways in which it has influenced the country's political and cultural development.The second part of the book examines the role of Christianity in the founding of the United States, including the influence of specific Christian ideas and movements on the Constitution and other founding documents.The third part of the book looks at the ways in which Christianity has shaped American political culture, including the role of faith in shaping public policy and political debates.The final part of the book explores the current state of Christianity in America and the challenges it faces in the 21st century.Overall, the book argues that Christianity has played a significant role in the founding and development of the United States, and that it continues to shape American political culture and public policy. However, the book also acknowledges that there have been tensions and conflicts within the country over the role of faith in public life, and that these debates continue to be an important part of the American political landscape.

Prof Hall does a great job writing a book for the general public which first clarifies the question about what it actually means for our country to have a Christian founding. Then he answers his question through meticulous and well-presented research in a way accessible to any literate person with a modicum of logic. This would make a great addition to a high school civics class, a book club selection or family reading/discussion for college kids or high school seniors. There’s no guarantee at all of American having a Christian ending, but the historical record everywhere makes the Christian roots of its founding undeniable.

Thorough and balanced discussion on an important topic. I am thankful for this book to remind us all of our Founding Fathers and the importance of Christianity as a foundation to our great country!

Recommended by my pastor and now I know why. Mr. Hall's research was excellent in distinguishing between popular supposition s and actual facts. Thus his conclusions are compelling and worry of consideration by all elected leaders, jurists and people. Thank you, sir, for an excellent and timely book.

Amazing information straight from historically accurate sources, many from the original writings of our Founding fathers. While I knew that the United States of America was founded as a Christian nation, I was surprised to learn some of the true facts of how important the Judeo-Christian religion was to not only the founding of our nation but also to the forming of our government. This is a must-read/listen for Americans today.