Of God and Government: Was America Founded on Religious Principles?

"[God is] far above every government and authority and power and lordship..." says the apostle Paul in his letter of the Ephesians. Yes, Paul appreciated the loftiness of God Almighty. To millions of people the world over, no government has or will ever be greater than he. Thus, would it not be reasonable for Him to be an integral part of human governments of today? Yes, it can be said that "to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to a man who is walking even to direct his step." What better way is there for a government made up of imperfect humans to function than with the help of God's word, the Bible? The founding fathers of our country, though imperfect, aspired to run the newly-founded United States while keeping their creator in mind.

Patrick Henry's speech to the second Virginia Convention is riddled with references to God. Perhaps he had the account of ancient Israel in mind when he spoke of God "presiding over destinies of nations...and...raising friends to fight our battles for us." Surely it must have reminded the delegates at the convention of the many times in the Old Testament that God provided military backing for his people. Henry squeezes in another Biblical reference when he wars the delegates against trusting the British Parliament: "Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss." In that passage of his speech, Henry likens the government to Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' apostles who, on the evening of Jesus' death, betrayed his rabbi with a kiss before turning him over to the Sanhedrin. God commands through His written word for worshipers of him to worship "in spirit and truth." Thus, Henry can rightly say that "we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility to God." A great responsibility to God, indeed!

What better way to increase the low morale of Washington's troops than to strengthen their faith? Thomas Paine did so in his pamphlet, The Crisis No. 1. He mentions God early in his speech; speaking of Britain's law to "bind [the colonists] in all cases whatsoever," he declares the expression "impious [lacking in reference to God]; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God." What right did Britain think they had, forcing the colonies into what Paine called "slavery"? God Almighty, being the Sovereign Creator of the universe and humankind, is the only one rightfully able to do with His creations as He wishes, is He not? Truly it must have strengthened the troops when Paine later stated, "My secret opinion...is that God Almighty will not give His people to military destruction, or leave them unsupported to perish." Paine, like Henry before him, could no doubt recall numerous occasions God supported his chosen people in warfare.

The Declaration of Independence, one of the most famous political documents in United States history, also alludes to God. In fact, the allusion is perhaps the most famous part of the document. "All men are...endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among them are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Yes, when God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, He wanted them to enjoy life under his caring rule. Now, this oppressive human government has tried to restrict those rights, going against God's purpose! What a powerful message!

As we examine these three political works, it is plain to see that the founding fathers did in fact mix politics and religion. These are but a few examples in but three of the many political documents written by politicians of times past. What an encouragement it must have been to people of the United States to have such spiritually-minded people running their country!

SOURCES:
http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/henry-liberty.html
http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/Paine/Crisis/Crisis-1.html
http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm