David K.

Jorgensen
Hist1700 - M/W 8:30am
The Impact of Religion on America
11/28/2018
 The United States of America is a country in the world unlike any other country. It is the country

the whole world looks to as a beacon of hope. It is freedom that sets America apart. It is not just the

freedom of independent moral agency but it is the God given freedoms that are acknowledged by this

nation’s government. Some of these freedoms include religious liberty, civil rights, and equality.1

Throughout time, one specific freedom has influenced the United States more than any other. That is

religious freedom. It has sustained them through many wars, economic hard ships, and natural disasters.

It is the foundation of religious freedom that the United States of America was founded upon that has

made America an amazing light to the world.

The term “religion” is a Latin word meaning “to show respect for what is sacred.”2 Religion has

been on earth for a very long time. Many Christians believe that Adam and Eve, who Biblically are the

first people on earth, worshiped God and followed his direction.3 Non-scripturally based, the “ancient

world” has many evidences of religious practices, text, and idols. The first written accounts of religion

date back to 3500 BCE in Ancient Mesopotamia. The belief was “that human beings were co-workers

with the gods… to work with and for the gods toward a mutually beneficial end.”4 The commonality

between most all ancient beliefs is a foundation of divinity. It was held that there were God’s or a God

that was an overseer of earth and the people thereon. Overtime the belief in deity had taken many

forms in the ancient world. Some worshipped idols and gods while others believed in a God who would

redeem all mankind. The birth of Christianity was due to this idea of redemption and a Savior. In Biblical

text it speaks of a Savior, named Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who would come and save man from sin. 5

1 "The United States Bill of Rights: First 10 Amendments to the Constitution." American Civil Liberties Union. 2018. Accessed November 24,
2018. https://www.aclu.org/united-states-bill-rights-first-10-amendments-constitution.
2 Mark, Joshua J. "Religion in the Ancient World." Ancient History Encyclopedia. March 23, 2018. Accessed November 24, 2018.

https://www.ancient.eu/religion/.
3 Bible, King James. "The First Book of Moses Called Genesis." Scriptures - Old Testament. September 1, 2018. Accessed November 24, 2018.

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/1?lang=eng.
4 Mark, Joshua J. "Religion in the Ancient World." Ancient History Encyclopedia. March 23, 2018. Accessed November 24, 2018.

https://www.ancient.eu/religion/.
5 Bible, King James. "Isaiah Chapter 9." Scriptures - Old Testament. September 1, 2018. Accessed November 24, 2018.

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/1?lang=eng.
After what Christians believe was the death of Christ, also known as “after the common era,” many

different religious groups began to form.

Dating back from before colonization and even exploration of the Americas, religion played a

huge part in Europe. In the 16th century, the Protestant Reformation was the beginning of religious

change that influenced America. The Reformation was the departure of many from the Catholic Church.

Reformers like John Calvin and Martin Luther disagreed with doctrines and practices of the Catholic

faith. They “challenged papal authority and questioned the Catholic Church’s ability to define

Christian practice.” 6 Others who disagreed and sought a new way of worship followed men like Luther

or Calvin to discover a new definition of Christianity. It was from this movement many Protestant

churches arose.7

Many people came to America in search for religious freedom from the Catholic Church and the

Church of England, which heavily influenced British government. As the early colonization of America

began, many came across the waters to worship how they believed but the early colonies had their

faults regarding religion. The colonies were mainly derived of Christian religions. Even though most all

called themselves Christians, they did not necessarily live in harmony with each Christian sects. Each

sect sought to “enforce strict religious observance through both colony governments and local town

rules.”8 In a way, religion became law in many towns and colonies. People were required to attend

worship services and to follow other religious practices. One example of this type of religion being

forced through government was by John Winthrop. Winthrop was the “first governor of the

Massachusetts Bay Colony.” He was also credited as one of “the Puritan founders of New England.”9

6 Editors, History.com. "The Reformation." History.com. December 2, 2009. Accessed November 24, 2018.
https://www.history.com/topics/reformation/reformation.
7 Editors, History.com. "The Reformation." History.com. December 2, 2009. Accessed November 24, 2018.

https://www.history.com/topics/reformation/reformation.
8 "Religion in Colonial America: Trends, Regulations, and Beliefs." Facing History and Ourselves. 2018. Accessed November 25, 2018.

https://www.facinghistory.org/nobigotry/religion-colonial-america-trends-regulations-and-beliefs.
9 Dunn, Richard S. "John Winthrop." Encyclopedia Britannica. March 29, 2018. Accessed November 25, 2018.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Winthrop-American-colonial-governor.
Winthrop developed a system of government known as a theocracy. It was a system where religion

oversaw and controlled government. Winthrop had a strong belief that God had established a covenant

with the Puritans. He was to do all he could to help others out of their sinful ways, even if it was forced.

Winthrop believed and governed by a mix between “group discipline” and “individual responsibility.” It

was because of his approach, he faced much opposition in government and with religion.10 Many

decided to leave the colony because they felt like the association between religion and government

should be different. Roger Williams thought that it was an individual’s right to believe and act on that

belief however they wish. Winthrop handled the opposition well and fought against those who argued

against him. He truly believed “that God favored his community above all others.”11 Overall, the

Massachusetts Bay Colony and others who governed in a similar way were becoming exactly what they

had ran from. Puritans sought religious freedom and after finding it, they restricted it for others.

While the colonies grew and expanded with time, so did religion. Across the whole east coast

there were different sects of Christianity spread all around. In the north, in New England, there were

mainly Puritans, and in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Colonies there was everything from Quakers,

Catholics, Lutherans and Jews, as well as Baptists and Anglicans.12 Many of them did not have good

relationships with each other. It wasn’t until 1730s and the 1740s that religion started to really take off

and religious relationships began to improve. This period of time is known as the First Great

Awakening.13

10 Dunn, Richard S. "John Winthrop." Encyclopedia Britannica. March 29, 2018. Accessed November 25, 2018.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Winthrop-American-colonial-governor.
11 Dunn, Richard S. "John Winthrop." Encyclopedia Britannica. March 29, 2018. Accessed November 25, 2018.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Winthrop-American-colonial-governor.
12 "Religion in Colonial America: Trends, Regulations, and Beliefs." Facing History and Ourselves. 2018. Accessed November 25, 2018.

https://www.facinghistory.org/nobigotry/religion-colonial-america-trends-regulations-and-beliefs.
13"Religion in Colonial America: Trends, Regulations, and Beliefs." Facing History and Ourselves. 2018. Accessed November 25, 2018.
https://www.facinghistory.org/nobigotry/religion-colonial-america-trends-regulations-and-beliefs.
 The First Great Awakening was a time of religious revival. More specifically it was an awakening

of one’s individual relationship with deity. “Freedom of conscience” as it was called began to be

accepted and many old ways of thinking were set aside.14 People began to live what they wanted to

believe, even if that meant leaving a church or community. It was this awakening that laid the

foundation for freedom. People understood that they had agency, or the ability to choose and act for

themselves. Even though this was a momentous step in the birth of the United States, there was a

negative effect the awakening had. Many people chose to worship on their own. This resulted in church

attendance declining drastically. In order to attract people to come back to church, preachers began

more energetic and enthusiastic sermons. Churches would hold special gatherings, usually in a tent or

large area, that were known as “revivals.” Preaching began to be more about entertainment, with

preachers still wanting to connect on an emotional and spiritual front with the congregations.15 This had

tremendous success and revivals became the focus of society. God was still as important as always but

now people began to feel a more personal and deep emotional connection with Him. With a more

outspoken religious society forming, people “questioned the right of civil authority to intervene in all

matters of religion.”16 The separation between church and state began. People were no longer afraid to

stand up against the traditional religious run British style of government.

After the time of the First Great Awakening, many political events began to unfold in the

colonies. It was strongly believed “ that God had endowed humans with reason so that they could tell

the difference between right and wrong.”17 Having a form of government that could interfere with a

14 Lutz, Alexandra. "The First Great Awakening: Religious Revival and American Independence." Study.com. Accessed November 27, 2018.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-first-great-awakening-religious-revival-and-american-independence.html.
15 Lutz, Alexandra. "The First Great Awakening: Religious Revival and American Independence." Study.com. Accessed November 27, 2018.

https://study.com/academy/lesson/the-first-great-awakening-religious-revival-and-american-independence.html.
16 "Religion in Colonial America: Trends, Regulations, and Beliefs." Facing History and Ourselves. 2018. Accessed November 25, 2018.

https://www.facinghistory.org/nobigotry/religion-colonial-america-trends-regulations-and-beliefs.
17Religion in Colonial America: Trends, Regulations, and Beliefs." Facing History and Ourselves. 2018. Accessed November 25, 2018.
https://www.facinghistory.org/nobigotry/religion-colonial-america-trends-regulations-and-beliefs.
God given right was viewed as immoral. Britain had begun enacting political sanctions and “Acts” against

the colonies. This caused many people to feel that a change was needed. In 1774 the First Continental

Congress was convened in Philadelphia. This was an organization made up of delegates from each

colony and it was the beginnings of a federal government. Their goal was to decide how to react to

Britain’s response to the colonies tax resistance, known as the “Coercive Acts.”18 Later it would be

Continental Congress that would play the ultimate role in declaring independence from Britain.

Continental Congress consisted of many delegates. Some were key political figures in the

American Revolution and many would later become great historical icons. George Washington, Thomas

Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton were all members.19 The religious

scope surrounding these founding fathers had a wide array of Christian influence. Religions ranged from

Protestant sects, such as Quakers and Lutherans, to Anglicanism and Presbyterian, just to name a few.

Even though the delegates were affiliated with religion, not all actively attended their church meetings

but most would at least attend occasionally. 20 Both George Washington and John Adams were highly

religious. Adams was a “a self-confessed ‘church going animal’”21 and Washington was a strong advocate

of prayer. Benjamin Franklin was another strongly religious founding father that requested the later

Constitutional Conventions be started with prayer. His request was turned down. Franklin stated about

God in his address requesting these prayers, “the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this

Truth--that God governs in the Affairs of Men….without his concurring Aid, we shall succeed in this

political Building no better than the Builders of Babel.”22 It was the influence of these men that began

18 Editors, History.com. "Continental Congress." History.com. February 4, 2010. Accessed November 27, 2018.
https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/the-continental-congress.
19 Editors, History.com. "Continental Congress." History.com. February 4, 2010. Accessed November 27, 2018.

https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/the-continental-congress.
20 Holmes, David L. "The Founding Fathers, Deism, and Christianity." Encyclopedia Britannica. December 21, 2006. Accessed November 28,

2018. https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Founding-Fathers-Deism-and-Christianity-1272214.
21
Holmes, David L. "The Founding Fathers, Deism, and Christianity." Encyclopedia Britannica. December 21, 2006. Accessed November 28,
2018. https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Founding-Fathers-Deism-and-Christianity-1272214
22 Benjamin, Madison, James, George, Adams, John, Leland, Hamilton, Alexander, and Franklin. "Religion and the Founding of the American

Republic Religion and the Federal Government, Part 1." Planning D-Day (April 2003) - Library of Congress Information Bulletin. June 04, 1998.
Accessed November 28, 2018. https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel06.html.
the cornerstones of a great national effort to respect religion and government but not to have either

overstep it’s bounds.

During the time of the American Revolution, the belief of “Deism” began to interest some of the

public. Deism is known as being a “natural religion” or a faith in a God and in science.23 It further is a

belief that a supreme being created the world, due to “evidence of reason and nature only,” as well as a

denial that God oversaw, governed, or revealed anything to man.24 Those who believed in Deism found

that church attendance was not needed and neither was the Bible. Holy practices and ordinances were

also set aside.25 The impact Deism had was significant on a newly forming country. It became part of

many individuals’ inner beliefs but most still remained associated with their Christian religions. It did not

change Christianity as a whole but it made people reflect on the nature of God and His relationship with

mankind.

As the birth of the United States began, the government, first controlled by Continental

Congress and later by delegates in the Constitutional Convention, had many documents that led to the

democratic republic that is in place today. There was the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of

Confederation, and the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. Each one of these playing specific roles

in setting rights and liberties for the American people. The Constitution is the most well-known because

it is the keystone of the government. First drafted in August 1787, the Constitution raised concern for

the South and its economic welfare. Slavery, commerce, and trade regulation were all worries for the

southern delegates. Many other concerns were addressed and the Anti-Federalist opposed the

ratification of this document. It was on January 9, 1788 that five states approved the Constitution.26

23 Holmes, David L. "The Founding Fathers, Deism, and Christianity." Encyclopedia Britannica. December 21, 2006. Accessed November 28,
2018. https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Founding-Fathers-Deism-and-Christianity-1272214.
24
"Deism." Dictionary.com. Accessed November 28, 2018. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/deism.
25 Holmes, David L. "The Founding Fathers, Deism, and Christianity." Encyclopedia Britannica. December 21, 2006. Accessed November 28,

2018. https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Founding-Fathers-Deism-and-Christianity-1272214.
26 "Constitution of the United States-A History." National Archives and Records Administration. Accessed November 28, 2018.

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/more-perfect-union.
Later it would be the Anti-Federalist’s that pushed for a bill of rights to insure individual rights of the

people. It was felt that the Constitution lacked “essential rights of mankind.” Federalist believed that

those rights were “secured in the states constitutions.”27

The Anti-Federalist were very smart in pushing for a bill of rights. Today, the amendments that

are found in “The Bill of Rights” are the most fundamental rights given to, and held close by, the

American people. The very first words of the first amendment in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution are

regarding religion and religious freedom. It states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an

establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”28 The very first statement in this

document was to ensure that history did not repeat itself. European government had governed with

forceful religion and early colonies had theocracies. As the belief in personal choice grew, it was ensured

that no one, especially the government, could force religion or prohibit religion. When it comes to

acknowledging God, the Constitution lacks such credit. When it was presented to the public, many felt

that it “slighted God, for it contained, ‘no recognition of his mercies to us….or even of His existence.’”29

It’s primary focus is on the rights of the people. There is a common misconception between the

Constitution and the Declaration of independence. Thomas Jefferson, who composed the Declaration

was known as a Deist.30 This is evident in his word choice and attributions to God. In the Declaration,

God is referred to as a “Creator.” The “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” are also stated.31 Even with

the Constitution lacking the acknowledgement of deity, the fundamental rights that it holds fall under a

highly religious moral and ethical standard. Those rights are what many consider “God given rights.”

27 "Constitution of the United States-A History." National Archives and Records Administration. Accessed November 28, 2018.
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/more-perfect-union.
28 "First Amendment Activities." United States Courts. Accessed November 28, 2018. http://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-

courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/first-amendment-activities.
29 Benjamin, Madison, James, George, Adams, John, Leland, Hamilton, Alexander, and Franklin. "Religion and the Founding of the American

Republic Religion and the Federal Government, Part 1." Planning D-Day (April 2003) - Library of Congress Information Bulletin. June 04, 1998.
Accessed November 28, 2018. https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel06.html.
30 "God In America." PBS. Accessed November 28, 2018. http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/people/thomas-jefferson.html.
31 "The Declaration of Independence: Full Text." Ushistory.org. July 4, 1994. Accessed November 28, 2018.

http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/.
 Throughout history from the First Great Awakening through the American Revolution, religion

was a foundation for many. More so than religion, personal beliefs and values began to govern

individual’s lives. The revivals during the Awakening and influence of Deism supported the mission to

find out one’s relationship with God. What was God’s true character? Was He just a “Creator” or was

He a caring and loving God? Many Presidents over time have all expressed their own personal beliefs.

These beliefs have impacted Presidencies and the nation, especially in times of economic hardship and

war.

George Washington was a Christian who is a prime example of personal beliefs governing his

own life. It is not clear what religion he affiliated with. Before the war he was known as an Anglican, due

to his Father being a pastor in the faith. Later he was credited being a Deist even though he was always

known for his personal Christian values. He was always a man of faith. He was “reported to have had

regular private prayer sessions, and personal prayer was a large part of his life.”32 Arnold Friberg, a well-

known religious painter, composed a painting of George Washington entitled “The Prayer at Valley

Forge.” This painting, one of which hung in the Whitehouse for years, depicted Washington kneeling in

prayer on a snow cover ground next to his horse. It was Nathaniel Randolph Snowden and Isaac Potts

that had discovered Washington praying in the woods. Snowden recounted in his diary that he had

heard a man in prayer and it was his surprise to find it was Washington. Snowden stated about

Washington, “He was at Prayer to the God of the Armies, beseeching to interpose with his divine aid…

Such a prayer I never heard from the lips of man…”33 George Washington’s faith became a source for his

courage. Washington alone played such a pivotal role in not only the Revolutionary War but the

founding of the United States. President Ronald Reagan said regarding “The Prayer at Valley Forge,”

32 Tsakiridis, George, Ph.D. "George Washington and Religion." George Washington's Mount Vernon. Accessed November 28, 2018.
https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/george-washington-and-religion/.
33 Abbott, Dan. "The Prayer at Valley Forge." George Washington Inn. April 15, 2016. Accessed November 28, 2018.

https://georgewashingtoninn.com/the-prayer-at-valley-forge/.
“That moving image personifies and testifies to our Founder’s dependence upon Divine Providence

during the darkest hours of our Revolutionary struggle.”34

Many other presidents relied on prayer and sought guidance from God especially in times of

war. Washington during the Revolutionary War, Lincoln during the Civil War, and Franklin D. Roosevelt

during World War II. Lincoln said, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming

conviction that I had nowhere else to go.”35 These and a few more presidents were honest in inviting

heaven’s help. Presidents of the past and recent have many times requested a day of prayer in times of

need or as a constant happening. In 1941 Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a Christmas Eve message in which

he spoke about the war they were right in the middle of. In respect to having heavenly help, Roosevelt

appointed New Years Day of 1942 to be a day of prayer. He declared, “…a day of prayer, asking for

forgiveness for our shortcomings of the past, of consecration of the tasks of the present, of asking God’s

help in the days to come. We need His guidance…”36 Other presidents who invoked a day of prayer

include Truman, who signed a bill making a National Day of Prayer law.37 Reagan in his Inaugural Address

invited America that each Inaugural Day from that day on, should be a day of prayer.38 Many other

President have spoken about such a day or a time when prayer is needed. Over time it has been the

constant of prayer that has been the heavenly hand helping the United States.

Looking at today, there is even more of a division of church and state. Many in politics view

deity as offensive and harmful to other cultures. It is true that all beliefs and values should be respected,

34 Abbott, Dan. "The Prayer at Valley Forge." George Washington Inn. April 15, 2016. Accessed November 28, 2018.
https://georgewashingtoninn.com/the-prayer-at-valley-forge/.
35 The, White House. "Presidential Proclamation--National Day of Prayer." National Archives and Records Administration. April 29, 2011.

Accessed November 28, 2018. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2011/04/29/presidential-proclamation-national-day-

prayer.
36 McCullough, David G. In the Dark Streets Shineth: A 1941 Christmas Eve Story. Salt Lake City, UT: Shadow Mountain, 2010.
37 "National Day of Prayer in the United States." Timeanddate.com. Accessed November 28, 2018.

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/national-day-prayer.
38
Reagan Foundation. YouTube. April 15, 2009. Accessed November 15, 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LToM9bAnsyM&feature=youtu.be.
but God in government is now viewed as meaningless tradition and not as divine help. No matter what

one’s beliefs are, history shows how faith in a supreme being strengthened a few colonies to become a

highly esteemed country. It is almost as if today God is being set aside and the government has

forgotten the heavenly source that has helped the country so much. America is still very religious and

holds many Christian values, but more and more people are setting aside those values. A belief in a God

still exists in many but the ideas that He governs, cares for, or loves humans is rejected. Deism is

stronger now than ever before. Traditional religion fluctuates and the nature of God is questioned more

and more. People in America have the right to worship whatever and however they want. It does not

matter if someone is Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or any other religion. Everyone has the right to think and

act as they please. The importance in this is to not forget the beliefs that have led America to where it is

today. Religious freedom is an amazing gift.

The United States government was founded by men of religion. These men, the Founding

Fathers, believed in God and trusted in Him. The influence of deity has shaped, and sustained this “One

Nation, Under God.”39 From the Frist Great Awakening, to World War II, and through the present time, it

has been the faith in a supreme being that has held America together. It was not religion, even though it

did support faith. It was personal spiritual beliefs and the right to show faith in whatever way one

wanted. Divinity is the one thing almost everyone deep inside ponders on and wonders about. Revivals,

Deism and the connection between church and the government all influenced individuals to question,

search, and try to understand who God was. It was when personal spirituality was present, prayer

usually ensued and people looked to God for guidance and direction. With out the freedom to worship

or to believe, without religious freedom, America would not be the same today. The most important

words in the Constitution and to all Americans should be those that grant religious freedom.

39Bellamy, Francis. "The Pledge of Allegiance." Ushistory.org. July 4, 1995. Accessed November 29, 2018.
http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm.
“The Prayer at Valley Forge” by Arnold Friberg40

“To Save a Nation” by Larry Conrad Winborg41

40Abbott, Dan. "The Prayer at Valley Forge." George Washington Inn. April 15, 2016. Accessed November 28, 2018.
https://georgewashingtoninn.com/the-prayer-at-valley-forge/.
41Gross, Ray. "Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation Prayer." Prayers4America. November 20, 2012. Accessed November 29, 2018.
http://prayers4america.org/2012/11/20/abraham-lincolns-thanksgiving-proclamation-prayer/.
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McCullough, David G. In the Dark Streets Shineth: A 1941 Christmas Eve Story. Salt Lake City, UT: Shadow
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