Modern liberal dogma suggests that the United States was never a Christian nation. The influence of Christianity is discounted to the point it is hardly a sidebar in the founding and early history of the nation.
But this is utterly false.
One of the most powerful pieces of evidence for the pervasive influence of the Christian God in the first half of American history is found in a little known Supreme Court case from 1892, the Church of the Holy Trinity vs. the United States.
America, a Christian nation, per the Supreme Court
The Case: A quick overview
This case centered around a law passed by congress that limited the foreign workers that could enter the U.S. for employment. Apparently, the Church of the Holy Trinity wanted to hire a minister from England, a Mr. E. Walpole Warren, but Mr. Warren was not allowed to enter the country because of this law.
The case made it to the Supreme Court in January of 1892. The court handed down its decision at the end of February of that same year.
The justices decided in favor of the church and struck down the interpretation of the circuit court that the law could be applied to clergy.
The Astonishing Argument: America is a Christian people
In the decision, Justice David J. Brewer (see picture) described the legal justification for the decision, and then made what would be to the modern American ear a shocking statement:
But beyond all these matters no purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, state or national, because this is a religious people.
In other words, even if the legal tests had not been met, there is no way a law passed by the U.S. Congress could have been interpreted against a Christian church because America was inherently and thoroughly a Christian nation.
He then goes on to recite the clear and powerful Christian influence on the founding of the country, influence which can be seen in the commission of Christopher Columbus, the first colonial grant given to Sir Walter Raleigh, and the first charter of Virginia.
It is also clearly evident, per Justice Brewer, in the establishment of the first colonies, the constitutions of the first 44 states (all of them at that time), the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution.
The Justice Takes the Stand
The whole of Brewer's argument can be summarized in the following quotation (the entire decision can be found at the end of this article):
There is no dissonance in these declarations. There is a universal language pervading them all, having one meaning; they affirm and reaffirm that this is a religious nation.
While because of a general recognition of this truth the question has seldom been presented to the courts, yet we find that in Updegraph v. The Commonwealth…it was decided that “Christianity, general Christianity, is, and always has been, a part of the common law of Pennsylvania….”
And in The People v. Ruggles,…Chancellor Kent, the great commentator on American law, speaking as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New York, said:
The people of this State, in common with the people of this country, profess the general doctrines of Christianity, as the rule of their faith and practice; and to scandalize the author of these doctrines is not only, in a religious point of view, extremely impious, but, even in respect to the obligations due to society, is a gross violation of decency and good order.
If we pass beyond these matters to a view of American life as expressed by its laws, its business, its customs and its society, we find everywhere a clear recognition of the same truth.
Among other matters note the following: The form of oath universally prevailing, concluding with an appeal to the Almighty; the custom of opening sessions of all deliberative bodies and most conventions with prayer.
Inscription on National Mall in Washington, DC, referencing "Almighty God," and the "Holy Author of Our Religion." Jim McKeeth, Wikimedia Commons.
The laws respecting the observance of the Sabbath, with the general cessation of all secular business, and the closing of courts, legislatures, and other similar public assemblies on that day.
The churches and church organizations which abound in every city, town and hamlet; the multitude of charitable organizations existing everywhere under Christian auspices; the gigantic missionary associations...in every quarter of the globe.
These, and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation. [emphasis added]
There is simply no way around it. Per the United States Supreme Court, America was founded as, and until that time continued to be, a Christian nation.
What does this mean for us now?
Whether we like it or not, America, from the first day Columbus set foot on its shores—through the establishment of its colonies, states, and union, to the middle part of the 20th century, was a nation built upon respect for and admiration of the Bible, its God, and its central figure, Jesus Christ.[1]
As we reflect on the blessings bestowed upon this country—the rich agricultural land she enjoys; the technological advancement she has known; the prosperous economy she has developed; the great wars she has won; the global stability she has brought—can we deny the favor of this same God, a clear token of his pleasure with us as a people?
Now, against this holy backdrop, consider the wickedness of the nation today. Atheism, idolatry, homosexuality, abortion, pride, pornography, lies, lawlessness.
Given the high favor of God to this nation, what should we expect from he will do to us if we continue in our wickedness?
Judgment. Fast and furious.
Therefore, repent.
OTHER RESOURCES:
*Please use these in your preaching and teaching ministry.
Information on Christian voting: https://www.myfaithvotes.org/.
Full court decision, including legal arguments
Court decision with legal arguments removed. Provided in Word to facilitate quoting.
NOTES:
[1] This does not mean America is a replacement Israel or a New Testament Covenant people. This idea, known as a Christian nationalism, is in error.
God has not entered into a covenant with America, and we are no more his people as a single nation than Canada or Spain or India. God's people are those who believe in his son Jesus Christ, regardless of the physical location, geography, or nation in which they live (Gal. 3:7-9).
Without question, we have experienced the incredible favor of God, from our founding to the present time. But that does not make us a covenant people. It simply makes us more responsible than other nations for what we believe and how we live.
God judged nations in the Old Testament, and he continues to judge nations today (Ps. 22:28). If we do not see widespread repentance in America, we will learn firsthand what God does to wicked nations, regardless of their history with him.