Christian-nation idea fuels US conservative causes, but historians say it misreads founders' intent
Large numbers of Americans believe the founders intended the U.S. to be a Christian nation
By PETER SMITH
Published - Feb 17, 2024, 08:10 AM ET
Last Updated - Feb 17, 2024, 08:10 AM EST
The U.S. Constitution doesn’t mention Christianity or any specific religion. The Declaration of Independence famously proclaims that people’s rights come from a “Creator” and “Nature’s God” — but doesn’t specify who that is.
Yet large numbers of Americans believe the founders intended the U.S. to be a Christian nation, and many believe it should be one.
Such views are especially strong among Republicans and their white evangelical base. Already such views are being voiced by supporters of Donald Trump amid his bid to recapture the presidency.
The idea of a Christian America means different things to different people. Pollsters have found a wide circle of Americans who hold general God-and-country sentiments.
