Beautiful Freedom in corrdination with The Cogitating Ceviche
Presents
The Forgotten Founders: Unsung Christian Patriots
By Calista F. Freiheit
Narration by Amazon Polly
When we think of the Founding Fathers, names like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison often dominate the discussion. Yet, other critical figures—deeply influenced by their Christian faith—helped shape the fledgling American republic's moral and political framework. Often overlooked in the annals of history, these men and women played pivotal roles in securing independence and guiding the nation’s foundational principles. Their Christian convictions were not incidental; they were the bedrock upon which they built their vision for America.
Roger Sherman: The Devoted Statesman
Roger Sherman may not be as famous as some of his contemporaries, but his contributions to America’s founding were monumental. A devout Christian and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution, Sherman’s influence extended across the most critical documents in early American history.
Sherman’s political philosophy was deeply rooted in his Calvinist faith. He viewed government as an institution ordained by God to uphold justice and protect the rights of the people. In fact, he was one of the strongest advocates for balancing power within government, ensuring that fallen human nature did not lead to tyranny. Sherman’s faith guided his belief that laws should align with biblical principles and that public officials should govern with integrity.
His work on the Great Compromise, which established the bicameral legislative system, was instrumental in shaping our current government. He also played a key role in drafting legislation maintaining religious liberty, ensuring that the new nation would neither establish a theocracy nor suppress the Christian faith many of its citizens cherished.
Sherman was also a firm believer in the moral responsibility of a government toward its citizens. He supported measures encouraging public virtue, such as laws promoting Sabbath observance and education in Christian teachings. His influence extended beyond the political sphere, shaping cultural and educational reforms that emphasized the necessity of faith in maintaining a free society.
John Jay: Defender of Faith and Liberty
John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States and co-author of The Federalist Papers was a devout Christian who saw faith and governance as inseparable. Jay believed that Christian morality was essential to the success of the republic. He famously wrote, “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”
As a diplomat, Jay was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War. He later became the governor of New York, where he led efforts to abolish slavery, driven by his conviction that all men were created in God’s image. Biblical principles deeply influenced his understanding of justice, shaping his legal and political decisions.
Jay’s leadership in the judiciary ensured that America’s legal system was founded on justice, impartiality, and moral responsibility—values he drew directly from his Christian beliefs. He believed that a nation governed by moral and God-fearing individuals would thrive and prosper. Jay was also deeply involved in Christian missions and the promotion of religious education, helping to establish the American Bible Society, which sought to make Scripture accessible to every household in America.
His convictions extended beyond domestic policies; Jay also saw America’s role in the world as one that should reflect Christian principles of peace, justice, and charity. He urged national leaders to seek God’s wisdom in all diplomatic relations, emphasizing that a nation that honored God would be honored in return.
Mercy Otis Warren: The Patriot Penwoman
While often overshadowed by the men of the Revolution, Mercy Otis Warren was a force to be reckoned with. As a political writer and propagandist, Warren used her pen to rally support for independence and to critique the dangers of unchecked government power.
Her Christian faith was a guiding force in her work. Warren believed that the Revolution was not just a political struggle but a moral one—an opportunity for Americans to establish a government based on virtue and godliness. Her History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution remains one of the most comprehensive accounts of the era, offering a perspective that highlights both the moral and political battles fought by the Founders.
Warren’s advocacy for religious liberty and her belief in the necessity of Christian virtue in governance echo throughout her writings. She understood that a republic devoid of moral foundation would inevitably decay, a sentiment that remains relevant today.
Beyond her historical writings, Warren was an early advocate for the role of Christian education in shaping civic virtue. She strongly believed that a free nation's success depended on its citizens' moral and spiritual training. She championed women’s role in educating their children in Christian principles, arguing that mothers had a duty to instill faith and patriotism in the next generation.
Warren’s prophetic warnings about the dangers of centralized power and the erosion of Christian values serve as a timeless reminder of citizens' responsibility in safeguarding their freedoms.
The Enduring Legacy
The contributions of Roger Sherman, John Jay, and Mercy Otis Warren remind us that America’s founding was deeply intertwined with Christian principles. Their unwavering faith shaped their political philosophy, emphasizing justice, liberty, and moral responsibility. While secular interpretations of history often attempt to downplay the role of Christianity in America’s founding, the evidence speaks for itself: faith was not merely a private matter but a guiding force in shaping the nation’s future.
America’s founders understood that a government must be built upon a strong moral foundation; for them, that foundation was Christianity. They did not seek to impose a state religion but rather to ensure that faith could flourish freely, knowing that a people guided by biblical truth would naturally uphold justice and righteousness.
Today, as debates over religious liberty and the role of faith in public life continue, we would do well to remember these forgotten founders. Their commitment to biblical truth and national prosperity offers a blueprint for preserving the principles upon which America was built. If we neglect their wisdom, we risk losing not just historical accuracy but the very foundation of our freedoms.
Their legacy also calls us to action. In a time when faith is often pushed to the periphery of public life, we must remember that the founders saw no such divide. Faith was their guide, their strength, and their moral compass. Their example reminds us that Christian principles still have a place in governance and civic life, shaping a nation that honors God and upholds justice.
As we reflect on these unsung Christian patriots, may we be inspired to uphold the values they championed—faith, virtue, and a steadfast commitment to the principles that make America a beacon of liberty.
Thank you for your time today. Until next time, God Bless.
