The United States is noted by many and even sometimes now referred to as a Christian nation. However, this is somewhat misleading and misunderstood. Even our courts have referred to the Nation as a Christian nation, but this must be understood within context.
On Feb 29, 1892, in the case of Church of the Holy Trinity v. the United States, the United Supreme Court stated, "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 . . . . we find everywhere a clear recognition of the same truth."
This is a notable reflection of the general sentiment of the American people during this era. However, attention must be paid to the wording of the court's response, for the courts choose their wording very precisely. Notice the use of the word "unofficial declarations" and "organic utterances". The court recognized this nation as a Christian nation, but only by unofficial declarations and organic utterances. Officially, it is a non-religious state. We need to be able to distinguish the difference or make a distinction between a Christian nation and a Christian State.
A Christian state is a country that recognizes a form of Christianity as its official religion and often has a state church which is a Christian denomination that supports the government and is supported by the government. This is not the case with the United States, however, its uniqueness is again set forth. Though it has no state church, the support of the church has been a vital proponent in its success. I say we must distinguish or make a distinction between a Christian nation and Christian State because of this uniqueness. There has not been anything like the United States in history in how it relates to the state and to the church. They are both given their sphere of influence and authority yet in this unique way support and undergird one another. Though the church was not coursed in its support, it graciously gave it. In 1892, in the case of Church of the Holy Trinity v. the United States, the United Supreme Court stated, "The happiness of a people and good order and preservation of civil government essentially depend upon piety, religion, and morality" This is affirmed by our 2nd President John Adams on June 21, 1776, where he stated, "Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free Constitution is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty."
It has also been said, this nation is a secular nation, this also needs to be understood within its context. In 1963 in the case of School District of Abington Township v. Schempp, the United Supreme Court stated, "Secularism is unconstitutional . . . preferring those who do not believe over those who do believe. . . . Facilities of government cannot offend religious principles . . . . The State may not establish a religion of secularism in the sense of affirmatively opposing or showing hostility to religion, thus preferring those who believe in no religion over those who do believe."
The United States system of government is very unique in its freedoms, it is also very fragile in its maintenance and must be handled very delicately. It involves governance of a people who in the beginning were very religious, while now, though perhaps still religious, its understanding of Christianity has changed drastically. Yet it still offers freedoms equally to the non-religious or those of differing religious persuasions. Freedom to express the views of all is equally protected. A practical example of this freedom could be a school classroom. If the school consisted mostly of Christian faculty and Christian students, it might be a practice in that school system to offer prayer in a general sense of a morning or at lunch. If there were a minority of faculty or student who did not believe, they would not be coursed in the practice but be free to excuse themselves or simply not participate. This was the case when I was in school.
On the other hand, if the school system consisted mostly of faculty and perhaps even students who held secular views, which reflect the majority today, they most likely would not have such a practice concerning prayer. Yet, if there were a minority of faculty or students who happened to hold to Christian beliefs, it would not be expected of the facility to organize a system of prayer for those groups. However, those groups would not be coursed or forced to forgo prayer, but protected in that they could personally participate in public prayer among themselves. All are protected in their freedoms and one can see how delicate this system is and the difficulty of its maintained and how easily it can be abused.
Many today would balk at those examples, however, that was not the case not too awful long ago. Those who insist that the American government was separate from religious influence have often quoted John Adams saying, " “It was never pretended that any persons employed in [drafting the founding documents] had interviews with the gods or were in any degree under the inspiration of heaven.” Ours was a government “founded on the natural authority of the people alone, without a pretense of miracle or mystery.” - John Adams.
However, this statement is lifted out of its context and quoted only partially to convey a secular atmosphere around our government. Let us look at it a little more in context, the subject Adams was addressing was the order of the Divine Right of Kings which had long been to rule of government in England. (See this link for Divine Right of Kings) Adams was defending the recent state constitutions that had been drawn up from the criticisms of England. He was pointing to the fact the leaders of this government and its institutions were derived from the people alone. However, he was in no way suggesting the formation of a secular government. The "people alone" to whom he was referring were a religious and Christian people. Thus the reason we find so many Christian principles referenced in the writings of our Founders.
The underlined portion is in most cases left out of the quote. James Wilson signer of the Constitution stated "Far from being rivals or enemies, religion and law are twin sisters, friends, and mutual assistants. Indeed, these two sciences run into each other. The divine law, as discovered by reason and the moral sense, forms an essential part of both." - James Wilson, The Works of the Honourable James Wilson (Philadelphia: Bronson and Chauncey, 1804), Vol. I, p. 106.)
So what are we saying? We are demonstrating the uniqueness of our government and the reasons for our freedoms. Our government and our religion were not at war, they were at work together and complimenting each other and supporting each other. It is only in recent years this new approach to government has taken hold. The government has grown stronger and the influence of religion has grown weaker. Couple that with the change from historic Christianity and the general religious nature of the people waning, we have a government tripping over itself and evolving into something never intended by the founders of this country.
The atheist finds himself in the minority among the American population, historic Christianity is finding itself in much the same position. This of necessity is changing the demographic on our view of freedom. Take for example the court decision above, it would not be possible for the Supreme Court to rule in any decision-making reference to such an observation as "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 . . . . we find everywhere a clear recognition of the same truth." - Church of the Holy Trinity v. the United States.
A high court ruling stating, "Far from being rivals or enemies, religion and law are twin sisters, friends, and mutual assistants. Indeed, these two sciences run into each other. The divine law, as discovered by reason and the moral sense, forms an essential part of both." - James Wilson, would be considered absurd today.
That was a true statement and reflection of the general view in 1892, it is not the case today and the wording would not be acceptable nor reflect the general view in America. So what is the Christian to do? He is to simply be and live a Christian life, the nation will go the way the nation will go. The way the Christian votes and the way he views the world around him will be in accordance with his faith, and this may put him at odds with the world around him. It is his duty to apply his influence where he can for the better of society. The protections of this nation has given the Christian great opportunity in proclaiming the Gospel, for that he should for ever be grateful, though now he finds that opportunity more restrained. This he must expect and think it not a thing so strange.
1 Peter 4:12-16 ESV
(12) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
(13) But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
(14) If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
(15) But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.
(16) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
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