The Christian Foundation of America

Why We Must Remember and Celebrate this October

As Christian Action Network launches its campaign to declare October as Christian Heritage Month, it's essential to revisit the profound insights of Justice David J. Brewer, whose work, The United States: A Christian Nation, remains a critical reminder of America's deep-rooted Christian foundation.

At a time when secularism, godlessness, and revisionist history seem to dominate the cultural landscape, it is more important than ever to celebrate and reaffirm the Christian principles that have shaped our nation.

America: A Christian Nation by Declaration

In 1892, the United States Supreme Court, in Holy Trinity Church v. United States, unequivocally declared that "this is a Christian nation."

Justice Brewer, who penned the opinion, did not base this declaration on the mere presence of Christians in the country but on the acknowledgment of Christianity in the nation’s founding documents, laws, and institutions.

The decision underscored that while the letter of the law might suggest otherwise, the spirit and intent of America's founders were deeply rooted in Christian values.

Historical Foundations in Christianity

Brewer meticulously cataloged the Christian origins of America, highlighting the Pilgrims’ Compact on the Mayflower, which was undertaken for "the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith."

This sentiment was echoed in various colonial charters and state constitutions, such as the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Constitution of South Carolina, all of which enshrined Christian principles as the bedrock of their governance.

Even beyond the colonial era, the founding fathers and early state constitutions continued to affirm the importance of Christianity.

For instance, Delaware's Constitution of 1776 required a declaration of faith in God and Jesus Christ as a qualification for public office, a testament to the nation’s Christian identity.

Christianity's Enduring Influence

Brewer argued that Christianity was not just a historical accident but a foundational element of American life, influencing everything from laws and customs to education and charity. The Bible, he noted, has long been the Christian's book, with a circulation unmatched by any other text, symbolizing its integral role in American households and moral guidance.

Brewer’s reflections on the widespread influence of Christian doctrines on American life—from the purity of the home to business integrity, from liberty to education, and from charity to peace—are a clarion call to remember the values that have historically underpinned our national identity.

The Threat of Secularism and Revisionist History

Today, however, these Christian roots are increasingly under threat. Atheists, secularists, and revisionist historians seek to rewrite America's history, minimizing or outright denying the role of Christianity in the nation's development.

This distortion of history is not just an academic concern but a direct challenge to the moral and spiritual foundation that has sustained America through its most challenging times.

In this context, Brewer’s work serves as a powerful reminder that America’s Christian heritage is not merely a relic of the past but a living tradition that continues to offer guidance and hope for the future.

His assertion that “Christianity has been so wrought into the history of this republic, so identified with its growth and prosperity, has been and is so dear to the hearts of the great body of our citizens, that it ought not to be spoken of contemptuously or treated with ridicule,” is as relevant today as it was over a century ago.

Why We Must Celebrate Christian Heritage

As we face a culture increasingly detached from its religious roots, declaring October as Christian Heritage Month is not just about honoring the past; it’s about securing the future.

It’s a call to reclaim the Christian principles that have long guided America toward liberty, justice, and prosperity. By doing so, we can ensure that the nation remains, as Brewer envisioned, “the welcome leader in movements for peace among the nations,” grounded in the righteousness that exalts a nation.

In reaffirming our Christian heritage, we resist the tides of secularism and revisionist history, standing firm on the truth that has guided America since its inception.

Let us not allow the enemies within to hijack the heart of Christian America. Instead, let us celebrate and preserve the Christian values that continue to be the rock upon which this nation stands.

Martin Mawyer is president of the Christian Action Network, which he founded in 1990. Located in Lynchburg, VA, CAN was formed as a non-profit educational organization to protect America’s religious and moral heritage. He is the author of several books, including You Are Chosen: Prepare to Triumph in a Fallen World.