Christianity in the Early American Republic

 Christianity in the Early American Republic

    Early American religion, of course, was dominated by Christianity in a variety of denominations. Many of the early American colonies were founded for religious motivations including the desire for religious freedom or tolerance. For example, the New England colonies were founded by separatists and Puritans. The middle and Southern colonies were also founded by Christians. The middle and southern colonies, however, were founded by Quakers and Protestants. Maryland, uniquely, was founded as a place of religious toleration for Catholics. Interpretations of the Bible and religious practices generally differed from one colony to the next as well as one congregation to the next in the early Republic. Churches as well as their congregations came in all shapes and sizes as well and reflected the social status and wealth of the people they served. Despite their differences in shape and size, all early American Christian churches put emphasis on the new Americans' faith as their utmost priority. However, it is important to note that many of the religious writings in the early American republic focused on the topic of religious toleration and freedom. Of course, this idea had limits. But, this emphasis on religious toleration can be seen in Thomas Jefferson's writings in 1786 where he discusses his political belief that religion needed to be separate from the state. This is unique in a country that was so clearly primarily a Christian nation and had and continues to have a rich Christian tradition. Not everyone agreed with Jefferson regarding the separation of the state and religion, however. Yet, this religious freedom was likely not simply because of Jefferson's own political beliefs regarding the separation of church and state, but more out of necessity. Christianity has a long tradition in what has become the United States. However, within the colonies themselves there was a multitude of denominations within that Christian tradition as well as ethnicities and cultures that practiced them. Most of the early settlers to America were Christians seeking some sort of religious freedom or toleration as well as a better life and opportunities. It is interesting that so many early American settlers were Christians seeking religious toleration but in turn, many of these early Americans sought cohesiveness in a common sanctioned state religion. For, nine out of the thirteen colonies in the early republic allowed for a state sanctioned church. A church that was Christian of course.                                   Religious liberty is perhaps the key legacy of the Revolutionary era. Since the end of the 1980's many historians have directly linked the end of state supported Christianity in the early American republic with the dramatic rise of evangelical Protestantism. The idea of separation of state was directly discussed by founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Jefferson believed strongly that the separation of church and state was needed to ensure that a state supported religion did not create a polarizing environment politically. These ideals can be seen in Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom that became the predecessor for the first amendment protections for religious freedom. Other founding fathers shared similar sentiments regarding the dangers of state supported Christianity, one such being James Madison. James Madison believed strongly that religion and government should be separated in order to prevent corruption and encroachment on the government by "ecclesiastical bodies." Using the ills of church corruption in Europe as an example, Madison argued that religious freedom and separation of church and state were essential to the unity of the new republic. Although debates about religious freedom and the separation of church and state characterized the topic of Christianity in the early American republic, this does not mean that the founding fathers or early Americans were any less fervent in their Christian faith. Much has been made about Thomas Jefferson and his own faith, however, both Madison and Jefferson identified as Christians and were by most accounts deeply religious Christian men. The misconception regarding men like Jefferson and Madison seems to be that they are often identified as deists and therefore not seen as Christians or supporters of the Christian faith. Yet, historical evidence demonstrates this to be untrue. Instead, a better description of their beliefs perhaps is theistic rationalist. Meaning, they did not intend to create a Christian nation due to their concerns over a state supported Christian religion, yet Christianity played an important role in the Early American Republic. This is because it shaped the everyday lives of early Americans as well as the founding fathers. Thus, Christianity provided moral guidance in the early American republic and the founding fathers believed that this moral guidance would help to promote public morality and a generally more morally adept populace. The hope being that Christianity, while not state sanctioned, would ultimately strengthen the new republic rather than weaken it.