Is the U.S. a Christian Nation?

In a 2007 interview with beliefnet.com, John McCain stated that “the Constitution established the United States of America as a Christian nation.” While some were encouraged by McCain's words, others took great offense, reigniting a passionate debate about the intentions of America’s founders. Was the U.S. built on Christian principles, or are we a purely secular nation?

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Yes

Verified Expert
Dr. Paul S. Vickery

- History Prof., Oral Roberts University

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Judaeo-Christian Beliefs Form Basis for Constitution and Legal Code

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(2) (29)
There is No Coercion to Follow a Particular Faith

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(1) (8)
We Have Become Ignorant of the Founding Principles of This Nation

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(1) (3)
The First Civil Government and Institution of Higher Learning

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(2) (1)
Let’s Look at What Some of the Founders Wrote

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- Objection: “But Wait, There's More!”
The Framers Were Inspired and Motivated by Scripture

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- Objection: “A Comment More Than an Objection”

No

Verified Expert
William Martin, Ph.D.

- Baker Institute, Rice University

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What Do You Mean By That?

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(11) (1)
Jefferson, Madison, and the Separation of Church and State

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(9) (4)
We the People

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(3) (1)
Public Reaction Was Mixed

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Early Presidents Regarded the New Nation as a Secular State

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(5) (0)
The Wall of Separation

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The Father of the Constitution Agreed

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(6) (2)
Repeated Attempts to Reverse the Framers' Intention Have Failed

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(3) (1)
The Wall of Separation Has Protected Both Church and State

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(6) (0)
Any Number Can Play

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(3) (0)

Latest Comments

Further more

The constitution clearly states that Read More

- VarGulF42 | March 16, 2010 9:19AM

"Motivated by Scripture" But mostly John Locke
VarGulF42 | March 16, 2010 9:15AM
Enlightenment principles
etanheller | January 19, 2010 8:43PM
The United States is NOT a christian nation!
shawninMo | January 10, 2010 8:51PM
The Constitution describes the rule of Law not of man
jcr4runner | December 8, 2009 9:35AM

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Related Debates

U.S. a Christian Nation?

Spotlight

Dr. Paul S. Vickery

Dr. Paul S. Vickery, Ph.D., is a professor of History, Humanities and Government at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and also an ordained United... More

Is the U.S. a Christian Nation?

Yes

Verified Expert
Dr. Paul S. Vickery

Judaeo-Christian Beliefs Form Basis for Constitution and Legal Code

There is No Coercion to Follow a Particular Faith

We Have Become Ignorant of the Founding Principles of This Nation

The First Civil Government and Institution of Higher Learning

Let’s Look at What Some of the Founders Wrote

The Framers Were Inspired and Motivated by Scripture

No

Verified Expert
William Martin, Ph.D.

What Do You Mean By That?

Jefferson, Madison, and the Separation of Church and State

We the People

Public Reaction Was Mixed

Early Presidents Regarded the New Nation as a Secular State

The Wall of Separation

The Father of the Constitution Agreed

Repeated Attempts to Reverse the Framers' Intention Have Failed

The Wall of Separation Has Protected Both Church and State