Founding Fathers
What does it mean to claim the US is a Christian nation, and what does the Constitution say?
By Peter Smith — February 20, 2024
Six in 10 U.S. adults said the founders originally intended America to be a Christian nation, according to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey.
Christian-nation idea fuels US conservative causes, but historians say it misreads founders’ intent
By Peter Smith — February 20, 2024
Many conservatives and Republicans embrace the idea of Christian national origins, even as many reject the “Christian nationalist” label.
Josh Hawley tweets fake quote about US founding, sparking allegations of Christian nationalism
By Jack Jenkins — July 6, 2023
(RNS) — The quote, which was falsely attributed to Patrick Henry, originated in a 1956 edition of a magazine known for espousing antisemitic and white nationalist beliefs.
Pilgrims, not patriots
By Tracy McKenzie — November 22, 2022
(RNS) — The Pilgrims thought of themselves as temporary travelers in a world that was not their home.
How we might celebrate the legacy of flawed leaders
By R. William Franklin and Craig Townsend — October 28, 2022
(RNS) — Is there a middle ground between valorizing our founders and canceling them?
Thomas Jefferson’s Quran to visit Dubai Expo 2020
By Joseph Hammond — October 8, 2021
(RNS) — The historic English-language Quran has never traveled outside the United States.
Is democracy sacred?
By Anthony D. Baker — November 6, 2020
(The Conversation) — "Though politics relies on virtue, this does not make it religious," writes Anthony D. Baker.
Will Tammy Duckworth be the first deist veep since Thomas Jefferson?
By Steven Waldman — August 5, 2020
(RNS) — If the Illinois senator becomes a national candidate it’s likely the Founding Father’s faith tradition will come to be as controversial as it was in the 19th century.
Pompeo says US should limit which human rights it defends
By Ben Fox — July 17, 2020
(AP)— Presenting a report from his department's Commission on Inalienable Rights, the Secretary of State singled out property rights and religious freedom as "foremost" principals.
King’s dream and Emmett Till’s death capture warring soul of our nation
By Kelly Brown Douglas — August 28, 2019
(RNS) — August 28 is the anniversary of both Martin Luther King Jr.’s 'Dream' speech and the lynching of Emmett Till, eight years apart.
George Washington’s faith under scrutiny after sale of ‘God letter’
By Mark A. Kellner — February 13, 2019
(RNS) — A letter in which the first president mentions the actions of 'Providence' has rekindled interest in the controversial matter of Washington’s faith life.
From ‘Judeo-Christian’ to ‘Potluck Nation,’ Eboo Patel pleads for religious pluralism
By Yonat Shimron — August 30, 2018
(RNS) — 'At a potluck, you don’t want everyone to bring mashed potatoes,' says the founder and president of the Interfaith Youth Core.
American Bible Society marks 200th birthday
By Adelle M. Banks — May 11, 2016
(RNS) It has placed the Bible in the hands of the military and disaster victims and people who speak most of the languages of the world.
Tyrannical tendencies are not just the purview of the right
By Trevin Wax — May 10, 2016
(RNS) Many evangelicals would agree with Andrew Sullivan’s assessment of Trump. But they believe the situation is worse than Sullivan imagines.
In Bernie Sanders’ deeply religious message, an echo of the Founding Fathers (COMMENTARY)
By John Fea — March 23, 2016
(RNS) The founders knew from their study of history that a republic is only successful when its members are willing to take care of one another.
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