Was the United States established as a Christian nation? That’s an interesting historical question but irrelevant for today. Nations often change their character.
“The Federalist” was a series of essays urging states to adopt the proposed “Constitution of the United States.” It remains THE document for understanding the intent of the framers. In Federalist 51 James Madison wrote, “Justice is the end (goal) of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be, pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit.” But how shall a nation organize itself for justice? “In a free government, the security for civil rights must be the same as that for religious rights. It consists in the one case in the multiplicity of interests, and in the other, in the multiplicity of sects (religious groups).” Diversity and divisions of power are the Constitution’s way to make the goal of civil justice attainable. “We the People of the United States, in Order to from a more perfect Union, establish Justice….” (Preamble).
The “Federalist” shows the Constitution is congenial to the interests of Bible-believing Christians. Today we find ourselves in an even greater “multiplicity of interests” and religious groups. “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). Heeding God’s Word by participation in our communities, ever motivated by His love in Christ that shows itself in justice, kindness and humility, is the way for you and me to put a Christian face on today’s America.
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