American History

» Brian Tubbs - God and the Declaration of Independence

I think the Founders made these points concerning God in the Declaration of Independence:

1) Our inalienable/unalienable rights come from the Creator, which precedes the state and is higher in authority than the state. Sounds like we are finally in agreement on that.

2) God is the author of the laws of nature, upon which much of the American experiment is based. See Jefferson's reference in the FIRST paragraph to the "Laws of Nature and Nature's God." And then look to the writings of Locke, Coke, Blackstone, et al to bear out what the Founders understood about God's relationship to the "laws of nature."

3) The Founders made a rhetorical statement that they were submitting their consciences to God's review - God being the "Supreme Judge" over their "intentions." I won't try to get a lot of mileage out of this one, as I think this was primarily a rhetorical declaration of their deep sincerity. I do, however, think that what SOME of the Founders had in mind with this statement is the many proclamations they and their colonial legislatures had passed calling for prayer and fasting in the months and years leading them to the point of declaring independence.

4) They appealed to God (or "Divine Providence") for "protection." And would continue to do so in subsequent resolutions.

I would encourage you to read what the Library of Congress has to say about the Continental Congress and religion...

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/