Christian Republicanism and the Declaration of Independence
Christian Republicanism and the Declaration of Independence The ideals behind the American Republic have long been associated with the enlightenment. However, this tends to ignore the strong link the to ideas of the Protestant Reformation which contributed much to the discourse of the American Revolution. In fact, many of the founders used Scripture as guide for direction and inspiration. For most Americans of the time the Bible was the cornerstone of their understanding, and the founders would have grown up listening to elders read and relate stories of the from the bible and would have looked to the bible for guidance. [1] For them the very idea of Republicanism was linked to their understanding of Christianity, and this can be seen in the Declaration of Independence, which has become the foundation of the ideals for the American Republic. In the Declaration, Jefferson writes, and the founders approved, several references to God; The “Creator,” “Natures’ God,” and “Supr...