Christian Influence in American History
1620 Mayflower Compact
"Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic"
1776 Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence contains four distinct references to God:
"All people are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."
"the laws of nature and nature’s God"
"appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world"
"with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence"
"All people are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."
"the laws of nature and nature’s God"
"appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world"
"with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence"
1776 First Committee to Design Great Seal of US
Benjamin Franklin's proposal: "Moses standing on the Shore, and extending his Hand over the Sea, thereby causing the same to overwhelm Pharaoh who is sitting in an open Chariot, a Crown on his Head and a Sword in his Hand. Rays from a Pillar of Fire in the Clouds reaching to Moses, to express that he acts by Command of the Deity. "Motto, Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God."
Thomas Jefferson proposed for the front of the seal children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
Thomas Jefferson proposed for the front of the seal children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
1783 Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War. It's opening lines begin, "In the name of the most holy and undivided Trinity. It having pleased the Divine Providence to dispose the hearts..."
1854 House Resolution Acknowledges Christian Influence
"The great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and divine truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
1863 Senate Resolution for National Day of Prayer
"...devoutly recognizing the supreme authority and just government of Almighty God...encouraged ...to seek Him for succor according to His appointed way, through Jesus Christ, the Senate ...does hereby request the President ...to set aside a day for national prayer and humiliation."
1864 "In God We Trust" Added to US Coinage
1931 "Star Spangled Banner" Adopted as National Anthem
Based on a poem written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, the lyrics include:
"Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"
"Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"
1954 "One Nation Under God" Added to Pledge of Allegiance
1983 Congress Joint Resolution to Create the "Year of the Bible"
"Whereas the Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation and people; ...deeply held religious convictions springing from the Holy scriptures led to the early settlement of our Nation; ...Biblical teachings inspired concepts of civil government that are contained in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States....designate 1983 as a national 'Year of the Bible in recognition of both the formative influence the Bible has been for our Nation, and our national need to study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures".
