The Cross of Freedom

Contrary to what is often taught, America was founded by strong believers in Christian principles, most being strong believers in Jesus as Savior.  There is convincing evidence for this in much of what has been written to document American history.  Unfortunately, there are those who are intent on removing all reference to God from American history.  Most books used in public schools have this watered-down version of our history.  The fact that so many high school and college students graduate with little or no knowledge of American history is testament to the fact that these references are an integral part of America's past and its history can be neither completely nor properly told without them.

A book entitled "Christianity and the American Commonwealth" was published in 1898.  It was written by Charles B. Galloway and is considered one of the best summaries of the impact of Christianity on America ever published.  His arguments present a clear demonstration that America was founded as a Christian nation.  He proves that without the Gospel and the application of all of God's Word to all of life, civilizations become corrupt and crumble.  Galloway's book is more than 100 years old, but his arguments are still surprisingly valid today and should be heeded by anyone wishing to preserve our nation.

Another writer who has addressed America's Christian roots is Hal Lindsey.  Lindsey is probably best known for writing "The Late Great Planet Earth".  This book was once described by the New York Times as the '#1 Non-fiction Bestseller of the Decade.'  Since its first printing in 1970, It has gone through more than 108 printings with sales, by 1993, of more than 18 million copies in English, with estimates varying between 18-20 million further copies in 54 foreign languages.  He has also written and spoken of the founders of our country.  Click here to read his comments on America's Christian origins and the beliefs of those who were part of her early history.

Frank Wright is the director of the Center for Christian Statesmanship. Click here to read his thoughts on whether Christians should be patriotic and vice versa.

There are many examples of America's Christian foundations.  It should also be noted that a clear majority of Americans wish to retain the Christian references in America's historical documents and historical places.

History also clearly shows that the Bible and the Christian faith were the cornerstones of our educational and judicial systems.

What do Americans believe?

• On July 4, 2003, a Gallup Poll indicated that the more conservative an American is, the more he tends to be proud of his country.  Eighty percent of conservatives said they are extremely proud of the country, while only 56 percent of liberals responded that way. Some 68 percent of moderates said they were extremely proud of America.
• 84% of Americans support the phrase "one nation under God" in the pledge of allegiance.

Christian references in and on historical and government buildings

• The rotunda of the U.S. Capitol contains four paintings:  two prayer meetings, a Bible study and a baptism.
• There are references to God at the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Archives, Senate and House office buildings, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Library of Congress.
• The Library of Congress contains a bronze statue of Moses holding The Ten Commandments, plus other Biblical paintings and quotations, such as: "The heavens declare the glory of God".
• The National Archives contains a bronze medallion with The Ten Commandments on it.
• The Senate and House office buildings contain a plaque that says "In God we trust"
• In the U.S. Supreme Court building, the Ten Commandments are inscribed above the judge's courtroom bench.

Here is some additional detail on the Washington Monument.

On the aluminum cap atop the monument, two words are displayed: Laus Deo.  They can't be seen from the ground and most people don't even know they are there.  They overlook the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Two words placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.  These words are latin for "Praise be to God!" From the top of this granite and marble structure, visitors can easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape - with the White House to the north, the Jefferson Memorial to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.  A cross?  What about separation of church and state?  Separation of church and state was never, and is not now, in the Constitution.

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848, deposited within it were many items, including a copy of the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society.  These are all clear indications of the moral direction and the spiritual mood of our early leaders.  We truly were, and are, "One Nation, Under God".

There is a rule in DC that no building there can ever be taller than the Washington Monument.  In other words, it was intended that the words Laus Deo - Praise be to God! - be the highest words in our nation's capitol.

The Christian heritage of our institutions of learning

Of the first 108 universities founded in America, 106 were distinctly Christian.

The first, Harvard University, chartered in 1636, required that students seeking entrance must know Latin and Greek so that they could study the Scriptures in their original languages.  For over 100 years, more than 50% of all Harvard graduates were pastors.

More references to our Christian heritage

Click here to read quotes from leaders in American history.

Click here to read the history of "In God We Trust" on American coins.

Click here to return to the "America" page.

More Information

Prayer in America's Founding

Founders Religious Roots

Historic Reliance on God

America's Christian Roots

Judeo-Christian Roots

American Heritage Series

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