Research On Religion | US Constitution

Posts Tagged ‘US Constitution’

Mark David Hall on Roger Sherman, Puritan Patriot

Tags: Benjamin Franklin, covenants, First Amendment, Great Awakening, James Madison, John Adams, John Calvin, John Locke, New Lights, Reformed theology, religious liberty, Roger Sherman, Stephanus Junius Brutus, Thomas Jefferson, US Constitution

Just in time for July 4th, Mark David Hall discusses one of the least known of the most influential Founding Fathers in American history, Roger Sherman. Building on last week’s theme, Prof. Hall uses Roger Sherman to illustrate how Reformed (Calvinist) theology had a profound influence on American ideals and institutions. Roger Sherman, a staunch Calvinist from Connecticut, figured prominently in the formulation of several critical documents in US history, including the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the US Constitution (including the Bill of Rights). Prof. Hall also reflects upon the question of whether or not America was founded as a Christian nation.

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John Fea on Religion & the American Founding

Tags: Anglican Church, Articles of Confederation, Calvinism, Congregationalists, Declaration of Independence, just war theory, Mary Dyer, Massachusetts Bay Colony, Middle Colonies, New England, original intent, Quakers, Roger Williams, US Constitution, William Lloyd Garrison, William Penn

Was America founded as a Christian nation? This is the title of Prof. John Fea’s book and the topic of our podcast this week. Prof. Fea presents a nuanced answer to this question, showing that although that the British American colonies were overwhelmingly Christian in culture in the late 18th century, the Founding was not necessarily a Christian event. We cover what it means to be a “Christian nation,” and examine whether the Founders lived up to Christian ideals, including a discussion of just war theory. This is a great podcast to pair with next week’s discussion featuring Mark David Hall.

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