Inventing a Christian America summary

The Myth of a Christian America

In Inventing a Christian America, Steven K. Green dives into the widely-held belief that the United States was founded as a Christian nation. He begins by examining the roots of this narrative, tracing it back to the early Puritan settlers who viewed themselves as God's chosen people in a new Promised Land. Green argues that this belief was further reinforced by the American Revolution, during which the Founding Fathers invoked divine favor and providence in their fight for independence.

However, Green contends that the concept of a Christian America is a myth, one that has been selectively constructed and perpetuated over time. He asserts that while the early American colonists were indeed deeply religious, they did not seek to establish a theocratic state. Instead, they aimed to create a society where religious freedom existed, allowing different faiths to coexist.

Separation of Church and State

Green then explores the constitutional framework of the United States and its relationship with religion. He emphasizes the First Amendment, which states that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This clause, known as the Establishment Clause, was designed to ensure the separation of church and state, preventing the government from favoring one religion over another.

Green argues that this separation was a deliberate choice made by the Founding Fathers, who were well aware of the religious diversity among the American people. He points out that the absence of any reference to God in the original Constitution, except for the neutral "Year of our Lord" in the date, further supports the secular nature of the document and the government it established.

Religious Diversity and Pluralism

Furthermore, Green highlights the religious diversity that existed in America from its early days. He notes that the country was home to various Christian denominations, as well as non-Christian faiths such as Judaism and Islam. This diversity, he argues, was a key factor in shaping the nation's commitment to religious freedom and the secular nature of its government.

Despite this, Green acknowledges that the idea of a Christian America persisted, often reinforced by historical revisionism and political rhetoric. He points to the 19th-century period as a crucial time when this myth gained traction, fueled by religious revivals and a desire to create a national identity rooted in Christian values.

Challenges to the Myth

In the latter part of the book, Green examines the challenges to the myth of a Christian America. He discusses landmark Supreme Court cases that upheld the separation of church and state, such as Everson v. Board of Education (1947) and Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971). These cases, he argues, further cemented the secular nature of the American government and its commitment to religious neutrality.

Green concludes by asserting that while the notion of a Christian America may persist in the public consciousness, it is fundamentally at odds with the historical and constitutional reality. He advocates for a deeper understanding of America's religious history, one that acknowledges the diversity of beliefs and the importance of religious freedom in shaping the nation's identity.