Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? Revised Edition: A Historical Introduction - Paperback

Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? Revised Edition

This thoroughly researched historical primer by John Fea examines one of America's most contentious debates: whether the United States was founded as a Christian nation or a secular state. Rather than relying on emotional rhetoric, Fea approaches this question through documented historical evidence, helping readers understand the recorded facts of America's founding.

What's New in the Revised Edition

This updated edition addresses contemporary issues that have emerged in recent years concerning religion's place in American society. Fea examines the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage, contraception debates related to the Affordable Care Act, and state-level restrictions on abortion. Each development is analyzed through the lens of national religious identity, demonstrating how current events connect to fundamental questions about America's founding principles.

A Balanced Historical Perspective

John Fea offers an evenhanded examination that avoids the polarizing arguments common in media discussions. As he notes in his preface, "We live in a sound-bite culture that makes it difficult to have any sustained dialogue on these historical issues. It is easy for those who argue that America is a Christian nation (and those who do not) to appear on radio or television programs, quote from one of the founders or one of the nation's founding documents, and sway people to their positions."

This book moves beyond contentious sound bites to unravel the complicated historical puzzle of Christianity's relationship with America's founding. Fea draws on primary sources and founding documents to provide readers with the context needed to form informed conclusions about this complex topic.