‍WASHINGTON, D.C. — Presidents’ Day is often celebrated as a time to reflect on the lives and leadership of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other American presidents who have shaped our nation. However, what is often overlooked is the profound role that Christianity played in the lives of our presidents and the moral foundation upon which America was built.

While the First Amendment rightly prohibits Congress from establishing a specific Christian denomination as the national religion, it does not—and never was intended to—erase Christianity’s influence on our laws, customs, and government institutions. From our Founding Fathers to modern leaders, Christian principles have been woven into the fabric of American governance, guiding presidents in their leadership and policy-making.

The Founders’ Christian Convictions

The Founding Fathers, contrary to modern secular interpretations, were deeply influenced by Christianity. George Washington, in his Farewell Address, emphasized the importance of religion and morality in the success of the nation, stating:

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

Washington was clear that a government devoid of religious morality would not sustain a free and just society. His personal faith was evident in his regular church attendance, his prayers for the nation, and his declaration that the American cause was under the providential hand of God.

John Adams, the second president, was even more explicit in acknowledging Christianity’s role in government. In an address to the Massachusetts Militia in 1798, he declared:

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Adams understood that a self-governing republic required a virtuous citizenry, something that Christianity uniquely cultivated.

Christian Morality in Law and Governance

The moral code that underpins American law finds its roots in biblical principles. The Declaration of Independence acknowledges that our rights come from God, not the government:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.”

Thomas Jefferson, though often portrayed as a deist, repeatedly spoke of divine justice and the necessity of moral governance. He famously stated:

“God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?”

Even Jefferson, a champion of religious liberty, understood that freedom must be grounded in a higher moral authority—one best provided by Christianity.

Christianity and America’s Presidents

Many presidents openly professed their Christian faith and relied on it for guidance. Abraham Lincoln, during the Civil War, leaned on Scripture and prayer to navigate the nation’s darkest hours. In his Second Inaugural Address, he recognized God’s hand in America’s destiny:

“The Almighty has His own purposes.”

Later, in the 20th century, President Dwight D. Eisenhower underscored Christianity’s indispensable role in American life by leading the charge to add “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. He declared:

“Without God, there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life.”

Ronald Reagan also spoke powerfully of Christianity’s influence, reminding Americans:

“If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

Faith in Government: The Rightful Place of Christianity

While America was not founded as a theocracy, our Founders and presidents recognized that biblical morality was essential to maintaining a just and free society. The First Amendment ensures that no single Christian denomination is imposed on the nation, but it does not demand a secular government devoid of Christian influence. Instead, our leaders have historically turned to God for wisdom, proclaimed national days of prayer, and embedded Christian ideals into the very structures of law and governance.

As we celebrate Presidents’ Day, let us remember that faith has always been a guiding force in American leadership. From Washington’s prayers at Valley Forge to Lincoln’s invocation of Scripture in times of crisis, Christianity has been—and should continue to be—a cornerstone of our nation’s governance.

America thrives when it upholds the values of faith, virtue, and divine providence, recognizing that our rights and freedoms ultimately come not from government, but from God Himself.

References

• Library of Congress – Religion and the Founding of the American Republic (2025)
• National Archives – The Declaration of Independence and Its Biblical Principles (2025)
• Mount Vernon Historical Society – Washington’s Farewell Address and the Role of Religion in Government (2025)
• The Reagan Presidential Foundation – Ronald Reagan on Faith and American Values (2025)