In the founding era, the United States emerged unmistakably as a Christian nation, woven with biblical threads that affirm a form of Christian nationalism—rightly understood—as both valid and good, so long as it bows the knee to God alone, never devolving into idolatry or elevating earthly powers above the Kingdom of Heaven.

Consider the framers: 44 of the 55 who drafted the Constitution were Trinitarian Christians, with 98 percent of state ratifying convention delegates Protestant. The Continental Congress didn’t just tolerate faith; it acted on it, approving and paying for the Aitken Bible in 1782 as the sole accurate English translation, explicitly recommending it for school use across the land. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 mandated “religion”—defined as Christianity—to foster morality in new territories, mandating biblical education. In 1800 Congress approved holding church services in the House chambers!

Presidents led the charge: Washington and Adams proclaimed over 100 Thanksgiving and Fast Days, invoking Jesus Christ as the source of national blessings, as in Washington’s 1789 call to “the God who… brought forth on this continent a new nation.” The Supreme Court in 1892’s Church of Holy Trinity v. United States declared, “From transient causes… this is a Christian nation,” citing 160 years of precedents.

Even treaties reflected this: 39 agreements with European powers named the “Holy Trinity,” while the 1797 Treaty of Tripoli’s denial targeted North African pirates, not domestic identity. Abolitionists like Frederick Douglass drew straight from Exodus and the Song of Solomon to justify ending slavery via the 13th Amendment, proving Scripture’s role in righteous reform.

This Christian nationalism thrives without idolatry by anchoring in Deuteronomy 28’s covenant blessings for nations honoring God, while heeding Matthew 22:21—”render unto Caesar.” Flags and pledges honor civic duty, not divinity . When government mandates sin—like Pharaoh’s infanticide—or bars obedience, Acts 5:29 commands, “Obey God rather than men,” prioritizing the Lord’s eternal kingdom .

Thus, biblical patriotism exalts God above nation, wielding America’s Christian heritage to pursue justice without usurping the throne. It’s good, valid, and fiercely non-idolatrous.