United States: A Christian Nation

by Gary DeMar, David J. Brewer

This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Genres: History, American History

89 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1905

About the author

Gary is a graduate of Western Michigan University (1973) and earned his M.Div. at Reformed Theological Seminary in 1979. In 2007, he earned his Ph.D. in Christian Intellectual History from Whitefield Theological Seminary. Author of countless essays, news articles, and more than 27 book titles, he also hosts The Gary DeMar Show, and History Unwrapped—both broadcasted and podcasted. Gary has lived in the Atlanta area since 1979 with his wife, Carol. They have two married sons and are enjoying being grandparents to their grandson. Gary and Carol are members of Midway Presbyterian Church (PCA).

Reviews

[Blaine Conzatti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a helpful read. Associate Justice David Brewer explains that although the United States is not a Christian nation in the sense that Christianity is the established religion (or in the sense that all citizens are Christian, or in the sense that we legally require public officeholders to profess Christianity), it should nevertheless be recognized as the "leading Christian nation in the world" as a matter of "historical, legal, and social truth."

What does he mean? Well, it is a legally true that our "laws and customs are based upon the laws of Moses and the teachings of Christ." Brewer traces the development of American colonies and eventually the American constitutional system, including early state constitutions, with the goal of showing how our nation not only presupposed Christianity as our shared value system as its shared moral foundation, but was, in fact, established to promote and uphold the Christian faith. He also notes the oaths clause and Sundays excepted clause in the federal constitution, as well as early state and federal court decisions which recognized Christianity as our shared public moral system and as part and parcel of the common law.

I love that Brewer commends the young men in his audience to promote Christianity as part of their patriotic duty. "In our land, from the very first, Christianity and patriotism have worked together," he says. "And we who are citizens of this republic—recognizing the identification of Christianity with its life [...]—ought, even if not agreeing with all that is claimed for it, to at least accord to it respect." Brewer adds that "Christian nations are the civilized nations," and "the most thoroughly Christian are the most highly civilized." That is why "it is a patriot's duty to uphold [Christianity] and extend its influence." On this topic, Brewer echoes many of our founding fathers, such as John Witherspoon, who famously said, "He is the best friend to American liberty, who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion, and who set himself with the greatest firmness to bear down on profanity and immorality of every kind. Whoever is an avowed enemy of God, I scruple not to call him an enemy to his country."

I also appreciate many of the minor points he makes. Although our material prosperity is a blessing, it also brings about the temptations of luxury and wealth, for which Christianity is the only antidote. Our standing as a world power on the geopolitical stage is dependent upon our willingness to abide by our Christian beliefs. The incredible racial unity that we experience here in America is the result of the gospel influence in our society tearing down racial hostility.

Brewer also seemingly advocates for an optimistic postmillennial eschatology, albeit without calling it such. "Does the day of peace seem a long way off?" he asks. His response rings with optimism for the conquering power of the Gospel: "We must have divine patience and understand the divine mathematics of a thousand years as one day. . . . But the leaven of the immortal truth that right rather than might attests that the ideal life is already working in the mass of humanity, and slowly, it will leaven the whole lump. . . . Is it not a great thing to be a leader among the nations in the effort to bring on that day when the sword shall be beaten into the plowshare and the spear in to the pruning hook, and when war shall cease?" He observes that with the rising influence of Christianity in the world, "The spirit of liberty is shaking thrones and dynasties the world over, and making government of the people and for the people a nearer fact." This is the case in America as well: "And the more thoroughly this republic is filled with the spirit of the gospel, the more universal the rule of Christianity in the hearts of our people, the more certainly will she ever be the welcome leader in movements for peace among the nations."

After convincingly proving his case that the United States is the leading Christian nation in the world, Brewer concludes with the following charge for his hearers: "Place the Bible on your table and enshrine the Master in your heart and you may be sure you are building up a home which will be not merely peace and blessing to you, but also for the strength and glory of the republic." Amen!

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading The United States: A Christian Nation; Reprint of 1905 lectures by Justice Brewer, covers history from the time of Columbus to present (his) with many quotes from the Court's 1892 "Holy Trinity" case. Many other court cases cited. Great history read for those who like American history by a Justice forgotten (on purpose). The appendixes have the entire Holy Trinity vs. United States case along with a review of the 1900 George L'Hote v. City of New Orleans case.

[David Carraway · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Brewer makes it clear that America was founded as a Christian nation, and shows how why we could be none other than such, there are other areas where I disagree with his assessments and conclusions.

[Ken Souder]

Pretty much irrefutable evidence of the Christian underpinnings of our nation. Enough in fact, to convince anyone with a truly open mind.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gobs of proof that the US is a Christian nation.