The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American

by Andrew L. Seidel

John Adams noticed this historical trend,11 as did James Madison, the Father of the Constitution and the Father of the Bill of Rights. Madison penned the greatest defense of religious freedom and secular government in 1785 to oppose a three-cent tax that would support Christian ministers. His “Memorial and Remonstrance against Religious Assessments” examined what churches with civil power—ecclesiastical establishments—had wrought. “In some instances they have been seen to erect a spiritual tyranny on the ruins of the Civil authority; in many instances they have been seen upholding the thrones of political tyranny: in no instance have they been seen the guardians of the liberties of the people,” wrote Madison. “Rulers who wished to subvert the public liberty, may have found an established Clergy convenient auxiliaries.” He concluded, “A just Government instituted to secure & perpetuate it needs them not.”