The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American

by Andrew L. Seidel

Between 1952 and 1956, as RIAL and the anti–New Deal religion peaked, Congress saddled Americans with most of the political piety so familiar today. The timeline is telling: 1952 – National Day of Prayer. Billy Graham says it would be “thrilling” and “glorious” to “see the leaders of our country kneeling before almighty God in prayer” and to use those leaders to bring the nation to Jesus.24 On the Capitol steps, Graham calls for a National Day of Prayer.25 Congress quickly agrees.26 1953 – The National Prayer Breakfast is held for the first time, and President Eisenhower attends.27 This was integral to the anti–New Deal, corporate religion.28 1953 – Congressmen propose 18 separate resolutions to add “under God” to the pledge on April 20.29 1953–54 – Flanders Amendment proposed. This constitutional amendment, which was attempted during the Civil War by the then director of the Mint James Pollock, of “In God We Trust” infamy (see page 271), would have added the Christian god to the godless American Constitution: “This nation devoutly recognizes the authority and law of Jesus Christ, Saviour and Ruler of Nations, through whom are bestowed the blessings of Almighty God.” The Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearings on the amendment.30 It fails, again. 1954 – “In God We Trust” is placed on a US postage stamp for the first time.31 1954 – Installing a prayer room in the US Capitol is proposed, and the resolution passes.32 The Congressional Prayer Room, built in 1955, features a ...