This July marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, often referred to as America’s birthday. As the nation celebrates what President Trump has termed a “super centenary,” discussions are reigniting around whether America’s origins stem from Christian beliefs or Enlightenment deism. A notable perspective is offered in Michael Novak’s book, which posits that the American spirit embodies elements from both the empirical Enlightenment thinkers, like John Locke, and Christian faith.
A pivotal moment in emphasizing evangelical Christianity’s influence on the American Revolution was the Great Awakening, a religious revival spanning the 1730s and 1740s. While often connected to Jonathan Edwards and the Puritans of New England, it was itinerant preachers like George Whitefield, admired by Benjamin Franklin, who helped spread the Awakening throughout the colonies. The movements placed a strong emphasis on individual conversion—ideas that unsettled established churches by questioning the authority of untested ministers. For instance, Presbyterian minister Gilbert Tennant argued in a sermon that a converted farmer held more spiritual value than an unconverted pastor, even asserting that a pious beggar surpassed an unholy prince. Such revolutionary thoughts in the context of the 18th century significantly influenced the minds of the Founding Fathers.
Crucially, the Awakening undermined existing authority in both religious and governmental spheres. If regenerate believers were superior to unregenerate church leaders, then the authority of church hierarchies lacked grounding. This notion extended to political structures as well; a king ruling unjustly was no better than a beggar or an illegitimate bishop.
These spiritual ideals about equality eventually spilled over into social and political realms, prompting a decline in reverence for kings and empowering individuals to challenge the elite. The notion of a republic began to emerge as a preferable alternative to monarchy.
The itinerant preachers attracted large, diverse crowds, fostering a shared sense of purpose among evangelical Protestants, which became a foundational component for the patriots during the revolution. This collective experience contributed to a distinctive American identity separate from British influences. Many who experienced the Awakening interpreted it as a sign of God’s involvement in history—echoing earlier Puritan beliefs that the colonies were a “city on a hill” poised to enter a transformative age.
Interestingly, revolutionary leaders framed their struggle against Britain as more than mere politics. To them, it represented a moral battle for virtue, freedom, and divine approval. The egalitarianism, nationalism, and civic virtue inspired by the Great Awakening aligned with the political theories of John Locke, significantly shaping thinkers like Thomas Jefferson and other Founders. The Awakening’s call for individual responsibility resonates with Locke’s ideas, which hinge on the concept of limited government—rooted in the understanding that no individual or group should wield absolute power. This philosophy has deep roots, tracing back from Augustine to Calvin and subsequently to Puritan teachings.
Without the cultural groundwork established by the Great Awakening, the revolution might have struggled to find moral backing and widespread public support. While it wasn’t the sole catalyst, as Novak points out, the Awakening significantly contributed to the revolutionary climate, alongside Locke’s Enlightenment philosophy.
The Great Awakening exemplifies one of many ways Christianity has shaped America’s foundation, history, and culture. This year, further explorations of American history will unfold through the lens of a Christian worldview.
