When the Founding Fathers gathered to draft the Declaration of Independence, create the Articles of Confederation, debate the United States Constitution, and ratify the Bill of Rights, they established a foundation for our nation based on bold Christian principles. These principles were rooted in their Biblical understanding of justice, liberty, and human dignity. Their meticulous work also produced the Federalist Papers, advocating for a balanced government that acknowledges human fallibility and recognizes their God-given rights. Together, these documents envisioned governance that prioritizes liberty, justice, and accountability, which shaped the identity of a new republic.

Central to their vision was the belief in God-given rights, firmly anchored in Scripture. As the prophet Micah writes:

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

This call to justice and humility guided the Founders in their quest to build a nation governed by these values, protecting the dignity of all people.

But how do these principles hold up in a world far from the 18th century? What would the Founding Fathers — many of whom were Christian — who relied heavily on their Christian worldview, think of the America of today? We are a people shaped by instant, global communication, AI-driven industries, cybersecurity, and climate change challenges. Would they recognize their envisioned nation, or would they feel compelled to adapt their work to address the complexities of a modern age where moral foundations are increasingly contested?

While not all Founding Fathers were Christians, most were influenced by Christian principles, either as practicing believers or as cultural and philosophical guides. Their writings and actions reflect a deep respect for religious liberty, which they sought to enshrine in the First Amendment, allowing for both religious expression and freedom from state-imposed religion.

While the principles enshrined in these documents remain timeless — grounded in truths about human nature and divine order — their application must evolve to reflect today’s realities. This blog examines the enduring relevance of the Founders’ work through a biblical lens, exploring how their wisdom can guide us in navigating the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century.

God Created Man In His Image

To appreciate the timeless ideals set forth by the Founding Fathers, we must understand the historical context of these foundational documents. The late 18th century was tumultuous, with the American colonies fighting for independence and forging a national identity. The Founders pursued a government that could secure liberty while resisting tyranny, guided by a shared belief in God-given rights rooted in a Biblical worldview. These convictions continue to shape our principles today.

For example, the Declaration of Independence boldly declared that “all men are created equal,” echoing a more profound Biblical truth:

So God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27)

This belief in the inherent worth of every individual inspired the Founders to create a system that honored equality and liberty.

However, their world was vastly different from ours. The Founding Fathers worked with quills and parchment in an age without mass communication or global trade networks. Their focus was on preserving natural rights in a society influenced by Biblical morality, while governance tools were rudimentary. They grappled with how to build a government strong enough to endure while remaining accountable to both the people and God.

It is important to note that righteous leadership was vital to their vision. Proverbs reminds us:

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan (Proverbs 29:2)

This truth shaped their desire for a government encouraging virtue while restraining corruption. By understanding their work’s historical and spiritual context, we can better appreciate how their ideals resonate today.

Unless The Lord Builds The House

The Founding Fathers envisioned their system in a world defined by handwritten letters, town meetings, and an agrarian economy. Their immediate challenges — defending borders, repelling invasions, and fostering civic engagement — were more straightforward than today’s complex realities.

Despite these differences, some challenges remain unchanged. Ecclesiastes reminds us:

What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

The tools and contexts may change, but core justice, governance, and human fallibility issues endure. The Founders’ reliance on Biblical truths underscores the importance of keeping God at the center of governance. As Psalm 127 teaches:

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who make it labor in vain (Psalm 127:1)

This principle remains as relevant now as it was then. By examining how the Founders’ principles apply in a world of technology, global markets, and interconnectedness, we can draw on their wisdom to tackle modern challenges.

Where There Is No Guidance, People Will Fall

The Founding Fathers understood humanity’s flawed nature and crafted a system of checks and balances to promote accountability. As Proverbs affirms:

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety (Proverbs 11:14)

This wisdom remains critical today. The separation of powers faces new challenges in an era of executive overreach and legislative gridlock, but its foundation endures. Similarly, the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech must contend with disinformation and online hate speech. Biblical principles remind us that freedom must be exercised with truth and love.

Federalism continues to balance state and federal authority, rooted in the understanding that governance ultimately falls under God’s rule:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1)

These principles guide us in navigating today’s complexities while honoring God’s design for justice and accountability.

Let Every Person Be Subject To Governing Authorities

If the Founding Fathers faced today’s realities, their reliance on Biblical truths suggests their core principles would remain intact. They designed governance systems to account for human fallenness and to protect God-given rights. However, they would likely adapt their work to address modern challenges explicitly.

For instance, they might regulate artificial intelligence and digital privacy, or emphasize environmental stewardship as part of humanity’s God-given responsibility to care for creation. While speculative, these considerations highlight the enduring relevance of their principles. Their commitment to seeking wisdom and applying truth to their context offers a model for addressing contemporary challenges with conviction and faith.

A Divided House Will Not Stand

George Washington’s Farewell Address is a moral and practical guide, urging unity and vigilance against division. His warning against partisanship echoes Christ’s words:

If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand (Mark 3:25)

This warning resonates deeply in today’s polarized world, where social media amplifies division. Paul’s exhortation reminds us of the need for unity:

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Washington also cautioned against foreign entanglements, advocating for independence from undue influence. His call for unity under righteous authority reflects a Christian worldview, reminding us that a divided nation or church cannot stand.

The Lord Is Our Law Giver

The Founding Fathers recognized that ultimate authority rests with God, as Isaiah declares:

For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us (Isaiah 33:22)

Their reliance on God’s truths offers enduring guidance. Psalm 90 affirms God’s constancy across generations:

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God (Psalm 90:1–2)

As we navigate modern complexities, we must carry forward the Founders’ legacy with the same spirit of inquiry, adaptation, and reliance on God’s wisdom.

Join the Conversation

How can we uphold the Biblical principles that informed the Founding Fathers while addressing today’s challenges? We can shape a future that honors God’s truths and the Founders’ vision through prayer, civic engagement, and thoughtful reflection. Share your thoughts and join the conversation as we strive to build a society that reflects God’s justice and love.

The opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect the views or positions of my employer.

I’m just a dad who blogs about the intersections of life, faith, family, and technology. These are the threads that weave through my personal and spiritual walk.