Resources for Sacred Secularism: The Secular Foundations of the United States

Welcome to the resources page for Sacred Secularism, a series exploring the secular foundations of the United States and its commitment to the separation of religion and government. The following foundational documents, statements from key figures, historical legal interpretations, and scholarly analyses provide insight into America’s dedication to freedom of religion and the intent of a secular state.

Foundational Documents

The U.S. Constitution (1787)
The Constitution remains the bedrock of U.S. governance and is notably absent of references to God or Christianity. Article VI explicitly states that “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States,” ensuring that religious belief is not a criterion for public office.
Read the Constitution: National Archives – U.S. Constitution

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1791)
This amendment enshrines the separation of church and state, beginning with, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This clause forms the legal basis for the secular state, protecting both religious freedom and government neutrality.
Read the Bill of Rights: National Archives – Bill of Rights

The Treaty of Tripoli (1797)
Ratified unanimously by the U.S. Senate and signed by President John Adams, this treaty includes the notable statement in Article 11: “the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.” This treaty underscores the early government’s stance on secularism in international diplomacy.
Read the Treaty of Tripoli: US Constitution – Treaty of Tripoli

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Statements by Founding Fathers on Religion and Government

Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson’s 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptist Association contains his famous phrase about “a wall of separation between Church & State,” a principle that he believed essential to maintaining religious freedom. Jefferson’s advocacy for secularism can also be seen in the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which he authored.
Read more on Jefferson’s view on religion and government: National Archives – Jefferson’s Letters

James Madison
Known as the “Father of the Constitution,” Madison was a vocal advocate for religious freedom. In his Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments (1785), Madison argued that religion should not be subject to government authority, calling any attempt otherwise an “unhallowed perversion of the means of salvation.”
Explore Madison’s writings on religious freedom: National Archives – Madison’s Writings

Benjamin Franklin
Though a religious person himself, Franklin supported a secular government. He believed that religious institutions should not hold influence over political governance, ensuring that personal faith remained a private matter for citizens.
Learn more about Franklin’s views on religion in government: Library of Congress – Founding Fathers on Religion

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Supreme Court Cases Affirming Separation of Church and State

Everson v. Board of Education (1947)
This landmark case extended the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to state governments through the Fourteenth Amendment, affirming the separation of church and state. Justice Hugo Black’s opinion reiterated Jefferson’s phrase about “a wall of separation.”
Case overview: Oyez – Everson v. Board of Education

Engel v. Vitale (1962)
This Supreme Court case addressed the issue of school-sponsored prayer, ruling that government-directed prayer in public schools violated the Establishment Clause. This ruling reinforced that religious activities should not be part of government-sponsored education.
Case details: Oyez – Engel v. Vitale

Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971)
The “Lemon Test” was established through this case to determine if a law violates the Establishment Clause. To be constitutional, a law must have a secular purpose, not advance or inhibit religion, and avoid excessive government entanglement with religion.
Case analysis: Oyez – Lemon v. Kurtzman

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Scholarly Works and Books

“The Godless Constitution: The Case Against Religious Correctness” by Isaac Kramnick and R. Laurence Moore
This book argues that the U.S. was intended as a secular republic, challenging claims that it was founded as a Christian nation. It examines the intentions of the Founding Fathers and the implications of secular governance.

“Separation of Church and State” by Philip Hamburger
Hamburger provides a historical analysis of the separation of church and state in America, exploring the idea’s evolution from the colonial period through the 19th century.

“American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation” by Jon Meacham
Meacham’s work discusses the Founders’ nuanced views on religion and highlights that, while many were religious, they strongly believed in a secular government. It examines the balance between faith and freedom in the American context.

“Religious Freedom: Jefferson’s Legacy, America’s Creed” by John Ragosta
Ragosta delves into Jefferson’s influence on religious freedom and the separation of church and state, highlighting the importance of secular governance to protect both religious and governmental institutions.

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Conclusion

These resources reveal a well-documented historical foundation for secular governance in the United States, reflecting the founders’ intention to create a society that values personal freedom, religious diversity, and the separation of church and state. Whether you’re exploring historical documents, influential Supreme Court cases, or scholarly works, these references provide a comprehensive understanding of Sacred Secularism in America.

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