In the complex tapestry of the Founding Fathers' religious beliefs, where debates often swirl around questions of Christianity, deism, and secularism, there stands one figure whose unwavering commitment to Christianity and its profound influence on the fledgling United States leaves little room for doubt. Join me on a journey through the life and legacy of John Jay, a Founding Father whose body of work unequivocally attests to his staunch stance on Christianity, the inerrancy of the Bible and his pivotal role in shaping the nation's early years.
In the unquiet times of the American Revolution and the subsequent formation of the United States, faith and Christianity played a significant role in the lives of many founding fathers. John Jay's Christian faith had a profound impact on his life and his contributions to the birth of a new nation. In this blog post, I will focus on John Jay's staunch beliefs and enduring legacy.
Through the Sabin American database, I am able to access Jay's his personal writings and have spent the day reading through quite a few of his correspondences. His letters I found to be easy to read and revealing of the type of man he was. This quote, from one of his private letters, is indicative of his belief system and lens with which he views the human experience:
“It is to be regretted, but I so believe the fact to be, that except the Bible, there is not a true History in the world.” Jay, William, and John Jay. The life of John Jay: with selections from his correspondence and miscellaneous papers. Vol. 2. New York: J. & J. Harper, 1833. Sabin Americana: History of the Americas, 1500-1926.
Jay believed the most productive way of ensuring world peace was through the propagation of the Christian gospel. He once said:
“In forming and settling my belief relative to the doctrines of Christianity, I adopted no articles from creeds but such only as, on careful examination, I found to be confirmed by the Bible.”
To understand the role of Christianity and the uniqueness of John Jay's faith in early America, we must first acknowledge the religious landscape of the American colonies. The thirteen colonies were a diverse mix of religious traditions, including various denominations of Christianity, Judaism, and indigenous beliefs.
John Jay was born in New York City in 1745, to a devout Protestant family. His family's faith was an essential part of their identity and values. Growing up in a religious household, Jay received a solid Christian upbringing that deeply influenced his character and principles.
For college he attended what is now known as Columbia University, where he developed a strong intellectual foundation, guided by his Christian worldview. This early education not only shaped his religious beliefs but also instilled in him a sense of duty and moral responsibility. The American Revolution, a pivotal moment in history, was marked by a strong connection between faith and the struggle for independence. Many American patriots believed that their cause was divinely ordained and that God's providence was on their side. John Jay was no exception to this prevailing sentiment. As tensions with Britain escalated, Jay and other prominent figures began to grapple with the moral and ethical dimensions of the conflict. They saw their struggle as a fight for religious freedom and the right to self-determination, values deeply rooted in their Christian beliefs.
John Jay's contributions to the American Revolution were large and multifaceted. Throughout his important roles, Jay remained guided by his faith, striving for justice, peace, and the protection of the fledgling nation's moral integrity. One of John Jay's most admirable contributions to American history was his commitment to the abolition of slavery. As a devout Christian, Jay found himself deeply concerned by the conflict between the advocated principles of liberty and equality.
John Jay, in 1780 said,
“An excellent law might be made out of the Pennsylvania one, for the gradual abolition of slavery. Till America comes into this measure, her prayers to Heaven will be impious. This is a strong expression; but it is just. I believe God governs the world; and I believe it to be a maxim in his as in our court, that those who ask for equity should grant it.” Peck, Jesse Truesdell. The History of the Great Republic, Considered from a Christian Stand-point. New York: Broughton and Wyman, 1868. Sabin Americana: History of the Americas, 1500-1926.
Notably and not surprisingly due to his public professions of faith in the inerrancy of the Scripture, in 1821, he accepted the position as the second President of the American Bible Society.
In today's world, John Jay's unapologetic Christian values may seem less prevalent, but his enduring legacy reminds us of the profound influence faith had on the founding of the United States. I encourage anyone intrigued by the beliefs of the founding fathers to delve into their original writings, where the essence of their convictions continues to shine brightly.
