Religion and the Continental Congress, 1774-1789

Religion and the Continental Congress, 1774-1789

By Derek H. Davis

Book Description

Derek H. Davis presents a thorough investigation into how religious beliefs and practices shaped the Continental Congress during America's formative years from 1774 to 1789. This scholarly work examines a pivotal question that continues to resonate today: what role did faith play in establishing the foundations of American government?

Through careful analysis of congressional proceedings, Davis explores how the revolutionaries approached the intersection of spiritual conviction and political governance. The book reveals how religious rituals, including prayer sessions, chaplain appointments, and designated days for fasting and thanksgiving, became woven into the fabric of early American political life.

Rather than simply cataloging religious practices, Davis delves deeper to uncover the underlying philosophical tensions at work. He examines whether the founders intended to create a nation built upon explicitly theological principles or pursued a different vision entirely. The research challenges common assumptions about the religious motivations behind America's founding documents and governmental structures.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual beliefs influence political systems, this work offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between faith and governance. Davis demonstrates how examining historical precedent can illuminate contemporary debates about the proper role of religion in public life.

This comprehensive study provides essential context for anyone seeking to understand how religious thought shaped the early American experiment in democratic governance during its most crucial developmental period.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)

📄 Length: 326 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Church and state, united states
  • ✓ Explore 15.85 history of America
  • ✓ Explore Constitutional history
  • ✓ Explore Staat
  • ✓ Explore Kerk en staat
  • ✓ Explore Freedom of religion
  • ✓ Explore United States. Continental Congress
  • ✓ Explore Liberté religieuse

Topics Covered

Church and state, united states 15.85 history of America Constitutional history Staat Kerk en staat Freedom of religion United States. Continental Congress Liberté religieuse Religion Constitutional history, united states Histoire États-Unis Kontinentalkongress United states, continental congress United States États-Unis. Continental Congress Het Congres Église et État Histoire constitutionnelle Church and state History

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