Was George Washington A Christian, Or Not? Convincing Evidence!

The debate over the reality of George Washington's Christianity and that of other founding fathers will probably go on forever. We would be better off analyzing the documents they actually gave us. Why is this important? But fools rush in where angels fear to tread, so we'll give it a go anyway.

I am constrained to point out that the simple fact of one's being a Christian does not necessarily guarantee that everything he speaks or writes is always sound doctrine. That is emphatically true of the founding fathers even if we give them the benefit of the doubt regarding the reality of their faith. Just because its drafters may have been Christians does not automatically prove that the U. S. Constitution is a Biblically sound document. For most Christians Washington's Christianity is a foregone conclusion. Others are not so sure. A Study Of Source DocumentsThey ask questions like, why did Washington conspicuously exit the church building whenever it came time to celebrate the Lord's table? Why did he swear allegiance to all of the anti-Christian oaths of the Masonic Lodge to attain to the rank of Grand Master? Why did he virtually never mention the name of Christ in his voluminous writings, the few which do exist occurring in childhood? When it comes to Washington's religious/philosophical bent there is too much of a mythical or legendary nature to rely on anything other than primary source documents. Almost half a century ago Professor Paul Boller conducted an exhaustive study of Washington's writings, public and private, together with reliable statements by his contemporaries. He compiled a book entitled, “George Washington & Religion” (SMU Press, 1963).

The picture that emerged from these primary sources is far different from the vast body of myth and legend that had been built up by a succession of pietistic biographers.

The latter popularized an encyclopedia of stories about Washington's religiosity based on hearsay and scanty evidence that could never hold up in a court of law. The Real WashingtonThe real picture emerges from people who knew Washington well, such as Dr. James Abercrombie, his pastor during his Presidency. Dr. Abercrombie had grave doubts about the state of Washington's soul. While his wife kneeled with the communicants, Washington always walked out. Dr. Abercrombie concluded, “That Washington was a professing Christian, is evident from his regular attendance in our church; but, Sir, I cannot consider any man as a real Christian who uniformly disregards an ordinance so solemnly enjoined by the divine Author of our holy religion, and considered as a channel of divine grace. “It is not hard to find Washington quotes extolling the benefits of religion for society. He made provisions for chaplains in the Army and served on the board of his church, which he attended every month or so. But as most Christians know, “Churchianity” is a far cry from Christianity. Based on the testimony of his Pastor, Washington's church attendance was mostly for show. Washington, Madison, Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams were typical of others who denied the Divinity of Christ and therefore also denied his Kingship in the realm of civil government. Thus it is probably more accurate to describe the key founders as “unitarian” rather than Deistic. Most contemporary Christian historians are quick to deny the latter at the same time they ignore the former. But the implications for subsequent American history cannot be ignored and they have been devastating.
Oliver Woods is author of books and video on the anti-Christian features of the U S Constitution at the America Betrayed website. He also serves as headmaster at King's Way Classical Academy an online classical, Christian school for grades 7-1
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