Biblical Origins of the Constitution
Bradley Petitt
Liberty University Online
GOVT 220: American Government
Professor Lizabeth Minuto
October 31, 2023
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Introduction
To thoroughly understand the American Government, it is important to explore America's
history and how it has changed over the past two centuries. In 2008 and again ten years later,
Davide Barton presented to students at Liberty University, where he discussed the exceptional
position of Americans and gave a detailed account of the 1787 convention that established the
laws and rules we follow today. According to Barton, this convention serves as the foundation
upon which our Nation is built, and it is through Divine Providence that we have reached our
present state.
America’s Foundation
The convention of 1787 stretched on for weeks without any clear resolution in sight.
During his presentation, Barton highlighted how America was viewed as exceptional by the
world, quoting Alexis Detocqueville by saying, "The position of the Americans is quite
exceptional and it may be believed that no democratic people will ever be placed in a similar
one". The stability and full republicanism of America have been widely acknowledged and
people have been curious about how it was achieved. The convention of 1787 offers some
insight. During the convention, representatives from different states were working towards a
common goal but they were struggling to make progress. It was only when Benjamin Franklin
turned to George Washington and realized that the men had lost their faith and were not
following the power of prayer that they decided to take a 3-day break to attend church. This
strengthened their belief that divine intervention would help bring them together as one.
The Constitution
On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was officially created and signed
in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, which is now known as Independence
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Hall in Philadelphia (National Constitution Center). According to Barton's presentation, the
creation of the Constitution can be attributed to the Bible. During the 1787 convention, Reverend
Rogers gave a prayer, which Barton reads an excerpt from, "As this is a period, oh Lord, enable
them to devise such measures as may prove happily instrumental for healing all divisions and
promoting the good of the great whole" (Rogers 1787). This prayer had a profound effect on the
men, as they found themselves better able to agree on matters of high importance and ultimately
provided us with the Constitution. These men were blessed with divine providence, which gave
them the strength to succeed and find a positive resolution. Not all the men present in the room
agreed, but many of them felt that the divine providence could be felt in the words of the
constitution. Barton referred to several biblical passages, such as Jeremiah 17:9, Isaiah 33:22,
and Exodus 18:21, to support his claim. Upon a closer examination of these words, it becomes
clear that the Ten Commandments are frequently referenced as well. Barton went on to explain
that out of the 613 laws that God gave to his people, ten were considered more important than
others, and there are several among those ten that cannot be ignored. As Barton mentions the 6th
Commandment, it is nearly impossible to not refer to our current abortion laws.
There has been much debate on the laws that surround abortion but as God makes very
clear, “Thou shall not Kill” (Exodus 20). The topic of abortion laws in the United States has
sparked intense discussions among citizens, with religious beliefs often influencing individuals'
viewpoints. Given the recent Texas case presented in October 2021, it's imperative to grasp the
significance of Judges and their authority, which is derived from both the legislature and a higher
power. Barton highlights this critical aspect, and it's crucial information as the courts deliberate
on this important issue. An excerpt from a court document published by the Supreme Court
handling this matter says,
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The Court granted certiorari before judgment, in this case, to determine whether the
petitioners may pursue a pre-enforcement challenge to Texas Senate Bill 8, The Texas
Heartbeat Act, a Texas statute enacted in 2021 that prohibits physicians from performing
or inducing an abortion if the physician detected a fetal heartbeat. (Whole Woman’s
Health).
However, if we are to be crucial of God’s laws, any killing of the innocent shall be declared,
unlawful. The question here appears to be at what point do we perceive a fetus to be life and
frankly, that is not for humans to decide.
Stand United
God's work knows no bounds and it shows no favoritism. This applies to all of his followers,
regardless of their economic status. Proverbs 19:17 states that anyone who is kind to the needy is
lending to the Lord, and he will reward them for their good deed.
He that hath pity unto the poor lendeth unto the Lord. A man, whose heart is full of
compassion to the poor, and whose hands distribute to their necessities, from a true
principle of love and charity to men, and with a view to the glory of God, and not from
any selfish principle and with an end; such a man's gift to the poor is a loan to the Lord; it
is not cast away upon the creature, but is a "depositum" in the hands of God, and shall be
returned with advantage; and that which he hath given will, he pays him again; either in
this life, in things temporal and spiritual, increasing his worldly substance, blessing his
posterity, granting him larger measures of grace, indulging him with his gracious
presence, and giving him peace of mind, which passeth all understanding; or in the world
to come; not as a reward of debt, but of grace. (Ecclesiastes 11:1)
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Although these sentiments may appear straightforward, they are frequently misinterpreted
or disregarded. From a divine standpoint, all individuals are considered equal and it is hoped that
they treat one another with the same love they would like to receive. Aiding those who are less
fortunate is not a matter of superiority, but rather demonstrating kindness and empathy. Just as
the laws of our land strive to foster a spirit of care among its people, this is a responsibility that is
incumbent upon all of humanity. To offer aid to those who require it, we can offer weather-
resistant local blessing boxes that contain non-perishable food. There are several ways in which
our community can lend a hand to this cause, such as providing gently used clothing to homeless
shelters or offering larger items like strollers, cribs, and other essentials on social media for free
or at a small fee. These are merely a few instances of how our community is having a positive
impact. It is crucial to keep in mind that we are all equal in the eyes of God and, as a unified
nation, we stand together beneath Him.
Conclusion
In his presentations, Barton emphasized the importance of having leaders who uphold the
principles of the Constitution. Quoting Proverbs 29:2, he supported the idea that "when the
righteous rule, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan". As citizens, we must
understand that we grant corrupt individuals the power to rule when we elect them into office.
This often results in leaders who lack knowledge and understanding of the Constitution and
God's word, putting our nation at risk of losing its exceptional status. Recent leaders have led us
towards revolution, and we must be careful not to fall to our own mercy. Even with divine
providence, we have continuously denied God.
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References
Barton, D. (2008). The Constitution- Part 1. libertyuniversity.instructure.com. Retrieved October
25, 2023, from https://libertyuniversity.instructure.com/courses/280187/pages/watch-the-
constitution-part-1?module_item_id=21881369
Barton, D. (2018). The Constitution- Part 2. libertyuniversity.instructure.com. Retrieved October
25, 2023, from https://libertyuniversity.instructure.com/courses/280187/pages/watch-the-
constitution-part-2?module_item_id=21881370
King James Version. (n.d.). Exodus 20. Exodus 20 KJV - Bible Gateway. October 29, 2023,
//www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2B20&version=KJV
National Constitution Center. National Constitution Center – constitutioncenter.org. (n.d.).
Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https://constitutioncenter.org/learn/educational-
resources/constitution-faqs
Proverbs 19:17. biblestudytools.com. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2023, from
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/proverbs-19-
17.html
Supreme Court of the United States. Whole Woman's Health vs Texas. (n.d.). Retrieved October
30, 2023, from https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21-463_3ebh.pdf
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