Topic Brief
Religiosity
GOVT 329-B02
Dean Ronald Miller
Running head: Topic Brief - Religiosity
Among the four traits of American exceptionalism, the chosen trait for this assignment is
Religiosity. Defined as a “strong religious feeling or belief” [ CITATION Edi \l 1033 ],
religiosity is the direct contributing factor for the settlement of colonial America. Fleeing
religious persecution from the Church of England, the Separatists’ desire for religious freedom
was rooted in the nation’s first settlers. Followed by the Puritans, and their desire for religious
freedom mirroring that of the Pilgrims, religiosity is a crucial part of the framework that supports
America and has continued since its inception. As a result of commitment to religious faith and
practice, Americans realize industriousness, egalitarianism, and flourish in community life.
Arguably, religiosity is the trait of American exceptionalism that the other remaining traits are
built upon.
Religiosity was chosen primarily because it is the cornerstone on which American
exceptionalism was developed. Absent of religiosity and freedom of religion, as evidenced in
many other nations throughout history, diligence, hard-work, the idea that all men are equally
created, or that man is a created being, citizen volunteerism, generosity, charity, virtue, morality,
federalism, republicanism, are all obsolete. It is solely the nature of America’s religious founding
and incorporation of Christian principles that attribute to her exceptional developments.
Observed by visitors, foreign leaders, dignitaries, and inquisitors from around the globe, “…it
was indeed religion that worked hand in hand with American freedom”[CITATION Met16 \p
63 \l 1033 ]. “Upon my arrival in the United States the religious aspect of the country was the
first thing that struck my attention; and the longer I stayed there, the more I perceived the great
political consequences resulting from this new state of things” [CITATION deT99 \p "Ch. XVII:
Part III" \l 1033 ]. One common observation among citizens and visitors alike is the recognition
of religiosity as the basis for America’s freedom.
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Running head: Topic Brief - Religiosity
Although varying in their degree of faith and devotion, The Founders agreed that religion was
necessary for success of the Republic. John Adams affirms this notion: “We have no government
armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and
religion…Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly
inadequate to the government of any other” [ CITATION Ada98 \l 1033 ]. Embracing the view of
human equality and understanding the concept of God-given individual rights as “its
fundamental organizing principle… never before had a nation recognized sovereignty in the
citizen rather than the government” [CITATION Gin11 \p 18 \l 1033 ]. By promoting and
preserving Truth as revealed by Divine Providence, America’s propagation of inalienable rights
is consistent with the perception of human parity, therefore contributing to her exceptional status.
The Founders further understood that the citizenry must be virtuous to sustain liberty and that
virtue is derived from morality. Morality is the product of religious conviction. The consequence
of these truths is: “If all men are created equal, then every person is equally accountable to God
and to his fellow man to live a life of virtue, productivity, and personal responsibility” (Ibid., 75).
All these characteristics are built upon a Christian foundation. Any variation or absence of these
principles would undermine the supports upon which they are constructed.
From the arrival of its first European settlers, to the Founders and their governing documents,
America has always been a Christian nation and has considered the deep values, moral
convictions, and nature of human freedom as bestowed by upon them and their fellow man, by
the Creator. Religiosity has shaped not only this nation but other nations who look upon her
freedom and welcoming opportunities with awe. It is America’s dedication to religious liberty
that beckons the persecuted. It is America’s commitment to the defense of liberty and where
religious freedom is protected by the Bill of Rights and entanglement by the state is prohibited.
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Running head: Topic Brief - Religiosity
Bibliography
Adams, John. Letter to Massachusetts Militia. October 11, 1798.
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102 (accessed 2019 January,
27).
de Tocqueville, Alexis. Democracy in America. Translated by Henry Reeve. Vol. I. II vols. New
York: D. Appleton and Company, 1899.
Editors of the English Oxford Dictionary. Religiosity. n.d.
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/religiosity (accessed 23 2019, January).
Gingrich, Newt, and Vince Haley. A Nation Like No Other. Washington D.C.: Regenery
Publishing, Inc., 2011.
Metaxas, Eric. If You Can Keep It. New York: Penguin Random House, 2016.
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