Theological Sources of American Constitutionalism

The conservative nature and limited objectives of the American War for Independence are difficult to appreciate apart from an understanding of the religious sentiments—the essentially biblical world-view—of the early colonists. To make such a statement is to invite debate in a continuing controversy. But apart from an acquaintance with some of the religious sources of our constitutional tradition, our understanding of the War for Independence and the Constitution of 1787 will be incomplete.