Faith and Freedom: John Quincy Adams on Christianity in America’s DNA

Faith and Freedom: John Quincy Adams on Christianity in America’s DNA

Abstract: John Quincy Adams believed Christianity wasn’t just a private faith—it was woven into the fabric of American liberty. In his 1837 Newburyport oration, Adams argued that the principles of Christianity shaped the Declaration of Independence and sustained the Republic. This blog explores Adams’ conviction that civil government and Christian morality were inseparable, and why that matters today. From his fiery July 4th speech to modern debates about church and state, Adams’ words remind us that the founders saw faith as a cornerstone, not a footnote. Whether you agree or not, his perspective challenges us to rethink the role of religion in public life.

Why Adams Thought Faith Mattered

Picture this: July 4, 1837. Fireworks, flags, and John Quincy Adams standing before the people of Newburyport. He wasn’t just celebrating independence—he was preaching a message. For Adams, Christianity wasn’t an add-on to American life; it was the foundation. He said the Declaration of Independence rested on “the general principles of Christianity.” That’s a bold claim, right? But in his mind, liberty and morality were inseparable.

The Oration That Still Speaks

Adams didn’t mince words. He believed that without Christian ethics, the Republic would crumble. Why? Because freedom without virtue turns into chaos. His speech tied political rights to moral duties, arguing that the same Creator who endowed us with rights also gave us laws to live by. It’s fascinating—he saw government not as a machine but as a moral organism.

Fast Forward to Today

Now, here’s the kicker: Adams’ ideas echo in today’s debates. Should faith influence public policy? Can morality exist without religion? Whether you lean left or right, these questions haven’t gone away. Adams would probably say, “Ignore Christianity, and you risk losing liberty.” Agree or disagree, his perspective forces us to wrestle with the roots of American identity.

So What Do We Do With This?

Maybe the takeaway isn’t about imposing religion but about recognizing history. Adams reminds us that the early Republic wasn’t allergic to faith—it embraced it. Understanding that context doesn’t settle today’s arguments, but it sure adds depth. Next time you hear someone say America was built on secular ideals, remember Adams standing in Newburyport, declaring that Christianity was part of the blueprint.

Source List (Turabian Notes-Bibliography):

1. Adams, John Quincy. An Oration Delivered Before the Inhabitants of the Town of Newburyport, at Their Request, on the Sixty-First Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1837. Newburyport: Charles Whipple, 1837.

2. Adams, Jasper. The Relation of Christianity to Civil Government in the United States. Charleston: A.E. Miller, 1833.

3. Noll, Mark A. America’s God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.