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Jumpstarter 9 of 10

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The Myth of Christian America  /  MCA (11 of 14): Faith of the Founding Fathers #1  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 9
Bercot notes that many modern “God and country evangelicals” wouldn’t consider Episcopalians like Patrick Henry, John Jay, and Hamilton “Christians,” yet these men spoke reverently of Christ, communion, and Scripture; what does this tension reveal about modern evangelical definitions of Christianity versus older assumptions about faith, works, and assurance?
Another way to ask: If some modern evangelicals wouldn’t call leaders like Patrick Henry, John Jay, and Hamilton Christians, but those men respected Christ, communion, and Scripture, what does that show about how people define “Christian” today compared to older views about faith, works, and assurance?

Direct Answer Bercot highlights a mismatch: modern evangelicals often define “Christian” by a born-again conversion and certainty, while these founders assumed Christian identity through church membership, sacramental life, moral living, and reverence for Christ—even without evangelical-style assurance.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot says none of these men were “born again Christians,” even the “conventional Christians.”
  • He notes “God and country evangelicals… don’t normally view Episcopalians as Christians,” yet Patrick Henry, Jay, and Hamilton were Episcopalians.
  • About Henry: he was “very strong in his Christian beliefs,” morally upright, but “would certainly have believed that good works play a role in your salvation,” and “would not have had a born-again experience.”
  • About Hamilton: he received “final communion from an Episcopal priest,” and his last words relied on “the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
  • About Jay: he was a “devout Episcopalian,” led the American Bible Society, and spoke of thanking God for “unmerited mercies and blessings.”
Discussion Follow-ups How do our definitions of “Christian” shape which historical figures we claim or reject? What dangers come from being “stingy” in definitions, and what dangers come from being careless?

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