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The Myth of Christian America  /  MCA (12 of 14): Faith of the Founding Fathers #2  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
In discussing speeches, letters, and the “Washington Prayer,” Bercot notes that Hamilton wrote many of Washington’s public words and that later Christians modified a paragraph and added “through Jesus Christ our Lord”; how should serious Christians respond when religious language is attached to national leaders to produce a “Christian America” narrative, and what concrete practices can your group adopt to resist being shaped by propaganda more than by Jesus’ kingdom?
Another way to ask: If religious words are added to a leader’s speeches to support a “Christian America” story, how should Christians respond? What practical habits can your group adopt so you’re shaped more by Jesus’ kingdom than by propaganda?

Direct Answer Bercot’s teaching implies Christians should test patriotic religious claims with primary sources and refuse to treat edited or ghostwritten material as proof of personal faith or a “Christian nation.” Concretely, groups should verify quotes, trace sources, and be willing to abandon inspiring claims that aren’t true.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot warns public speeches/letters are limited evidence because they can be “dress[ed]…up,” and public figures were expected to mention God.
  • He states that “Alexander Hamilton wrote most of Washington’s speeches and many of his letters,” so they may reflect Hamilton’s faith more than Washington’s.
  • On the “Washington Prayer,” he says it is “part truth and…part forgery.”
  • He explains it “was not a prayer,” but a paragraph from Washington’s circular letter to governors after resigning his commission.
  • He says a later Christian “changed the wording slightly” and added “through Jesus Christ our Lord,” then circulated it as Washington’s prayer.
  • Throughout the talk he urges using “primary sources” and looking at evidence “honestly and objectively.”
Discussion Follow-ups As a group, could you adopt habits like: always asking “What is the original document?” and “Who first told this story?” before sharing it in church?

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