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The Myth of Christian America  /  MCA (14 of 14): How God Was Written Out of the US Constitution  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
Bercot describes a spiritual decline during and after the Revolution (church attendance dropping, strange alliances, “hard to talk about brotherly love when you’re slaughtering one another”); how does his explanation challenge common Christian narratives that portray the Revolution as spiritually pure or obviously blessed by God?
Another way to ask: How does Bercot’s story of spiritual decline during and after the Revolution challenge the idea that the Revolution was clearly pure or clearly blessed by God?

Direct Answer Bercot’s explanation challenges “holy Revolution” narratives by arguing the war coincided with real spiritual deterioration—less worship, compromised alliances, and a shift in loyalties—so political victory should not be confused with spiritual health or God’s approval.

Support from Transcript:

  • He says, “I don't have all the answers,” but it “does appear” there was “an enormous spiritual decline during… and… after” the Revolution.
  • He cites records that “church attendance dropped dramatically” during the war; soldiers were away and “there were no revival meetings.”
  • He remarks, “it's hard to talk about brotherly love when you're slaughtering one another,” implying warfare undercut Christian ethics.
  • He describes “strange allies”: Samuel Adams (professing Christian) aligned with Ethan Allen (outspoken against Christianity), and churchgoers working with deists like Thomas Paine.
  • He explains how political alignment made “religion the second most important thing,” invoking Jesus: “you cannot serve two masters.”
  • He notes the Convention’s lack of prayer (unlike Continental Congress) as another sign of changed spiritual posture.
Discussion Follow-ups How should Christians distinguish between “providence in our favor” (as Franklin says) and genuine repentance, discipleship, and obedience to Jesus?

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