The US Constitution: A Framework for a Moral and Christian Society

Hello fellow readers, welcome to the blog! Today I'd like to talk about the US Constitution. The United States Constitution stands as one of the most impressive and remarkable documents in human history, providing a framework for governance that has inspired countless nations. However, as the US seems to be falling apart socially, culturally and more importantly morally it’s worth asking: was the Constitution designed to function in a society that has moved away from the moral foundation it was built upon? Most if not all, of the Founding Fathers professed to be Christians and believed that the Constitution was only suited for a moral and religiously Christian people. As the United States becomes more secular and increasingly less "Christian", this shift may explain why the Constitution appears to have less influence over the behaviour and decisions of its citizens nowadays.

Judeo-Christian Values and the Founders’ Vision

John Adams, one of the most influential Founding Fathers and the second President of the United States, famously declared: "Because We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition, Revenge or Gallantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Adams understood that the freedoms granted by the Constitution required a population guided by self-restraint, ethical behavior, and a shared moral compass. Without these, the safeguards of liberty could be misused, leading to the chaos and corruption many can witness in America today. The Founding Fathers envisioned a society where Judeo-Christian values shaped the hearts and minds of its people. George Washington, in his Farewell Address, stated: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports." For Washington and his contemporaries, religion was not just a private matter; it was the foundation of a society capable of sustaining the rights and responsibilities outlined in the Constitution.

The Founding Fathers, while refraining from imposing Christianity through government, broadly assumed that the nation's citizens would adhere to Judeo-Christian principles. These values, such as the sanctity of life, the importance of honesty, and the duty to love one's neighbor, were regarded as essential for maintaining order and justice in a free society. They believed that a moral foundation rooted in these principles was necessary for the success of a democratic system. Without such moral guidance, they feared that the liberties and rights enshrined in the nation’s founding documents might not endure, as civic virtue was seen as the glue that held society together.

Thomas Jefferson encapsulated this sentiment in his Notes on the State of Virginia when he asked, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God?” Jefferson’s words reflect the belief that liberty itself was dependent on an underlying recognition of divine authority and moral responsibility. For many of the Founders, faith and reason were intertwined, providing a framework in which freedom could flourish without descending into chaos or tyranny. This conviction informed not only their philosophical outlook but also their practical approach to governance.

This belief in the necessity of Judeo-Christian values shaped many of the nation’s early policies and cultural practices. Laws were often informed by Biblical principles, reflecting an understanding that faith and morality were inseparable from good citizenship. Education during this period emphasized moral teachings alongside academic instruction, instilling in young minds the ethical underpinnings required for a harmonious society. Public discourse frequently invoked Scripture, and there was an implicit expectation that citizens, guided by faith, would uphold justice, respect the rights of others, and contribute to the common good.

The Consequences of Moral Bankruptcy

Today, however, as America has moved further away from these Judeo-Christian principles, the nation finds itself increasingly divided, both politically and morally. The Founders understood that a shared moral framework was essential for unity, yet modern society's shift toward secularism and relativism has eroded this common ground. Political discourse has become more polarized, with each side often accusing the other of undermining the nation's core values. This rift is not merely political but deeply moral, as opposing views on issues such as abortion, marriage, freedom of speech, and justice reflect the absence of a shared ethical foundation. Without the guiding influence of Judeo-Christian values, the Constitution’s principles are often misinterpreted or weaponized, leading to governance that prioritizes personal agendas over collective good. The erosion of moral accountability has fostered a culture where rights are demanded without corresponding responsibilities, creating societal instability. Issues such as rising crime rates, corruption, and the breakdown of the family unit point to the absence of the moral compass that the Founders deemed essential.

Moreover, the shift away from a religiously influenced moral order has weakened the sense of community and mutual respect that once united Americans. As George Washington observed, morality cannot thrive without religious principles, and the consequences of their exclusion are evident in the growing mistrust among citizens and between citizens and their government. Without a shared belief in objective morality, citizens often prioritize self-interest over the common good, straining the principles of freedom and equality that the Constitution depends on.

Foe example in 2013, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was found to have targeted conservative groups, particularly those with names like "Tea Party" or "Patriot," for extra scrutiny when applying for tax-exempt status. This misuse of government power reflectes a growing politicization of federal agencies, moving away from the ideals of fairness and accountability that align with moral governance. The lack of transparency and subsequent cover-ups highlighte a disregard for ethical leadership. In the same year, Edward Snowden revealed that the National Security Agency (NSA) was conducting widespread surveillance on American citizens without their knowledge. The revelations sparked a national debate on privacy, government overreach, and accountability, with many arguing that the program reflected a loss of respect for individual freedoms and moral governance.

In 2018, Facebook and Cambridge Analytica were accused of harvesting data from millions of users without consent to influence political campaigns, highlighting unethical practices in leveraging technology and raising questions about privacy, accountability, and the manipulation of democratic processes.
In 2019, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI were accused of improperly using the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to surveil members of Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign. Investigations revealed errors and omissions in warrant applications, raising concerns about the abuse of power by federal agencies and the lack of accountability in the pursuit of personal political agendas.

In 2020, numerous reports alleged that Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, engaged in questionable business dealings with foreign entities, potentially using his father’s political influence to his advantage. These allegations sparked significant controversy, as many widely respected and trusted news outlets were accused of suppressing the "Hunter Biden laptop" story, leading to a major cover-up. This suppression occurred during a pivotal election cycle, with claims that the censorship of the news helped shield then-presidential candidate Joe Biden from scrutiny over his potential involvement helping him secure the election. What to say of the Jussie Smollett scandal? A stark example of how moral decay and the erosion of accountability can destabilize a society. In 2019, the actor claimed to be the victim of a hate crime in Chicago, alleging that he was attacked by individuals who shouted racist and homophobic slurs while also invoking support for then-President Donald Trump. However, investigations later revealed that Smollett had orchestrated the attack himself, hiring two acquaintances to stage the incident. This revelation sparked national outrage, as many viewed his actions as not only dishonest but harmful to genuine victims of hate crimes. The case became a symbol of the consequences of a society increasingly driven by victimhood culture and moral relativism. Finally, the ongoing crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border that has seen a surge in illegal immigration, with many entering the country and causing significant disruption in nearby towns. Communities along the border have reported strain on local resources, increases in crime, and other challenges, leading to growing frustration among residents. Compounding the issue is the perceived inaction of authorities, who appear to have turned a blind eye to the darker consequences of the border crisis, including its role in facilitating human trafficking and sex slavery, which prey upon the vulnerable and perpetuate unspeakable human suffering and abuse. This is fundamentally a crisis not of resources but of moral integrity, where those entrusted with the power to protect and govern are driven more by self-interest and political gain than by a genuine concern for human lives. The negligence and apathy shown by leaders in addressing the plight of vulnerable individuals, as well as the impact on border communities, reveal a profound failure of character. This border crisis highlights the moral failure of those responsible for securing it, rather than a deficiency in the laws themselves. The existing legal framework provides mechanisms for orderly immigration and border control, but these laws are rendered ineffective when leaders lack the will or courage to enforce them equitably. The absence of moral accountability has allowed criminal enterprises to flourish, trafficking vulnerable individuals across the border and exploiting them for profit. This moral lapse, not the structure of the laws, lies at the heart of the ongoing turmoil, demonstrating that the integrity of those entrusted with enforcement is as critical as the policies they uphold.

When moral restraint is absent, the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution are abused. Freedom of speech, for instance, can devolve into hateful or harmful rhetoric. The right to bear arms, without a sense of responsibility, can lead to violence. The Founders trusted that the people’s character, shaped by religious values, would serve as the safeguard against such excesses.The Founders envisioned a society where liberty was sustained by virtue, yet today’s moral fragmentation threatens the very freedoms they sought to protect. To address these challenges, America must revisit the values that shaped its foundation. A return to the principles of faith, responsibility, and morality that guided the Founding Fathers could help bridge the current divides and restore the unity and purpose necessary for the nation to thrive.

The January 6th Committee: A Case Study in Moral and Political Decline

The events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol remain one of the most polarizing moments in recent American history. While the incident raised legitimate concerns about political division and unrest, the subsequent investigation by the January 6th Select Committee has revealed troubling examples of governmental overreach and moral decay. The destruction of evidence by the committee, which could have exonerated many individuals accused of crimes and imprisoned without trial for years now, its another evidence of the US constitution unsuitability to lead an immoral citizenry in a growing culture of political expediency over truth and justice. The committee, formed to investigate the Capitol breach, was tasked with presenting an unbiased account of the events and ensuring accountability for those who broke the law. However, reports emerged that the committee selectively presented evidence and destroyed materials that may have contradicted their narrative or proved the innocence of some defendants. This deliberate suppression of information suggests an abuse of power, as those in charge prioritized political goals over the pursuit of objective truth.

This scandal underscores the warnings of the Founding Fathers about the dangers of a society untethered from moral and religious principles. When government leaders abandon values like fairness, accountability, and transparency, the democratic system begins to crumble. Instead of seeking justice, actions like these appear to serve as tools for political retribution, further eroding public trust in institutions. The destruction of exculpatory evidence also highlights a profound moral failure. In a society grounded in Judeo-Christian principles, the rights of the individual—including the presumption of innocence—are sacrosanct. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and truth, such as in Proverbs 12:22: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” When truth is sacrificed for political gain, the very foundation of justice is undermined. The consequences of such actions are far-reaching. Politicized investigations deepen divisions among citizens, fostering resentment and distrust. They create a precedent where government agencies and committees feel emboldened to manipulate information to achieve desired outcomes, leaving citizens powerless to hold them accountable. The January 6th Committee’s actions serve as a chilling reminder of what happens when these indispensable supports are ignored. Without a shared commitment to moral principles, government institutions are simply tools for oppression rather than guardians of liberty. To heal as a nation, there must be a return to truth, transparency, and the moral values that guided America’s founding—a framework where justice serves all, not just the politically powerful.

Can the Constitution Thrive Without a Moral Society?

The question we must ask is whether the Constitution, as the bedrock of American democracy, can endure in a society that no longer embraces the moral and religious framework it was designed to complement. The Founding Fathers envisioned a nation where freedom and virtue worked hand in hand, believing that the liberties enshrined in the Constitution could only thrive within a society rooted in ethical and spiritual principles. If the United States continues along a path of secularization, distancing itself from the Judeo-Christian values that inspired its creation, it risks undermining the foundational principles that have sustained its freedoms for centuries. A moral vacuum could lead to a loss of the shared sense of purpose and responsibility that binds the nation together.

As the nation becomes increasingly polarized, we are witnessing what can only be described as a schizophrenic America, torn apart by extreme and opposing views on nearly every major issue. This fragmentation is compounded by a culture that often prioritizes individual freedom to the point where it becomes a corrupting vice, unrestrained by any higher moral authority. Without the stabilizing influence of Christian moral teachings, freedom risks devolving into license, eroding the mutual respect and accountability necessary for a functioning republic. The Founders understood that liberty without virtue would eventually lead to chaos and tyranny, a reality that feels ever more pressing in today’s divided society.

In conclusion, the Constitution was never intended to operate as a standalone document, independent of the character and convictions of the people it governs. It relies fundamentally on a population committed to virtue, morality, and, in the Founders’ vision, the guiding principles of Christianity. I keep coming back to this quote by John Adams, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” This stark reminder calls us to reflect on whether the US, as a nation, is living up to the ethical and spiritual ideals necessary to sustain the freedoms we hold dear. Let me make it clear they never truly and perfectly lived up to it, but they sure have been closer to that ideal than now. The warning is clear: without a return to the values that shaped the nation’s foundation, they risk losing the liberties that have defined and distinguished them as a light-bearer in pitch darkness, specially as the shadow of tyranny keeps hovering over Europe and the rest of the world.

To preserve the stability and greatness of this nation, they must recognize the importance of returning to the moral roots that shaped its foundation. This return is not merely a call for nostalgia but a renewal of the principles that inspire justice, unity, and compassion. It is through this renewal that the Constitution can truly fulfill its purpose, guiding a free and prosperous America for generations to come. Let us recommit ourselves to the timeless truths that have sustained this nation, recognizing that without faith, virtue, and a shared commitment to the common good, no system of government can endure. May God bless America, and may He guide us back to the path of righteousness and unity under His divine providence. See you all soon!