This July 4th, my husband Kenneth and I are excited to host a backyard BBQ for our American and Scottish family and friends here in our home. A number of our Scottish friends have replied that they’re thrilled to attend as they’ve never been to an American Independence Day event before. I’m not entirely sure what they’re picturing (armies marching? grand patriotic speeches on a battlefield?), but in place of revolutionary fervor, we’ll have good food, a pool party, and plenty of laughter. Instead of fireworks, which would disturb the many lambs nearby and are impractical since it doesn’t get dark until after midnight here!) we’ll enjoy bubble machines and sparklers for the kids. Most meaningfully, we’ll read aloud from a copy of the Declaration of Independence, pausing for a time of prayer and reflection on the providence of God.
Kenneth and I on our recent visit to the White House
On a humid Philadelphia afternoon in early July 1776, delegates gathered in the Pennsylvania State House amid mounting tension. After weeks of debate, they approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4. These 56 men were not merely politicians rebelling against taxes. They staked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor on the conviction that liberty comes from God, not governments.
The road to independence was paved with biblical appeals. Colonists, steeped in Scripture from Puritan and Anglican roots, heard sermons framing resistance to tyranny as a godly duty. The Continental Congress issued repeated calls for fasting, humiliation, and prayer, acknowledging dependence on “the Supreme Being.”
Portrait of President JFK at the White House
Thomas Jefferson’s draft echoed this heritage. The stirring words declare: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” This reflects the biblical truth of the *imago Dei*—humans made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), possessing inherent dignity. The document concludes with solemn trust: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
On July 8, the Declaration was read publicly. Bells rang, including the Liberty Bell inscribed with Leviticus 25:10: “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof.” Churches held services of thanksgiving. The founders knew the cost—homes burned, families scattered—but trusted divine Providence.
For decades, accusations against the Founding Fathers have abounded. One common criticism is that they were a collective group of atheists, agnostics, and/or deists who wanted a strict separation of church and state, resulting in a wholly secular government and public square. Some claim these allegations are so evident that no actual evidence or proof is needed. While these charges are blatantly false, it can likewise be acknowledged that not every Founding Father or early American leader would fit the category of a born-again Christian (although most of them would). However, the overwhelming majority of Founding Fathers and early leaders wrote openly, and often, about the influence of Christianity, the Bible, and Jesus on their lives. While the following examples do not give the complete story of the faith journey of the individuals included, these quotes and excerpts give a powerful glimpse into their thinking:
The White House
Voices of Faith from the Founders
Benjamin Franklin, often viewed as a rationalist, addressed the Constitutional Convention in 1787 with these words:
“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this…”
John Adams later wrote to Thomas Jefferson:
“The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God…”
George Washington warned in his Farewell Address:
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”
The vast majority of the 56 signers were professing Christians from various Protestant traditions (with one Roman Catholic), and many had theological training. Their writings overflow with references to the gospel, redemption, and divine Providence.
These men were imperfect. Some owned slaves, some wrestled with doubt; but they operated in a culture saturated with biblical assumptions about human nature, virtue, and limited government. The idea that America’s founding was purely secular ignores the historical record.
Scotland’s Enduring Gift to American Independence
Here in our home in Scotland, we also remember today that Scotland helped birth American freedom. The Scottish Enlightenment — with its bold ideas of liberty, reason, and government by consent from thinkers like Francis Hutcheson — profoundly shaped our Founding Fathers. Two native Scots stand tallest among them. John Witherspoon, a Presbyterian minister born in East Lothian, became the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence. As president of Princeton, he educated future leaders, including James Madison, and brought moral clarity and courage to the Continental Congress. James Wilson, born in Fife, signed both the Declaration and the Constitution. A brilliant legal mind, he championed popular sovereignty and helped craft the framework of our Republic.
Beyond these two, at least nine signers of the Declaration had Scottish ancestry. Thousands of Scotch-Irish settlers — descendants of Scots — formed the backbone of Patriot support in the backcountry. Naval hero John Paul Jones, born in Kirkcudbrightshire, terrorized British ships and became the father of the American Navy. Generals like Hugh Mercer gave their lives for the cause.
Scotland gave America not just brave fighters and wise statesmen, but the very spirit of independence and self-government. As we celebrate our shared heritage of liberty, let us remember: freedom’s roots run deep from the hills of Scotland to the shores of America. May we never forget those who crossed the sea to help us win it.
July 4th Today: Gratitude, Prayer, and True Liberty
As we gather for our BBQ this year, we’ll pause amid the food and fun to read the Declaration and pray. It’s a small way to honor the founders’ reliance on God while celebrating the freedoms we enjoy. July 4th reminds us that civil liberty is a precious gift of Providence, best sustained by virtue and faith. Yet Scripture points to an even greater freedom: liberation from sin through Jesus Christ. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1).
On this Independence Day, whether at grand public events or backyard gatherings like ours, let us give thanks for the blessings of this nation. Pray for leaders and citizens to seek God’s wisdom. Live as free people, using liberty to serve others in love (Galatians 5:13). The fireworks (or sparklers) can remind us of the true Light of the world.
The founders pledged their sacred honor. At our BBQ, as Scottish friends experience their first American celebration, we’ll remember that the greatest declaration was made on a cross: “It is finished.” There, redemption and lasting independence were secured for all who believe.
Even the cat is celebrating!
Happy Independence Day! May God bless our gathering, our nation, and all who seek Him. We look forward to sharing food, friendship, prayer, and a powerful reminder that true liberty flows from the Creator who endowed us with rights—and who offers eternal freedom in His Son.
With love,
Angela
