Untold Stories: When American Pastors Preached Politics, Resisted Tyranny, and Founded the Nation On

Throughout American history, religious leaders have played a significant role in shaping the nation, not only in matters of faith but also in politics and governance. Their sermons not only provided spiritual guidance but also rallied the masses to resist tyranny and serve as the foundation for the establishment of the United States. This article delves into the untold stories of American pastors who preached politics, resisted tyranny, and laid the groundwork for the birth of a nation.

The Founding Era and Its Challenges

When the American colonies were under British rule, a group of pastors emerged as key figures in the fight for independence. Facing numerous challenges, including the imposition of unjust taxes, lack of representation, and religious oppression, these clergy members took to their pulpits to address these issues head-on.

The Pulpit as a Platform for Resistance

During this turbulent time, the pulpit became a platform for disseminating political ideas, rallying the community, and resisting British tyranny. Pastors such as Jonathan Mayhew, John Witherspoon, and Samuel Cooper openly discussed the rights of the colonists and denounced British oppression from their pulpits.

The New England Pulpit and the American Revolution: When American Pastors Preached Politics, Resisted Tyranny, and Founded a Nation on the Bible

by Robert Egnell (Kindle Edition)

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Jonathan Mayhew: The Father of Civil and Religious Liberty

One of the most prominent figures during this period was Jonathan Mayhew, a Boston-based Congregationalist minister. Known as the "Father of Civil and Religious Liberty," Mayhew's sermons emphasized the importance of resisting tyranny and defending individual rights. His influential sermon, "A Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher Powers," called for active opposition to corrupt rulers.

John Witherspoon: From Pulpit to Politics

Another notable figure was John Witherspoon, a Presbyterian minister who later became a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Witherspoon's sermons focused on the rights of the colonists and the need for political participation. His active involvement in politics eventually led him to sign one of the most significant documents in American history.

Samuel Cooper: The Voice of Liberty

Samuel Cooper, a Congregationalist minister and a leading voice of liberty in Massachusetts, also pioneered political sermons during the Revolution. Cooper urged his congregation to resist British oppression and encouraged them to actively participate in the fight for independence. His sermons continue to serve as powerful examples of how religious leaders can inspire political action.

The Birth of a Nation

The contributions of these pastors and many others were not in vain. Their sermons and efforts helped galvanize the colonists and lay the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the United States of America. The values they preached, rooted in liberty, justice, and resistance to tyranny, formed the basis for the founding principles of the nation.

Legacy and Lessons

The influence of these pastors extended far beyond their own time. They set a precedent for future generations of religious leaders to use their platform for political discourse, influencing socio-political movements throughout American history. Their courage, determination, and dedication still serve as lessons for religious leaders and individuals today.

American pastors have long played a significant role in shaping the nation, not only through spiritual guidance but also through their active involvement in politics. During the founding era, these pastors preached politics, resisted tyranny, and laid the foundation for the birth of a nation. Their sermons became a driving force behind the fight for independence, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations. As we reflect on our history, it is crucial to remember the untold stories of those who paved the way for the principles upon which the United States was founded.

The New England Pulpit and the American Revolution: When American Pastors Preached Politics, Resisted Tyranny, and Founded a Nation on the Bible

by Robert Egnell (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1594 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	264 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

After mountains of research in colonial sermons, archives, and other publications, Dr. Baldwin relates how the pulpits of colonial America rang constantly with teaching on all aspects of the public square: good rulers, good laws, good forms of government, the blessings of liberty. We especially hear of those that became the battle cries of American independence:Most significant was the conviction that fundamental law was the basis of all rights. God ruled over men by a divine constitution. Natural and Christian rights were legal rights because a part of the law of God. The peculiar privileges of Englishmen were guaranteed by the constitution. Every part of the government was limited in power by the constitution. Any act contrary to the constitution was illegal and therefore null and void. . . .No single idea was more fully stressed, no principle more often repeated, through the first sixty years of the eighteenth century, than that governments must obey law and that he who resisted one in authority who was violating that law was not himself a rebel but a protector of law.These probing insights and countless more like them lines these pages, frequently quoting the sermons and writings of early American pastors. This book is a testimony to the nearly-lost foundations that we have, and a convicting call to revive the traditions of preaching which laid those foundations. Its message is desperately needed today.