Exploring how biblical principles shaped the ideas and arguments that built a nation
“For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.”
— Isaiah 33:22 This truth is central to understanding the Christian influence in the Federalist Papers, where biblical principles guided the founders’ vision for law, governance, and liberty.
The Overlooked Moral Framework
When Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote The Federalist Papers between 1787 and 1788, their goal was to persuade the American people to support the newly drafted Constitution. These essays—published under the pseudonym “Publius”—are studied for their political philosophy and defense of federalism. However, beneath the legal and logical arguments lies something often overlooked: the Christian influence in the Federalist Papers, where biblical principles shaped their understanding of human nature, government, and justice.
Historical Context: Biblical Influence in the Federalist Papers
In the founding era, biblical language and concepts were woven into everyday speech. As a result, the authors of The Federalist Papers wrote to an audience steeped in Scripture. Their references to human nature, moral law, and justice often echoed biblical ideas, even when not quoting chapter and verse. This Christian influence in the Federalist Papers was pivotal, as it provided a moral framework recognizable to the public.
For example, Federalist No. 51’s famous line—“If men were angels, no government would be necessary”—reflects a view of human nature consistent with the biblical doctrine of the Fall (Romans 3:23). The framers recognized that human beings are inherently flawed yet morally accountable, so they argued for a government that is both necessary and limited. Many see this as another aspect of the Christian influence in the Federalist Papers.
Moral Law and Government in the Federalist Papers
The authors frequently appealed to moral law as the foundation for civil law. Moreover, they emphasized that governments must align their actions with higher principles to maintain legitimacy. This reflects the biblical teaching that earthly authority is subordinate to divine authority (Romans 13:1–4). While the essays are not theological documents, their assumptions about morality and justice came from a culture steeped in Christian thought, which underscores the Christian influence in the Federalist Papers.
Christian Ideas in the Federalist Papers on Power and Liberty
One of the central themes of the essays is the balance between liberty and authority. Specifically, the authors argued for a structure that preserves freedom while restraining sin. Their insistence on checks and balances stemmed from a realistic, biblical view of human nature. They believed liberty flourishes best under moral self-government—a concept echoed in Scripture (Galatians 5:13).
Providence and Religious Influence in the Federalist Papers
Throughout the essays, references to “Providence” reveal the authors’ belief in divine oversight. Hamilton, in Federalist No. 1, wondered whether societies could establish good government “by reflection and choice” or if they must depend on accident and force. In fact, this reflects not only Enlightenment reasoning but also a deep sense that God guides history—a theme often heard in sermons of the era. This is consistent with the Christian influence in the Federalist Papers.
Connecting the Federalist Papers to the Constitution
The arguments found in The Federalist Papers were written to defend and explain the proposed U.S. Constitution. In fact, Hamilton, Madison, and Jay used biblical language, moral reasoning, and appeals to virtue to persuade the public to support the new framework of government. Moreover, the Christian influence in these essays parallels the moral and theological ideas embedded in the Constitution itself.
Understanding this connection reveals how America’s biblical foundations shaped not just political debate but the structure of government itself. To explore this further, read our post on The Christian Influence in the U.S. Constitution for a deeper look at how biblical principles informed the nation’s highest law.
Further Reading
- Full text of The Federalist Papers (Library of Congress)
- James Madison biography (Mount Vernon)
- Daniel L. Dreisbach, Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers
- Thomas G. West, Vindicating the Founders