The Founding Myth - Why Christian Nationalism Is UN-AMERICAN

Aug 27, 2026

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The Founding Myth argues that the United States was not founded as a Christian nation on Judeo-Christian principles and challenges Christian nationalist claims as incompatible with core constitutional ideals. Drawing on constitutional analysis and historical evidence, Andrew L. Seidel examines founders’ beliefs and the framers’ commitments to the separation of church and state. The book presents Christian political influence as a modern distortion of American secular heritage, equipping readers to critically evaluate and rebut arguments tying religion to national founding values.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages443

Reading Time18 h 36 min

AccessFree to download

Why Christian Nationalism Is UN-AMERICAN

Christian nation claims and constitutional principles

Founders, framers, and separation of church and state

Impacts of religious interest groups on modern politics

Building arguments with historical evidence

PRAISE FOR THE FOUNDING MYTH “Seidel, a constitutional attorney, provides a fervent takedown of Christian Nationalism in his furious debut. After support by far-right Christian nationalists helped Donald Trump win the U.S. presidency, Seidel worries that Evangelical political influence is increasing and dangerous. He argues that America was not founded as a Christian nation on Judeo-Christian principles, and thus Christian nationalists are inherently wrong…. His wellconceived arguments will spark conversations for those willing to listen.” —Publishers Weekly “In The Founding Myth, Andrew Seidel examines the beliefs and values of the founders of our nation and the framers of our Constitution to demonstrate that, contrary to the beliefs of many Americans, our nation was not founded as “a Christian nation.”…As he explains, those who established our nation were generally skeptical of traditional Christianity and were deeply committed to the separation of church and state. At a time when too many religious and political figures trumpet the notion that the precepts of traditional Christianity were built into our national values, Seidel persuasively demonstrates that such an assertion is simply unfounded. This is an important insight that Americans of every political and religious stripe should understand and embrace.” —Geoffrey R. Stone, Edward H. Levi Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Chicago, and author of Sex and the Constitution: Sex, Religion, and Law from America ’s Origins to the Twenty-First Century “What if [‘Judeo-Christian’] values are not only not the foundation of our country but are actually in conflict with America’s bedrock principles? That is the stunning thesis of Seidel’s new book—and it’s one he backs up with ample evidence. This book is a game-changer. I can think of several politicians (and would-be politicians) who would greatly benefit from reading it.” —Robert Boston, Senior Adviser/Editor of Church & State, Americans United for Separation of Church and State “By meticulously dissecting the concept of a Judeo-Christian America, Andrew Seidel exposes it for what it is: a fabrication of those who would define America according to their own religious views, a political tool for those who see the Wall of Separation as a troubling obstacle rather than a foundational structure of our democracy. This book is a valuable resource for understanding the struggles of American secularism in modern times.” —David Niose, author of Fighting Back the Right: Reclaiming America from the Attack on Reason “Andrew Seidel does a marvelous job debunking the ‘Christian nation’myth. He reminds us that we’re not a country founded on Biblical principles and we should all be grateful for that. This book should be required reading for every member of Congress.” —Hemant Mehta, editor of Friendly Atheist, and author ofI Sold My Soul on eBay: Viewing Faith through an Atheist’s Eyes “Andrew Seidel’s The Founding Myth is a profoundly necessary book for our times. Armed with a thoroughly researched knowledge of history, Seidel adeptly picks apart the lie that the United States was founded on Judeo-Christian values. Moreover, he demonstrates how American values present an open affront to biblical values, and why Founding Fathers like Jefferson and Franklin believed so strongly that no religion—including Christianity—should have any influence in public and political affairs. Seidel builds his arguments meticulously, fact by fact, resulting in a riveting and helplessly compelling read.” —AliA. Rizvi, author of The Atheist Muslim: A Journey from Religion to Reason “In a powerfully rendered account of the true principles grounding the nation, Seidel reveals the shameful extent to which religious interest groups distort and deface our secular heritage. Combining far-ranging scholarship with lively prose, this book is indispensable reading for lawmakers, activists, and all citizens alarmed at religious encroa

FAQs

What is the central claim of The Founding Myth?

The book contends that America was not founded as a Christian nation on Judeo-Christian principles and that such assertions lack historical and constitutional support.

How does Seidel support his argument?

He examines the beliefs and values of the founders and constitutional framers, emphasizing their skepticism toward traditional Christianity and strong commitment to church-state separation.

Why does the book address modern Christian nationalist influence?

It argues that evangelical and religious political influence is growing and dangerous because it distorts American secular principles and revises national history.

Aug 27, 2026

Upload by Hazel