"Constitutional Perspective: Is the US a Christian Nation?"

The belief that the United States was founded as a Christian nation is energizing some conservative and Republican activists, but historians argue that the founding documents prioritize religious freedom and do not establish a Christian nation. The Constitution prohibits religious tests for public office and bars Congress from establishing a religion. While some early states sponsored particular churches, the 14th Amendment and subsequent Supreme Court rulings extended these protections to the states. The concept of America as a Christian nation means different things to different people, with varying interpretations of the founders' beliefs and the influence of Christianity on the founding documents. Recent surveys show that a significant portion of Americans believe the founders intended America to be a Christian nation, but opinions on whether it currently is one vary.