February 22 is the birthday of the father of the United States of America, George Washington. It seemed appropriate to reflect a little on Washington’s faith. (For those who object to any reflection on Washington’s faith due to his sins and shortcomings, read this article and this one).
The exact nature of Washington’s faith is a matter of some debate. We know he was a lifelong Anglican (later Episcopalian, thanks to the American Revolution). And we know he was also a Freemason. He was irregular in taking Communion and (at certain seasons in his life) irregular in church attendance as well (though he seems to have been faithful in church for most of his life).
While I wouldn’t regard Washington as an “evangelical” per se and certainly not as a Baptist (although there is a disputed family tradition that alleges otherwise), the evidence is clear that our first Commander-in-Chief believed in God and in prayer — and advocated for Judeo-Christian moral values.
And I personally believe the evidence for his genuine salvation in Christ outweighs the evidence to the contrary, but only God ultimately knows a person’s heart.
Notwithstanding the dispute over the specifics of Washington’s faith, I offer up seven quotes from George Washington for your consideration as we observe his birthday this week:
- “The General most earnestly requires and expects due observance of those articles of war established for the government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing, and drunkenness. And in like manner he requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.” (From an order issued to the Continental Army, July 4, 1775)
- “The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary, but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man will endeavor so to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.” (From an order issued to the Continental Army, July 9, 1776)
- “The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in [the Revolutionary War], that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.” (From a letter to Thomas Nelson, August 20, 1778)
- “I am sure there never was a people who had more reason to acknowledge a Divine interposition in their affairs than those of the United States; and I should be pained to believe that they have forgotten that agency which was so often manifested during our Revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God who is alone able to protect them.” (From a letter to Marquis de Lafayette, August 15, 1787)
- “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” (From his Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789)
- “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” (From his Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 3, 1789)
- “Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” (From his Farewell Address, September 19, 1796)
Some of you may not be comfortable with the term “religion.” I’ve often heard – and even myself have said – that Christianity isn’t a religion, it’s a relationship. This is mostly true. Ultimately, God desires a relationship with us and not simply that we observe a set of rituals or practices. But there are religious aspects to our faith. And even James, in his New Testament epistle, uses the term “religion” when he writes:
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:26-27, KJV)
So… there’s that. 🙂
Now, one last thing…
Some object to any positive reference to Washington’s faith because… well… the man held enslaved persons. How can someone who participated in slavery be a Christian!? (Again, if that describes your sentiments, I refer you to this article). The sad reality is that men and women who are saved (as in the blood of Christ covers them and they are on their way to heaven) are capable of grievous sin.
If you don’t believe that, you’ve not read the Bible. Or you’ve been very selective in your reading.
We can all have blind spots. We can all be influenced by the people and culture around us — and the times in which we live. And we can all be pulled into sin, thanks to our own lusts and selfish orientations as well as (in some cases) temptations from supernatural forces at work in our lives.
Christians can (and do) sin.
But if the Spirit is present, there will also be positive fruit testifying to the Spirit’s presence. And slavery isn’t the only thing defining Washington’s life and legacy. We can see the Hand of God on Washington when it came to his character, self-restraint, wisdom, and extraordinary leadership. How many people in history, with an entire army at their beck-and-call and the overwhelming trust of the masses, would voluntarily walk away from power – not once but twice!?
And on the subject of slavery, one can see the Spirit working with Washington over the course of his life, culminating of course with Washington’s last will and testament.
Only God knows Washington’s heart (I use the present tense intentionally) and therefore only God is qualified to judge Washington.
Same with you and me.
But just because Washington’s legacy is marred by the grievous and reprehensible sin of slavery doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate his positive contributions to our nation’s history or learn some valuable lessons from him.
God bless you!
