Tuesday 6/29/2004
The Role of Faith in the Founding of our Nation

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All should be familiar with the names of Patrick Henry, George Mason, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin and the roles they played in forming the constitutional government we have today. But behind those great men were people of faith in small, rural churches scattered from New England to the Carolinas, invigorated by the preaching of John Whitfield, determined to insure that the government of their new nation respected religious freedom.

A number of years ago, Baptist historian Dr. E. Wayne Thompson spoke to members of the Ketoctin Association of Regular Baptists, on the role their spiritual forefathers had in forming our government. That association is the oldest association of Baptists in our nation, still in existence today. This message was given in the old Ketoctin church, located in Purcellville, Virginia, the original home of that fellowship. Before the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, members of the Ketoctin Association were harassed, beaten and some were jailed for their faith and theology.

Dr. Thompson’s recounting of those early days are a reminder to Christians today that it is the local church and individuals of faith who hold the power to guide our nation along the path of righteousness.

For more on the Ketoctin Church and pastors of the day, explore these links.
Ketoctin Church
Patriots Buried in the Ketoctin Church cemetery
A cameo of Rev. John Leland:

Dr. Wayne Thompson’s Book, co-authored with David Cummings, “This Day in Baptist History” published by Bob Jones University Press

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