There has been a considerable amount of literature in the last 70 years claiming that the American founders were steeped in modern thought. This study runs counter to that tradition, arguing that the founders of America were deeply indebted to the classical Christian natural-law tradition for their fundamental theological, moral, and political outlook. Evidence for this thesis is found in case studies of such leading American founders as Thomas Jefferson and James Wilson, the pamphlet debates, the founders' invocation of providence during the revolution, and their understanding of popular sovereignty. The authors go on to reflect on how the founders' political thought contained within it the resources that undermined, in principle, the institution of slavery, and explores the relevance of the founders' political theology for contemporary politics. This timely, important book makes a significant contribution to the scholarly debate over whether the American founding is compatible with traditional Christianity.

‘Readers of the book will reconsider many of the now conventional claims about the origin and purpose of the American regime … Highly recommended.’

D. P. Ramsey Source: Choice

‘This exceptionally learned, bold, and courageous book is a perfect tract for our times.’

Stephen B. Presser Source: The University Bookman

‘… [the] book is testament to America’s deep roots in classical and Christian thinking. Let’s hope its publication is a catalyst to a broad renewal of a more historically grounded and philosophically accurate interpretation of the American founding and American politics.’

Luke C. Sheahan Source: The University Bookman

‘… a bold intellectual roadmap to reclaiming civic friendship and a functioning republican Constitution.’

Bradley C. S. Watson Source: The University Bookman

‘This is an important work contesting simplistic views of the founding from secular liberals who embrace it and religious integralists who oppose it. It is also a very serious engagement with classical Christian metaphysics. For those unfamiliar with classical theism, natural law, and the theology of being, there is much faithful exposition and metaphysical sophistication here. This work is a history of the political philosophy of the American founding that satisfies the theologian.’

James R. Wood Source: Religious Studies Review

‘This is a serious work of scholarship that scholars of the early American republic ought to consider with care.’

Vincent Phillip Muñoz Source: Perspectives on Politics

‘… Cooper and Dyer do tremendous justice to the nuance and complexity of the classical and Christian origins of America. In doing so, they play a meaningful role in fortifying those roots.’

Deborah A. O'Malley Source: The Review of Politics