By Dan Naylor – The modern American Republic appears intent upon erasing its history. Some ideological movements actively vilify George Washington and Abraham Lincoln while pushing an aggressive “America Last” agenda. Historians hope for greater historical literacy, but what they see instead is the steady destruction of our shared past. Scholars have a strategic window to encourage historical literacy, or, failing that, to enable a measure of historical accuracy. How? By conducting concise examinations of Early American history using the opportunities afforded by modern social media. Christianity imparted meaning, discipline and comfort to Early Americans.  What meaning did Christianity contribute to Americans in the period up to 1865? More to the point, what if Christianity had not contributed? What if Early America had rejected faith entirely, opting instead for atheism, the bleak outlook of paganism or an amoral nihilism? Was a French-style revolution ever the preferred path for Americans—with its savage purging of elites, destruction of religious institutions, and the deliberate enthronement of a tyrant? As one of the American Revolution’s foremost thinkers, Thomas Paine consistently references God and the Bible in “Common Sense” and his many other works , presenting Christian ideas through a lens of reason and common logic. George Washington, in contrast to the wild leaders of most rebellions, oversaw a revolutionary victory and relatively peaceful presidency. He followed this with an astonishing peaceful transition in 1797. The same year he passed away, 1799, Napoleon’s coup plunged Europe into the maelstrom of war. Jefferson’s timeless ideals of equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness will always guide and inspire us. However, these latter concepts are secondary. The Early American nation ultimately rooted its identity in a Christian vision—establishing itself as a republic under God.  Meaning came alive, however, only through disciplined effort. In the critical early decades of colonial Massachusetts, Increase Mather and the Governor and Council attributed the catastrophic King Philip’s War (1675–1678) to the failings of Christians in Mather’s colony. This strategy may be interpreted as a deliberate attempt to impose discipline upon Mather’s flock. Though such measures may strike modern sensibilities as cruel and severe, they must be weighed alongside Mather’s acts of generosity, including his fundraising initiatives and his care for the impoverished members of his congregation. The colonists won the war, as they had so fervently prayed. As Puritan influence waned, the Great Awakenings of 1730–1755 and 1790–1840 came to be seen as times of intense spiritual fervor that seemed anything but disciplined. Yet the Great Awakenings were also times of profound discipline and church growth. The dramatic conversion of so many was followed by the yeoman work of faithful friends, relatives, spiritual fathers, and mentors who, empowered by love and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, guided converts into true discipleship. An objective examination of Christianity in the early American Republic would be stripped of its meaning and discipline without the sustaining and deeply emotional solace of faith in Jesus Christ. One may focus upon the politics of Early America, its military history and its westward development. And yet, how can one turn a blind eye to the everyday suffering borne by so many, or to the crushing weight of slavery that persisted for generations? Cotton Mather himself penned the The Nightingale: An Essay on Songs Among Thorns, or, The Supports and Comforts of the Afflicted Believer. This may mean little to a reader unaware of the sorrow which bore heavily on Mather, who lost thirteen of his fifteen children during his lifetime, and his wives Abigail (1702) and Elizabeth (1713). If there could be worse tragedies, among the most devastating was the loss of husbands and sons in brutal conflict. Well known is Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s heartrending “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”, written after he had rushed to be with his severely wounded son. Sadly, this was an all-too-common occurrence in America’s Civil War. Connecting with Early Americans is no easy task, yet by witnessing their living faith in an eternal, loving God, one may catch a fleeting glimpse of the hope that sustained them. The moment invites historians to cultivate within our communities and beyond a renewed awareness of the Christian meaning of the American Republic. May we also recognize the need for a holy life that reflects the discipline of our fathers. Might we enjoy the comfort of the Holy Spirit, always with us in trouble.  “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3–4