What the Declaration of Independence does – and doesn’t – say about God

Debates about religion’s role in America often circle back to the country’s founding documents.

By: Thomas Tweed, University of Notre Dame, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 24, 2026

Words: 1,364

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Thomas Tweed, University of Notre Dame

On the Fourth of July 1776, the congressional delegates in Philadelphia adopted the Declaration of Independence, then ordered that it be widely “proclaimed.” Couriers carried the printed version by stagecoach and horseback to every colony, where officials posted it and newspapers circulated it.

But the declaration was also meant to be read aloud. Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft has marks signaling where the reader should pause briefly, …

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