The issue of how churches \u2014 and religion in general \u2014 ought to relate to public life was debated even before there was a United States of America. The Continental Congress appointed chaplains to lead prayers. George Washington himself, in his Farewell Address, held that \u201cof all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.\u201d He issued proclamations for days of prayer and thanksgiving, actions that his successors, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, refused to follow.<\/p>\n
The election of 1800 was bitterly contested and featured the first use of religious language and argument directed against a presidential candidate. Jefferson was called an \u201catheist\u201d and an \u201cinfidel.\u201d Rumors were circulated that, if elected, Jefferson would confiscate Bibles and turn the nation into an atheistic Republic. One newspaper warned: \u201cthe only question to be asked by every American, laying his hand on his heart is \u2018shall I continue in allegiance to GOD \u2014 AND A RELIGIOUS PRESIDENT; Or impiously declare for JEFFERSON \u2014 AND NO GOD!!!\u201d It was the first time \u2014 but far from the last \u2014 that religion would become a topic of presidential campaigning.<\/p>\n
From the very beginning, there was spirited disagreement about what the proper role of religion should be in government. But political campaigns were another matter altogether. There were no rules or laws governing the use of religious topics, language or arguments. In a country that valued free speech, candidates and their surrogates could make whatever appeals they believed would be effective in helping to elect their preferred candidate. And they did.<\/p>\n