10 Ways Christianity Has Formed Our Western Legal Systems

Christianity has deeply influenced America from its inception. Our founding fathers, guided by their Christian faith, infused their respect and love for God into the building blocks of our nation. This strong religious foundation has naturally shaped our laws and cultural practices. Even today, the impact of Christianity on our legal systems is undeniable, though it might not always be openly recognized. Here are 10 ways Christianity has subtly but significantly shaped Western legal systems:

Shops Closed On Sundays

Many Western countries have laws that restrict trading on Sundays, reflecting the Christian tradition of keeping this day for rest and worship. Known as “Sunday trading laws,” these rules vary in strictness; some places allow limited opening hours while others enforce a complete shutdown. This practice aims to support communal rest and ensure that workers have an opportunity to attend church services.

Christmas Is a National Holiday

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Recognized almost universally across Western nations, Christmas Day marks the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth and is a public holiday. This not only reflects Christianity’s profound cultural influence but also highlights the holiday’s role in family gatherings and charitable acts, principles deeply rooted in Christian teachings.

“Under God” Is In Our Pledge of Allegiance

The inclusion of “under God” in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance in 1954 during the Cold War was a response to the perceived threat of atheistic communism. This phrase emphasizes America’s spiritual foundation and the belief that the nation is under divine guidance, aligning national identity closely with Christian faith.

President Is Sworn In On a Bible

In the United States, it is traditional for the President to be sworn into office with a hand on the Bible, though it is not a legal requirement. This practice dates back to George Washington and symbolizes the integration of Christian principles, such as truth and justice, into the governance of the country.

Blue Laws

“Blue laws” in several U.S. states restrict the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Originating from Christian moral standards, these laws are intended to promote sobriety and reflect the day’s sanctity as a time for church and family, rather than for commercial activities. Though many of these laws have been relaxed or repealed, they still exist in various forms across the country.

“In God We Trust” On American Currency

Adopted as the U.S. national motto in 1956 and appearing on currency, “In God We Trust” reflects the country’s Christian heritage. This motto was intended to reinforce the idea of reliance on divine providence, resonating with a broad religious sentiment during a time of national scrutiny and global uncertainty.

Sanctity of Life From Conception

Many laws restricting or outright banning abortion are heavily influenced by Christian beliefs in the sanctity of life from conception. These laws manifest in various degrees across different states and countries, often spurred by Christian advocacy and moral teaching regarding the protection of the unborn.

Dry Counties

Dry counties, where the sale of alcohol is entirely prohibited or severely restricted, are predominantly found in the Southern United States. These regulations stem from Christian evangelical movements advocating for temperance. They are intended to curb alcohol consumption, which is viewed by many religious communities as morally undesirable.

Tax Exemption of Religion

Most Western countries provide tax exemptions to religious organizations, recognizing their social, educational, and charitable contributions. Rooted in the value that religions bring moral and ethical benefits to society, this exemption reflects Christian influence on legal systems that regard religious practice as beneficial to public welfare.

Asylum and Refugee Protection Laws

Christian doctrines of charity and sanctuary have shaped laws protecting asylum seekers and refugees, such as the U.S. Refugee Act of 1980. These laws are based on the principle of providing safe haven to those fleeing persecution, reflecting Jesus’ teachings on helping the needy and the oppressed.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (USA)

This significant legislation was influenced by Christian leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., who used Christian doctrine to advocate for equality and justice. The Act made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, embodying Christian ethical principles of love and equality.