Perhaps you are aware that America’s 250th birthday will be officially recognized on July 4th, 2026. It is also known as the United States Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Patriotism will be flying high in most places and by most Americans. We will also be plagued by a great number of naysayers who can excitedly share all of our nation’s historical faults. These have been brought up ad infinitum—which is a latin phrase meaning “ever since there were teachers unions.”
Festivities will abound. In Washington, D.C., There will be the official “Salute to America 250” fireworks. The big show will conclude with an awe-inspiring giant firework featuring the face of Donald Trump. Okay, maybe not.
The culminating ceremony of Flags Across America will also take place on July 4th. This will be held at the Main Interior Building in Washington, D.C. Observers can watch the installation of a Congressional Time Capsule containing an explanation of why Congress keeps shutting down the government every year or two. Okay, maybe not.
In Philadelphia—known as the birthplace of American independence, you’ll discover marvelous exhibits at the Museum of the American Revolution and the National Constitution Center. One of the best exhibits will include all of the wigs worn by patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence. Okay, maybe not.
Have you heard of the Freedom Plane National Tour? For the first time in history, the National Archives will display “Documents That Forged a Nation” at major museums across the country. These Founding-era documents will travel to eight American cities throughout 2026 finishing in August. The Freedom Plane National Tour was inspired by the Bicentennial Freedom Train.
And what Semiquincentennial celebration would be complete without a specially minted coin and a custom flag?
As for the coin (or coins) the always reliable internet states:
“United States Mint is issuing specially redesigned circulating coins (quarter, dime, nickel, and half-dollar) to commemorate the 250th anniversary. These feature a dual date of 1776–2026, and some feature a “250” Liberty Bell privy mark.”
There’s even talk of a $250 banknote with President Trump’s face on it! Not since 1886 has a living person’s face appeared on U.S. currency. (This time I’m NOT kidding.)
As for the flag, a number of flag variations are available. But I like the one featured below.
Now…the big Semiquincentennial question! Could such a document win approval 250 years later? Like…today? The underlying premise for our Declaration has a most noteworthy foundation. A spiritual one.
The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence reads:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
How deep did the awareness of a Creator “God” run? And was it just any God? Or was it the God of the Bible?
You can learn about the theological perspectives of the Founding Fathers by purchasing a copy of America’s God and Country by William Federer. (Amazon has used copies for under $6.) Pages are packed with hundreds of quotations that might even shock your most progressive friends!!
Another founding document—the U.S. Constitution—contains ten amendments which we call the “Bill Of Rights.” It lists some core freedoms our society must adhere to. Amendment (article) number three states:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, etc…)
Yes, the ‘free exercise of religion” is our right. And yet, as American Christ-followers, we need to guard the borders of that free exercise. Our advocacy has limits to its expression, such as a state religion.
In the same way, we must be on guard for other faith traditions wanting to push their agendas to the forefront of our political system. Most notably, Islam. Increasingly we’re seeing what might be perceived as dangerous limitations being placed on citizens in a number of Muslim communities. A cursory glance will show the astute reader that Sharia law and the Constitution are incompatible.
The Christian faith has heavily influenced American history. Yet we are not a theocracy but a democratic republic. How much our faith in God guides us, however, will determine our future.
Happy 250th, America!
