Faith and Freedom Through Generations A Reflection on 250 Years of American Independence

As Americans, 2026 marks the 250^thanniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. As we celebrate this historic milestone, it is also a time to reflect on how God has guided our nation from the small thirteen colonies in the beginning to the world power we are today. It is a moment to remember the efforts, faith, perseverance, and principles that shaped the United States through these past centuries. The Declaration allowed America to forge a vision, but the coming generations struggled to live up to it. Reflecting on these years is more than remembering our past, but also asking how we renew our freedom through every generation.

Americabegan as a group of British thirteencolonies along the East coast. During this humble beginning that would become the United States of America, the colonies were overwhelmingly molded by their deep faith in God. According to the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, historians estimate that there were around 3,200 Christian congregations in the colonies in 1776, with most of them Protestant; only 1% of the population wasnon-Christian. At this time, tensions were rising between the colonies and the British; the fight for freedom began well before any shots were fired. Some reasons that aroused anger between the two sides were the lack of control over government and the issue of “taxation without representation.” People believed they should not have taxes imposed by representatives they did not choose. The colonies felt that they were being exploited by Britain and therefore sought independence.

These developments led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, stating that the United States would be independent and separated from Britain. It also described how they wanted their government to be, along with the idea that all men are created equal and should have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, this was not fully the caseat the time, since slavery was a major issue in America. The Declaration had ideas derived from Christianity; that God created everyone with inalienable rights. However, Britain never considered America as a country. It was only after the singing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, seven years after the Declaration of Independence, that America’s independence was officially recognized.

This national story also becomes personal for us as Indian Americans and Mar Thomites. We didnot experience the founding of America like the colonists, but are a part of America’s continuing story. We get to experience the freedoms for which the first colonies fought. It is because of thesacrifices theymade that allow us to gather, worship and serve the Lord God in this country. During the 1960s, Mar Thoma Christians came to USA and Canada. The Mar Thoma Church hasalso progressedin other countries over time, including the UK and the rest of Europe.

According to the US Census Bureau, the population of the United States has increased from~2.5 million in 1776 tomore than 340 million currently. However, there has been a significant decline in the Christian population. Pew Research Center’s 2023–24 Religious Landscape Study reports that 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, while 29% are religiously unaffiliated, including atheists, agnostics, and those who say their religion is “nothing in particular.”Of all the religions, Christianity has experienced the greatest decline. In contrast, atheism, the belief in no God, has experienced the biggest increase.

During this time, we have also rid our country of slavery, which has been a great challenge. The people of America did not inherit their freedom; instead, their freedom was purchased through their own sacrifice. The people risked their wealth, families, and lives to pursue something greater than themselves. They fought for their freedom, but not all could partake in this freedom. Slaves had none of the freedoms stated in the Declaration of Independence; they were not seen as human, but as property. So, through even more war and sacrifice, people fought for everyone to have these freedoms. While our lives today are far better than the past, a question remains: Whatis the future of Christianity?

Over the course of 250 years, the Christian population in the US has dwindled. Let’s hope that it will rise to the vision of the founding fathers, “One nation under God.” We have achieved freedom from Britain and abolished slavery. Every generation has the power to decide what nation it will become; it is up to the coming generations to constantly renew independence and strive for a more perfect union.

As an Indian American and a member of the Mar Thoma Church, I urgethat we all take pride in our country. I believe that God has a purpose for this nation and our Mar Thoma community. As we celebrate our 250^thyear of independence, let us remember the sacrifice made for our freedom through the many Americans who died for our independence. Let us also remember Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for us to free us from sin.