RNS Morning Report - A Christian nation? At 250, America is still fighting over what that means

America's 250 spurs debates   In the last year, RNS reporter Jack Jenkins noticed a Founding Father, Thomas Paine, was coming up in unusual contexts: a speech at a No Kings protest and a sermon from a conservative Christian pastor. "It was odd," he said. Doing some reporting, he discovered the debate over Paine's political and religious legacy has become, in some ways, a proxy for a larger argument over what vision should govern the US.   RNS reporter Bob Smietana dived into the question of whether America was founded as a Christian nation — and what it means to govern as one. As Smietana reports, the debate has gained new energy as America approaches its 250th anniversary—on Sunday, the Trump administration is holding Rededicate 250, an event that features many speakers espousing the idea that America has always been a Christian nation.   Those questions are also at the center of a conversation RNS is hosting with the 1A radio show on Tuesday. (Registration for the livestream is free but space is limited.) Top Stories A Christian nation? At 250, America is still fighting over what that means Scholars say American history is more Christian than secular advocates claim — and less religious than Christian nationalists would assert. A look at the complicated, contested history of America as a Christian nation. Thomas Paine helped start America. In the Trump era, he’s under fire. In some ways, the debate over Paine's legacy today is a proxy for a much larger debate over whose vision gets to govern. Federal employees sue USDA secretary over Christian messaging (RNS) — Asked to comment on the suit, a USDA spokesperson said: ‘While we do not comment on pending litigation, we will keep the plaintiffs in our prayers during this process.’ Trump and Hegseth claim ‘control’ over Iran and the Strait of Hormuz as ceasefire talks are stalled DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The narrow Strait of Hormuz remains in Iran's chokehold, the U.S. is maintaining a blockade against Iran and negotiations between the two countries appear at a standstill. Opinion Trump’s May 17 rally is part of 250 years of failed attempts at a Christian nation (RNS) — While it is fitting and proper for individuals and congregations to rededicate themselves to their God in prayer, it is not the role of government to unite America in faith. Why Jewish values oppose Israel’s unequal death penalty law (RNS) — As part of a congregation that lost 11 members in a violent antisemitic attack, I know the pain of loss through terror. The death penalty is not the answer. ICYMI She was shunned for renouncing Zionism. A decade later, a rabbinical college is honoring her. (RNS) — Hasia R. Diner’s honorary doctorate from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College is another sign of the breakdown of the American Jewish consensus over Israel. Georgian Orthodox Church elects new leader at fraught time for the influential institution (RNS) — ‘It’s really the textbook example of a national church being the cornerstone of national identity,’ Samuel Noble, a scholar of Orthodox Christianity at Belgium’s University of Liège, told RNS. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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