Former presidents share their thoughts on the central role of faith

As the nation pauses for Presidents Day, it’s a good time to look at past presidents and their thoughts on the importance of faith.

George Washington’s portrait, by Gilbert Stuart, is familiar to Americans as the basis of the One Dollar Bill, and many school rooms.

“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion–to the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of a Christian.” — George Washington.

READ: Letter from George Washington credits faith

“In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book.” — Abraham Lincoln

“The strength of our country is the strength of its religious convictions. The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.” – Calvin Coolidge

Harry Truman

“The fundamental basis of this nation’s laws was given to Moses on the Mount. The fundamental basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teachings we get from Exodus and Saint Matthew, from Isaiah and Saint Paul…. If we don’t have a proper fundamental moral background, we will finally end up with a totalitarian government which does not believe in rights for anybody except the State!” — Harry Truman

“If we trust in Him, keep His word, and live our lives for His pleasure, He’ll give us the power we need – power to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith.” — Ronald Reagan

“I believe there’s an Almighty, and I believe the Almighty’s great gift to each man and woman in this world is the desire to be free.” – George W. Bush

“When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.’” – Donald Trump

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice