Colonial Americans and the “black robe regiment”

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T

tstumf

Guest
#1
I wish to pick the brains of some well studied in ministry and history of specifically the American Colonies era of Christianity.
A while back there was a conservative statement circulating around the internet that laid claim that the success of the American Revolution/ fight for independence from Britain was in large part due to the help and inspiration of what they called the “black robe regiment” an alleged group of church clergy,ministers, pastors, fathers etc who preached to their churches and assemblies about the importance of resistance to government tyranny etc. Circa 1770s. Is there any factual, historical accuracy to this? Did this happen or was it a myth or half truth? Thoughts?
 

shittim

Senior Member
Dec 16, 2016
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#2
David Barton's Forgotten History tells a lot about how important the Christian believers and clergy were in the founding of America.
 

Seeker47

Well-known member
Aug 7, 2018
1,010
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#3
I believe it was king George III himself who called the American Revolution the "Presbyterian Rebellion". Clearly the churches were deeply involved. But it would be incorrect to place the church totally at the center of the rebellion, there were also serious political, cultural, and economic issue at play, including the crowns desire to pay for a war in Europe at the colonies expense.
 

shittim

Senior Member
Dec 16, 2016
13,670
7,682
113
#4
Keep in mind the woeful state of faith today, that is the lens most are looking through now. Then the state of faith was genuine, not something like today where people speak of being christian the way they slap on a bumper sticker or shoulder patch.
Most are looking through a glass very darkly.
The Men of Rev. Jonas Clark's church met the British at Lexington, he had prepared them for that hour. They didn't slack jaw around with bake sales and mealy mouthed feel good ear tickling sermons.
Just the first few minutes of the video posted will give you enlightenment.