One of the consequences of the intention to separate Church and State has been that, although every president has referred to God in inaugural addresses, none has mentioned Jesus Christ. In other words, the religion of America, politically speaking, is non-denominational, but it is religion, nonetheless. Its beliefs, symbols and rituals are shared by a majority of the American people. Their origins can be found in Deism, a philosophy which was popular in the 18th century and which influenced many of the founding fathers, including Jefferson. Deism believes that although God created the world and set in motion its natural laws, God is now remote, austere, even impersonal, like a watchmaker who makes a watch and then withdraws, to let it run its course.
Deism emphasizes, as civil religion does, order and law more than salvation and love.
But the civil religion of America has another important source, the story of the Exodus of Israel. The Puritans believed that they, like Israel, had been chosen by God and brought to a promised land, rich in opportunities and natural resources, where they could establish a new nation that would be a light to the world. In the symbolism of the early nation, George Washington was regarded as a divinely appointed Moses who led his people out of the hands of tyranny. Jefferson and Franklin also used the symbol of the Exodus when they submitted drawings for the Great Seal of the United States. Religion in America has been a powerful force for freedom.