Ben Franklin saw our doom before it got here
“In these sentiments, sir, I agree to this Constitution, with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a General Government necessary for us, and there is no form of government, but what may be a blessing to the people if well administered; and believe further, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being incapable of any other.”
Franklin was not known as a religious person, but he understood the importance of maintaining a moral nation coupled with religion in order to preserve society and the Constitution. For he knew that once morality left society, so would the Constitution.
But how is that done? How do you impose a moral nation? The Founders had come from England where the church preached from the pulpit, with a myriad of abuses associated with it, so the last thing they wanted was the same set up in their new government.
And looking at the abuses of the Catholic church as the Pope once dictated to kings across Europe oppressing Jews and sending crusades, Inquisitions etc., it is apparent that mixing the politics of man with the kingdom of God is not a good combo
Jesus agreed.
John 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Jesus never ran for political office, why? His kingdom was not of this world and he refused to enter it. Mixing the sin nature of power hungry man with the kingdom of God is a disastrous combo.
Note that Constantine, who made Christianity the official religion of Rome, was not a Christian as he still worshipped the pagan gods of Rome, although it is rumored he converted on his death bed.
But as Christians, are we to abandon the political process altogether? I don't think that is the message either. The message is that God's kingdom is separate from that of the sinful world, but God's kingdom can influence this evil world, which has significantly improved since Christ came into it.
Remember, before Christ charity in helping the poor was basically unheard of, but now it is a common political theme, even if they are disingenuous about it.
The only reason America had any success with giving freedom to men was because it was basically a nation of Christians looking for religious freedom. But once society devolves morally and adopts the morality of a prison cell, freedom can no longer be given to citizens. At that point, all that can be done is build a wall around them and hire a warden.
Would imposing a religion upon people fix this? I doubt it. More than likely, you just return to the oppression the Founders fled.
Also note that the religious leaders put Christ on the cross. Pilate and Rome wanted nothing to do with the crucifixion.,