The American Revolution was the main source of civil religion . It produced a Moses-like leader ( George Washington ) , prophets ( Thomas Jefferson , Thomas Paine ) , apostles ( John Adams , Benjamin Franklin ) and martyrs ( Boston Massacre , Nathan Hale ) , as well as devils ( Benedict Arnold ) , sacred places ( Valley Forge ) , rituals ( raising the Liberty Tree ) , flags ( the Betsy Ross flag ) , sacred holidays ( July 4th ) and a holy scripture ( The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution )
Boston Massacre
Boston Massacre
American civil religion