Article: Religion has always divided America, but Founding Fathers had a nonsectarian God in mind, authors argue.

Byline: Bruce Tomaso

``American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation'' by Jon Meacham; Random House ($23.95)

``The Faiths of the Founding Fathers'' by David L. Holmes; Oxford University Press ($20)

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At the first session of the Continental Congress, on Sept. 6, 1774, the Founding Fathers fought over religion.

A delegate from Boston wanted to open with a prayer. Others objected. After debate, the delegates voted to pray.

"But they had a fight about it," says author Jon Meacham. "That sounds awfully familiar, doesn't it?"

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