"The Religious Roots of the American Revolution and the Right to Keep and Bear Arms"

The Founders were adamant in their belief that liberty is a gift from God, and the vehemence with which they were willing to honor and protect this gift was fueled not only by philosophical and political beliefs but also, to a degree that is surprising to many modern Americans, by well-defined religious precepts. This paper by David B. Kopel goes far in explaining the basis of the Founders' exceptional devotion to the concept of liberty, and what the term militia really meant to them. Well worth the read.