RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Websites:
- Wall Builders/David Barton (www.wallbuilders.com)
- The American Minute/Bill Federer (www.americanminute.com)
American History Books:
- "A Patriot's History of the United States" by Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen.
Historic Documents:
- Letter from John Adams to Benjamin Rush (December 21, 1809)
- Detached Memoranda by James Madison (January 1820)
SESSION 2 RESOURCES
"The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God."
(John Adams, 2nd U.S. President)
I think that America is a nation of faith. I do believe that. Certainly by way of heritage - there's a powerful Christian thread through all of American history.
(Sen. John Edwards, D-NC)
"Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."
(John Jay, 1st Chief Justice of U.S. Supreme Court)
"Had the people, during the Revolution, had a suspicion of any attempt to war against Christianity, that Revolution would have been strangled in its cradle…In this age, there can be no substitute for Christianity…That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants."
(Congress, U. S. House Judiciary Committee, 1854)
QUESTIONS ON "AMERICA'S CHRISTIAN FOUNDATIONS (PART 1)" VIDEO LESSON:
- Fifty-six founders signed the Declaration of Independence. Fifty-five founders framed the Constitution. Around ninety founders framed the Bill of Rights. In addition there were founders like Patrick Henry, Paul Revere and John Jay who contributed to the American Revolution’s success. Of the over 250 founding fathers, 95% were orthodox Christians and outspoken in their Faith. Why does that fact get missed by contemporary historians?
- One of the first acts of Congress in 1800 was approving the Capitol as a “church.” In fact, Thomas Jefferson, among other founders, often attended the Capitol Church. And yet today we look at the U.S. Capitol as a wholly secular “workplace.” Why?
- When you consider the spiritual biographies of people like Benjamin Rush, Samuel Adams, Richard Stockton, Roger Sherman, Gouverneur Morris and other founding fathers, were you surprised at how many weren’t simply Christians but also leaders in their churches and various Christian movements?
- What do you think about John Adams and Thomas Jefferson’s reconciliation at the end of their lives? How did their mutual friend Benjamin Rush’s prophetic dream about these two statesmen (both dying on the same day) make you feel?
As you journey through The American Heritage Series, you’ll be challenged to rethink your history, learn how to defend America's Christian roots and grow in biblical community.
Discipleship. Fellowship. Prayer. WORSHIP.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...
(Acts 2:42)
"A biblical community for the spiritually curious."
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
(Matthew 28:19-20)