Introduction

Our Godly Heritage is a one hour video by David Barton which focuses on the importance of Christian principles to the founding fathers. It also explains the original intent of the phrase separation of church and state. In the latter part of the twentieth century, this phrase developed a faulty interpretation. Consequently, many people misapply the phrase based on that faulty interpretation. By understanding this phrase and their godly heritage, Christians can be better equipped to stand firm in their spiritual heritage.

Through this video, you can have some informal discussions with faculty, faculty and spouses, students or church groups. For this discussion series, you will need the video, Our Godly Heritage, by David Barton. You may also be interested in a copy of the 1777 edition of The New England Primer, a text used in early schools.{1}

Suggested Time Frame

Three weeks (each session is self-contained, so people can invite friends to later sessions) 1½ hours each week:

You can adjust the times based on the needs of your group. If you meet during a lunch hour, you may need to leave out some items and shorten the discussions. Three weeks are suggested because the video covers some complex ideas. However, if you can only have a two-week series, divide the video into two 30-minute sessions and rearrange the discussion questions.

Suggested Months

You can have the dessert-discussion at any time, but especially consider these months:

• February with the emphasis on Presidents' Day
• July with Independence Day
• November with Election Day

Discussion Times

The pre-video discussion times should help the viewer to assimilate some of the material. Changes and additions can be made, especially to the post-video discussion questions, depending on the level and needs of each group.

Dessert Ideas:

• Cherry cheesecake (in honor of Washington)
• Cherry cobbler or blueberry cobbler with ice cream
• Rectangular cake to resemble our flag: whipped topping; blueberries for the stars; sliced strawberries for the stripes
• Star-shaped cookies
• Red or grape punch

Other Resources

• Whitehead, John W., The Freedom of Religious Expression in Public Universities and High Schools, Westchester, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1986.
• Whitehead, John W., The Rights of Religious Persons in Public Education, Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1991.

Both books contain chapters on the rights of students and the rights of faculty. The latter is more lengthy and also includes sections on religious holiday observances and graduation prayers.

Endnotes

{1}To order these resources or a transcript of Our Godly Heritage, contact: Wallbuilders, Inc., P.O. Box 397, Aledo, TX 76008, (817) 441-6044.

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