Week 1: Pre-Video Discussion

According to Barton, John Quincy Adams stated that the biggest victory won in the American Revolution was that Christian principles and civil government would be tied together in what Adams called an "indissoluble bond." July 4, 1837

From the mid 1800's to the mid 1900's, George Washington's Farewell Address was studied by school children. One part said, "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain, would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars." Since the mid-1900's, schools no longer printed this speech because of the religious emphasis. In recent years some college textbooks have carried the speech, but the spiritual references have been deleted.

A University of Houston study of the founding era wanted to see why the American form of government had endured so well. They wanted to see whom the founders quoted in their writings. Out of 15,000 writings, 3,154 were direct quotes:

• 34% (or about 1000 quotes) were taken directly from the Bible
• another 60% (close to 2000 quotes) were based indirectly on the Bible.

How are people who voice a Biblical perspective often viewed today?

Return to Touching Your World Homepage