Happy Independence Day!
As you enjoy barbecues, fireworks, and family time today, I encourage you to tune in to our Focus on the Family Broadcast “The Role of Faith in America’s Founding.” Joining us is historian Rod Gragg, an adjunct professor of history at Coastal Carolina University, and an award-winning author of more than 20 books.
We’re talking about Ron’s book Forged in Faith: How Faith Shaped the Birth of the Nation: 1607-1776. He shares stories that undergird the history of the Judeo-Christian worldview becoming the bedrock for American culture, law, and government since its founding.
Ron also talks about an extraordinary and historic movement of faith that set the stage for the outcome of the American Revolution, when the Great Awakening swept throughout the 13 colonies.
More than 100 new churches were planted in New England alone. Half a dozen colleges were established that taught from a biblical perspective. It also gave rise to movements to end slavery.
Perhaps most importantly, the Great Awakening united the American people around three crucial truths:
- A belief in inalienable rights – the idea that our right to life and liberty come not from government, but from God.
- A belief in higher law – the idea that citizens ought to submit to authority, unless that authority conflicts with God’s higher law.
- A belief in the equality of all people before God – whether prince or pauper, king or commoner, each of us is of inestimable worth in the sight of God.
Those virtues fueled the colonial revolt that won independence from Great Britain, which established the United States of America. Those virtues have held our nation together for almost 250 years. They have protected our freedomand made our nation exceptional and unique to the world.
I hope you’ll join me for more with Rod Gragg on “The Role of Faith in America’s Founding.” You can hear it on your way to your barbecue on your local radio station. You can also listen anytime online, oniTunes, via Podcast, on our free phone app,or watch the full program on our YouTubechannel.
I’d also like to offer you Rod’s book Forged in Faith: How Faith Shaped the Birth of the Nation: 1607-1776for a gift of any amount. Our offices are closed today, but you can give us a call tomorrow at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459). Or visit our website. If you can’t afford it, we’ll find a way to get it to you.
We also have plenty ofother resources related to marriage, parenting, and faith available in our online store.
Once again, happy Independence Day!
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