Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the outcome of the war fought by the American colonies against the British Army and Navy?
What was the outcome of the war fought by the American colonies against the British Army and Navy?
- The war ended in a stalemate
- The British emerged victorious
- The American colonies gained independence (correct)
- The British colonies were established in America
What was signed on July 4, 1776?
What was signed on July 4, 1776?
- The Treaty of Paris
- The Articles of Confederation
- The United States Constitution
- The Declaration of Independence (correct)
What is the unique feature of the United States of America?
What is the unique feature of the United States of America?
- It is the longest ongoing constitutional republic in the world (correct)
- It is the oldest country in the world
- It is a communist state
- It is a monarchy
What role did the Bible play in American history?
What role did the Bible play in American history?
What was the practice of many prominent statesmen during the founding era?
What was the practice of many prominent statesmen during the founding era?
What did Patrick Henry declare about the Bible?
What did Patrick Henry declare about the Bible?
What was the view of early Americans about the Bible?
What was the view of early Americans about the Bible?
What did Noah Webster announce about the Bible?
What did Noah Webster announce about the Bible?
What was the practice of the pilgrims?
What was the practice of the pilgrims?
What is the reason many today do not recognize the influence of the Bible on America?
What is the reason many today do not recognize the influence of the Bible on America?
Which philosopher's ideas had a profound influence on the founders of America and the Declaration of Independence?
Which philosopher's ideas had a profound influence on the founders of America and the Declaration of Independence?
Which of John Locke's writings had a significant influence on the Declaration of Independence?
Which of John Locke's writings had a significant influence on the Declaration of Independence?
How many times does John Locke refer to the Bible in his Two Treatises of Government?
How many times does John Locke refer to the Bible in his Two Treatises of Government?
What was the result of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781?
What was the result of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781?
What was the consequence of the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown?
What was the consequence of the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown?
What event occurred in 1781 that might surprise those who believe that American government has always been secular?
What event occurred in 1781 that might surprise those who believe that American government has always been secular?
Who declared that the Declaration of Independence was 'copied from' John Locke's work?
Who declared that the Declaration of Independence was 'copied from' John Locke's work?
Who highly recommends John Locke's Two Treatises of Government for modern readers?
Who highly recommends John Locke's Two Treatises of Government for modern readers?
Who urged that the Bible should be read in schools in preference to all other books?
Who urged that the Bible should be read in schools in preference to all other books?
What was the particular Bible that the Pilgrims brought to America?
What was the particular Bible that the Pilgrims brought to America?
What was the primary concern of the Reformers during the Reformation?
What was the primary concern of the Reformers during the Reformation?
What was the biblical form of government before the establishment of monarchies?
What was the biblical form of government before the establishment of monarchies?
Why did the Pilgrims eventually abandon their socialistic system?
Why did the Pilgrims eventually abandon their socialistic system?
What was the name of the public education law passed in 1647?
What was the name of the public education law passed in 1647?
Why did the Kings react against the Geneva Bible?
Why did the Kings react against the Geneva Bible?
What was the result of the Pilgrims' study of the Bible regarding private property?
What was the result of the Pilgrims' study of the Bible regarding private property?
What was the significance of the Mayflower Compact?
What was the significance of the Mayflower Compact?
What was the goal of the Reformers in challenging the culture?
What was the goal of the Reformers in challenging the culture?
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government is out of print and no longer available.
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government is out of print and no longer available.
The Declaration of Independence was not influenced by John Locke's writings.
The Declaration of Independence was not influenced by John Locke's writings.
John Locke did not refer to the Bible in his Two Treatises of Government.
John Locke did not refer to the Bible in his Two Treatises of Government.
The American Revolution began in 1781 with the Battle of Yorktown.
The American Revolution began in 1781 with the Battle of Yorktown.
The British policy against printing a Bible in the English language was still in effect after the American Revolution.
The British policy against printing a Bible in the English language was still in effect after the American Revolution.
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government is a lengthy book with over 1000 pages.
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government is a lengthy book with over 1000 pages.
The plan to print America's first English-language Bible was proposed in 1776.
The plan to print America's first English-language Bible was proposed in 1776.
John Locke's ideas did not have a profound influence on the founders of America and the Declaration of Independence.
John Locke's ideas did not have a profound influence on the founders of America and the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence was signed on August 4, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence was signed on August 4, 1776.
The Bible has had a direct impact on the success of America's government.
The Bible has had a direct impact on the success of America's government.
The pilgrims spent only a few minutes each day studying their Bibles.
The pilgrims spent only a few minutes each day studying their Bibles.
Many prominent statesmen during the founding era read their Bibles only once in their lifetime.
Many prominent statesmen during the founding era read their Bibles only once in their lifetime.
The Bible is seen as a guidebook for daily life and living by most Americans today.
The Bible is seen as a guidebook for daily life and living by most Americans today.
The United States of America is the shortest ongoing constitutional republic in the history of the world.
The United States of America is the shortest ongoing constitutional republic in the history of the world.
Patrick Henry declared the Bible is a worthless book.
Patrick Henry declared the Bible is a worthless book.
Noah Webster announced that the Bible is a useless book for regulating human society.
Noah Webster announced that the Bible is a useless book for regulating human society.
The American colonies were vastly superior to the British Army and Navy in terms of manpower and equipment.
The American colonies were vastly superior to the British Army and Navy in terms of manpower and equipment.
The historical records prove that the Bible has had no impact on American culture and government.
The historical records prove that the Bible has had no impact on American culture and government.
The Pilgrims arrived in America in 1627.
The Pilgrims arrived in America in 1627.
The Geneva Bible was the particular Bible brought to America by the Puritans.
The Geneva Bible was the particular Bible brought to America by the Puritans.
The Bible was seen as a decoration for coffee tables by the Pilgrims.
The Bible was seen as a decoration for coffee tables by the Pilgrims.
The Kings reacted positively towards the Geneva Bible.
The Kings reacted positively towards the Geneva Bible.
The Pilgrims did not believe in private property.
The Pilgrims did not believe in private property.
The Bible teaches that Kings are the preferred form of government.
The Bible teaches that Kings are the preferred form of government.
The Pilgrims established a system of government based on the Bible.
The Pilgrims established a system of government based on the Bible.
The Bible was not widely read by the average citizen in Europe during the time of the Reformation.
The Bible was not widely read by the average citizen in Europe during the time of the Reformation.
The Old Deluder Satan Act was a law that prohibited education.
The Old Deluder Satan Act was a law that prohibited education.
The Bible had no influence on the American founders.
The Bible had no influence on the American founders.
The American colonies fought against the British ________ and Navy.
The American colonies fought against the British ________ and Navy.
The United States of America became a separate independent nation on ________ 4th, 1776.
The United States of America became a separate independent nation on ________ 4th, 1776.
The Bible has had a direct impact on the success of America's uniquely ________ government.
The Bible has had a direct impact on the success of America's uniquely ________ government.
Many Americans today do not recognize the influence of the Bible on America because they spend too little time ________ and studying the Bible.
Many Americans today do not recognize the influence of the Bible on America because they spend too little time ________ and studying the Bible.
The pilgrims could spend up to several hours each day in ________ their Bibles.
The pilgrims could spend up to several hours each day in ________ their Bibles.
Patrick Henry declared the Bible is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever ________.
Patrick Henry declared the Bible is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever ________.
Noah Webster also forcefully announced the Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good and the best ________ of all that is evil in human society.
Noah Webster also forcefully announced the Bible is the chief moral cause of all that is good and the best ________ of all that is evil in human society.
Many prominent statesmen during the founding era made it their habit to read their Bibles and to read through their Bibles once each ________.
Many prominent statesmen during the founding era made it their habit to read their Bibles and to read through their Bibles once each ________.
Early Americans knew that the Bible held forth not just eternal and spiritual benefits but it also held forth immediate and practical benefits both for individuals and for their ________.
Early Americans knew that the Bible held forth not just eternal and spiritual benefits but it also held forth immediate and practical benefits both for individuals and for their ________.
The historical records categorically proved the Bible has directly affected the most important aspects of our ________, including our system of government, law, education, and so many other aspects of our culture.
The historical records categorically proved the Bible has directly affected the most important aspects of our ________, including our system of government, law, education, and so many other aspects of our culture.
According to Richard Henry Lee, the Declaration of Independence was copied from _______ treatises on government.
According to Richard Henry Lee, the Declaration of Independence was copied from _______ treatises on government.
In 1781, Americans won the Battle of _______ which was the final major battle of the American Revolution.
In 1781, Americans won the Battle of _______ which was the final major battle of the American Revolution.
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government refers to the _______ over 1500 times.
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government refers to the _______ over 1500 times.
The plan to print America's first English-language _______ was proposed in 1781.
The plan to print America's first English-language _______ was proposed in 1781.
John Locke's writings had a profound influence on the founders of America and the _______ of Independence.
John Locke's writings had a profound influence on the founders of America and the _______ of Independence.
After the Battle of Yorktown, America was no longer under _______ policies, including the policy against printing the Bible in English.
After the Battle of Yorktown, America was no longer under _______ policies, including the policy against printing the Bible in English.
John Quincy Adams confirmed that the Declaration of Independence was founded upon the same theory of government expounded in the writings of _______.
John Quincy Adams confirmed that the Declaration of Independence was founded upon the same theory of government expounded in the writings of _______.
The Declaration of Independence was signed by prominent statesmen such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Rush, and many _______ .
The Declaration of Independence was signed by prominent statesmen such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Rush, and many _______ .
Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, urged that the _______________ should be read in our schools in preference to all other books.
Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, urged that the _______________ should be read in our schools in preference to all other books.
The pilgrims arrived in America with one book in particular, the _______________ Bible.
The pilgrims arrived in America with one book in particular, the _______________ Bible.
The Reformation began when priests and ministers began to question centuries-long practices of the _______________ that did not conform to the scriptures.
The Reformation began when priests and ministers began to question centuries-long practices of the _______________ that did not conform to the scriptures.
The reformers wanted people to have access to a _______________ so they could read it for themselves.
The reformers wanted people to have access to a _______________ so they could read it for themselves.
The pilgrims learned the biblical teachings regarding _______________ government from the Bible.
The pilgrims learned the biblical teachings regarding _______________ government from the Bible.
The Geneva Bible contained marginal _______________ on the scriptures that challenged the culture.
The Geneva Bible contained marginal _______________ on the scriptures that challenged the culture.
The pilgrims eventually abandoned _______________ as a result of two biblical teachings.
The pilgrims eventually abandoned _______________ as a result of two biblical teachings.
The name of the public education law passed in 1647 was the _______________ Satan Act.
The name of the public education law passed in 1647 was the _______________ Satan Act.
The Kings reacted against the Geneva Bible because it pointed out that the long-accepted doctrine of the _______________ Right of Kings was not the preferred manner of government originally set forth in the Bible.
The Kings reacted against the Geneva Bible because it pointed out that the long-accepted doctrine of the _______________ Right of Kings was not the preferred manner of government originally set forth in the Bible.
The pilgrims understood the Bible teachings about the _______________ of men regardless of their race.
The pilgrims understood the Bible teachings about the _______________ of men regardless of their race.
What was the significant outcome of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781?
What was the significant outcome of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781?
Why is John Locke's Two Treatises of Government significant in American history?
Why is John Locke's Two Treatises of Government significant in American history?
What was proposed in Congress in 1781 that may surprise some people today?
What was proposed in Congress in 1781 that may surprise some people today?
What is notable about John Locke's references to the Bible in his Two Treatises of Government?
What is notable about John Locke's references to the Bible in his Two Treatises of Government?
What was the consequence of the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown?
What was the consequence of the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown?
What was Richard Henry Lee's statement about the Declaration of Independence?
What was Richard Henry Lee's statement about the Declaration of Independence?
What is the title of the book that had a significant influence on the Declaration of Independence?
What is the title of the book that had a significant influence on the Declaration of Independence?
What is the significance of John Locke's Two Treatises of Government today?
What is the significance of John Locke's Two Treatises of Government today?
What was the significant feature of the Geneva Bible?
What was the significant feature of the Geneva Bible?
Why did the Kings react against the Geneva Bible?
Why did the Kings react against the Geneva Bible?
What was the result of the Pilgrims' study of the Bible regarding private property?
What was the result of the Pilgrims' study of the Bible regarding private property?
What was the purpose of the Old Deluder Satan Act?
What was the purpose of the Old Deluder Satan Act?
What was the primary concern of the Reformers during the Reformation?
What was the primary concern of the Reformers during the Reformation?
What was the significance of the Mayflower Compact?
What was the significance of the Mayflower Compact?
What was the goal of the Reformers in challenging the culture?
What was the goal of the Reformers in challenging the culture?
Why did the Pilgrims eventually abandon their socialistic system?
Why did the Pilgrims eventually abandon their socialistic system?
What was the name of the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to America?
What was the name of the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to America?
What was the outcome of the Pilgrims' study of the Bible regarding racial equality?
What was the outcome of the Pilgrims' study of the Bible regarding racial equality?
What was the outcome of the war fought by the American colonies against the British Army and Navy?
What was the outcome of the war fought by the American colonies against the British Army and Navy?
What was the significance of July 4, 1776?
What was the significance of July 4, 1776?
What is unique about the United States of America?
What is unique about the United States of America?
How did the Bible influence the founding of America?
How did the Bible influence the founding of America?
What was the practice of many prominent statesmen during the founding era?
What was the practice of many prominent statesmen during the founding era?
What was the view of early Americans about the Bible?
What was the view of early Americans about the Bible?
What was the significance of the Bible in American history?
What was the significance of the Bible in American history?
What was the practice of the pilgrims?
What was the practice of the pilgrims?
What was the reason for the decline of the Bible's influence in American society?
What was the reason for the decline of the Bible's influence in American society?
What was the view of Patrick Henry and Noah Webster about the Bible?
What was the view of Patrick Henry and Noah Webster about the Bible?
Study Notes
America's Godly Heritage
- Over the course of 8 years and 6 months, American colonists defeated the British Army and Navy, leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.
- The United States of America became a separate, independent nation, with the Bible playing a significant role in shaping the country's foundation.
The Bible's Influence on America
- The Bible had a direct impact on the success of America's government, an impact that was widely understood and acknowledged by previous generations.
- The Bible influenced various aspects of American culture, including:
- System of government
- Law
- Education
- Free enterprise system
- Views of private property
- Social services
Early American Attitudes towards the Bible
- In previous generations, Americans made the Bible a central part of their lives, spending up to several hours a day studying it.
- Many prominent statesmen, including the pilgrims, made it a habit to read through their Bibles once a year, seeking practical insight for daily life.
- Early Americans saw the Bible as a practical guidebook that could direct every aspect of daily life, not just a spiritual devotional book.
Famous Americans on the Bible
- Patrick Henry declared the Bible is "a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed."
- Noah Webster forcefully announced the Bible is "the chief moral cause of all that is good and the best corrector of all that is evil in human society."### The Bible's Influence on America
- Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, advocated for the Bible to be read in American schools, citing its importance for private and public happiness.
- Daniel Webster, a great defender of the Constitution, attributed the right views of civil liberty to the free and universal reading of the Bible.
The Pilgrims and the Geneva Bible
- The Pilgrims arrived in America in the 1620s with the Geneva Bible, which was a popular Bible among those who had been persecuted for their religious beliefs.
- The Geneva Bible was printed in 1519 and was carried to America by the Arthur Upton family.
- It was the most popular Bible of its time, with 140 different reprints between 1560 and 1644.
- The Geneva Bible's marginal commentaries, written by prominent reformers such as Martin Luther and John Knox, challenged the culture and pointed out where cultural customs differed from scriptural teachings.
The Pilgrims' Government and Social Policies
- The Pilgrims established a representative government based on scriptural principles, with elected legislatures in Virginia (1619) and Massachusetts (1620).
- The Pilgrims initially practiced a form of socialism, but eventually abandoned it due to inefficiency and non-productivity.
- They adopted a new policy, based on 1 Timothy 5:8 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10, where able-bodied individuals were expected to work and provide for themselves, while the community helped those who could not.
The Bible's Influence on Education
- In 1647, the Massachusetts legislature passed the "Old Deluder Satan Act," which required towns to establish schools to teach children to read and write, with the goal of preventing civil and religious leaders from abusing their power.
- The law recognized that if citizens were biblically illiterate, they might not be able to resist evil government.
The New England Primer
- In 1690, the first American textbook, the New England Primer, was published in Boston.
- The primer taught phonics, the ABCs, and featured a rhyming alphabet with biblical illustrations and rhymes.
- It also included a section on the alphabet of lessons for youth, with each letter accompanied by a Bible verse.
- The primer included over 170 questions on the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, and was used for generations in American education.
The Declaration of Independence
- The Declaration of Independence (1776) was influenced by the ideas of John Locke, a theological writer and political philosopher.
- The document's success is attributed to the biblical principles upon which it was founded, making it the most successful government document in history.### John Locke and the Declaration of Independence
- John Locke's writings influenced American founders, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Rush.
- John Quincy Adams confirmed that the Declaration of Independence was based on Locke's theory of government.
- Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" had a profound influence on the founders' philosophy.
The Bible's Influence on the Declaration of Independence
- Richard Henry Lee, a signer of the Declaration, stated that the document was "copied from Locke's treatises on government".
- In "Two Treatises of Government", Locke referred to the Bible over 1500 times to demonstrate the proper operation of civil government.
The American Revolution
- The American Revolution began in 1776.
- In 1781, Americans won the Battle of Yorktown, resulting in the complete defeat and surrender of British commander Lord Cornwallis.
- With this victory, America gained independence from British policies, including the ban on printing the Bible in English.
Printing the Bible in English
- In 1781, a plan was proposed in Congress to print America's first English-language Bible.
America's Godly Heritage
- Over the course of 8 years and 6 months, American colonists defeated the British Army and Navy, leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.
- The United States of America became a separate, independent nation, with the Bible playing a significant role in shaping the country's foundation.
The Bible's Influence on America
- The Bible had a direct impact on the success of America's government, an impact that was widely understood and acknowledged by previous generations.
- The Bible influenced various aspects of American culture, including:
- System of government
- Law
- Education
- Free enterprise system
- Views of private property
- Social services
Early American Attitudes towards the Bible
- In previous generations, Americans made the Bible a central part of their lives, spending up to several hours a day studying it.
- Many prominent statesmen, including the pilgrims, made it a habit to read through their Bibles once a year, seeking practical insight for daily life.
- Early Americans saw the Bible as a practical guidebook that could direct every aspect of daily life, not just a spiritual devotional book.
Famous Americans on the Bible
- Patrick Henry declared the Bible is "a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed."
- Noah Webster forcefully announced the Bible is "the chief moral cause of all that is good and the best corrector of all that is evil in human society."### The Bible's Influence on America
- Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, advocated for the Bible to be read in American schools, citing its importance for private and public happiness.
- Daniel Webster, a great defender of the Constitution, attributed the right views of civil liberty to the free and universal reading of the Bible.
The Pilgrims and the Geneva Bible
- The Pilgrims arrived in America in the 1620s with the Geneva Bible, which was a popular Bible among those who had been persecuted for their religious beliefs.
- The Geneva Bible was printed in 1519 and was carried to America by the Arthur Upton family.
- It was the most popular Bible of its time, with 140 different reprints between 1560 and 1644.
- The Geneva Bible's marginal commentaries, written by prominent reformers such as Martin Luther and John Knox, challenged the culture and pointed out where cultural customs differed from scriptural teachings.
The Pilgrims' Government and Social Policies
- The Pilgrims established a representative government based on scriptural principles, with elected legislatures in Virginia (1619) and Massachusetts (1620).
- The Pilgrims initially practiced a form of socialism, but eventually abandoned it due to inefficiency and non-productivity.
- They adopted a new policy, based on 1 Timothy 5:8 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10, where able-bodied individuals were expected to work and provide for themselves, while the community helped those who could not.
The Bible's Influence on Education
- In 1647, the Massachusetts legislature passed the "Old Deluder Satan Act," which required towns to establish schools to teach children to read and write, with the goal of preventing civil and religious leaders from abusing their power.
- The law recognized that if citizens were biblically illiterate, they might not be able to resist evil government.
The New England Primer
- In 1690, the first American textbook, the New England Primer, was published in Boston.
- The primer taught phonics, the ABCs, and featured a rhyming alphabet with biblical illustrations and rhymes.
- It also included a section on the alphabet of lessons for youth, with each letter accompanied by a Bible verse.
- The primer included over 170 questions on the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, and was used for generations in American education.
The Declaration of Independence
- The Declaration of Independence (1776) was influenced by the ideas of John Locke, a theological writer and political philosopher.
- The document's success is attributed to the biblical principles upon which it was founded, making it the most successful government document in history.### John Locke and the Declaration of Independence
- John Locke's writings influenced American founders, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Rush.
- John Quincy Adams confirmed that the Declaration of Independence was based on Locke's theory of government.
- Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" had a profound influence on the founders' philosophy.
The Bible's Influence on the Declaration of Independence
- Richard Henry Lee, a signer of the Declaration, stated that the document was "copied from Locke's treatises on government".
- In "Two Treatises of Government", Locke referred to the Bible over 1500 times to demonstrate the proper operation of civil government.
The American Revolution
- The American Revolution began in 1776.
- In 1781, Americans won the Battle of Yorktown, resulting in the complete defeat and surrender of British commander Lord Cornwallis.
- With this victory, America gained independence from British policies, including the ban on printing the Bible in English.
Printing the Bible in English
- In 1781, a plan was proposed in Congress to print America's first English-language Bible.
America's Godly Heritage
- Over the course of 8 years and 6 months, American colonists defeated the British Army and Navy, leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.
- The United States of America became a separate, independent nation, with the Bible playing a significant role in shaping the country's foundation.
The Bible's Influence on America
- The Bible had a direct impact on the success of America's government, an impact that was widely understood and acknowledged by previous generations.
- The Bible influenced various aspects of American culture, including:
- System of government
- Law
- Education
- Free enterprise system
- Views of private property
- Social services
Early American Attitudes towards the Bible
- In previous generations, Americans made the Bible a central part of their lives, spending up to several hours a day studying it.
- Many prominent statesmen, including the pilgrims, made it a habit to read through their Bibles once a year, seeking practical insight for daily life.
- Early Americans saw the Bible as a practical guidebook that could direct every aspect of daily life, not just a spiritual devotional book.
Famous Americans on the Bible
- Patrick Henry declared the Bible is "a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed."
- Noah Webster forcefully announced the Bible is "the chief moral cause of all that is good and the best corrector of all that is evil in human society."### The Bible's Influence on America
- Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, advocated for the Bible to be read in American schools, citing its importance for private and public happiness.
- Daniel Webster, a great defender of the Constitution, attributed the right views of civil liberty to the free and universal reading of the Bible.
The Pilgrims and the Geneva Bible
- The Pilgrims arrived in America in the 1620s with the Geneva Bible, which was a popular Bible among those who had been persecuted for their religious beliefs.
- The Geneva Bible was printed in 1519 and was carried to America by the Arthur Upton family.
- It was the most popular Bible of its time, with 140 different reprints between 1560 and 1644.
- The Geneva Bible's marginal commentaries, written by prominent reformers such as Martin Luther and John Knox, challenged the culture and pointed out where cultural customs differed from scriptural teachings.
The Pilgrims' Government and Social Policies
- The Pilgrims established a representative government based on scriptural principles, with elected legislatures in Virginia (1619) and Massachusetts (1620).
- The Pilgrims initially practiced a form of socialism, but eventually abandoned it due to inefficiency and non-productivity.
- They adopted a new policy, based on 1 Timothy 5:8 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10, where able-bodied individuals were expected to work and provide for themselves, while the community helped those who could not.
The Bible's Influence on Education
- In 1647, the Massachusetts legislature passed the "Old Deluder Satan Act," which required towns to establish schools to teach children to read and write, with the goal of preventing civil and religious leaders from abusing their power.
- The law recognized that if citizens were biblically illiterate, they might not be able to resist evil government.
The New England Primer
- In 1690, the first American textbook, the New England Primer, was published in Boston.
- The primer taught phonics, the ABCs, and featured a rhyming alphabet with biblical illustrations and rhymes.
- It also included a section on the alphabet of lessons for youth, with each letter accompanied by a Bible verse.
- The primer included over 170 questions on the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, and was used for generations in American education.
The Declaration of Independence
- The Declaration of Independence (1776) was influenced by the ideas of John Locke, a theological writer and political philosopher.
- The document's success is attributed to the biblical principles upon which it was founded, making it the most successful government document in history.### John Locke and the Declaration of Independence
- John Locke's writings influenced American founders, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Rush.
- John Quincy Adams confirmed that the Declaration of Independence was based on Locke's theory of government.
- Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" had a profound influence on the founders' philosophy.
The Bible's Influence on the Declaration of Independence
- Richard Henry Lee, a signer of the Declaration, stated that the document was "copied from Locke's treatises on government".
- In "Two Treatises of Government", Locke referred to the Bible over 1500 times to demonstrate the proper operation of civil government.
The American Revolution
- The American Revolution began in 1776.
- In 1781, Americans won the Battle of Yorktown, resulting in the complete defeat and surrender of British commander Lord Cornwallis.
- With this victory, America gained independence from British policies, including the ban on printing the Bible in English.
Printing the Bible in English
- In 1781, a plan was proposed in Congress to print America's first English-language Bible.
America's Godly Heritage
- Over the course of 8 years and 6 months, American colonists defeated the British Army and Navy, leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.
- The United States of America became a separate, independent nation, with the Bible playing a significant role in shaping the country's foundation.
The Bible's Influence on America
- The Bible had a direct impact on the success of America's government, an impact that was widely understood and acknowledged by previous generations.
- The Bible influenced various aspects of American culture, including:
- System of government
- Law
- Education
- Free enterprise system
- Views of private property
- Social services
Early American Attitudes towards the Bible
- In previous generations, Americans made the Bible a central part of their lives, spending up to several hours a day studying it.
- Many prominent statesmen, including the pilgrims, made it a habit to read through their Bibles once a year, seeking practical insight for daily life.
- Early Americans saw the Bible as a practical guidebook that could direct every aspect of daily life, not just a spiritual devotional book.
Famous Americans on the Bible
- Patrick Henry declared the Bible is "a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed."
- Noah Webster forcefully announced the Bible is "the chief moral cause of all that is good and the best corrector of all that is evil in human society."### The Bible's Influence on America
- Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, advocated for the Bible to be read in American schools, citing its importance for private and public happiness.
- Daniel Webster, a great defender of the Constitution, attributed the right views of civil liberty to the free and universal reading of the Bible.
The Pilgrims and the Geneva Bible
- The Pilgrims arrived in America in the 1620s with the Geneva Bible, which was a popular Bible among those who had been persecuted for their religious beliefs.
- The Geneva Bible was printed in 1519 and was carried to America by the Arthur Upton family.
- It was the most popular Bible of its time, with 140 different reprints between 1560 and 1644.
- The Geneva Bible's marginal commentaries, written by prominent reformers such as Martin Luther and John Knox, challenged the culture and pointed out where cultural customs differed from scriptural teachings.
The Pilgrims' Government and Social Policies
- The Pilgrims established a representative government based on scriptural principles, with elected legislatures in Virginia (1619) and Massachusetts (1620).
- The Pilgrims initially practiced a form of socialism, but eventually abandoned it due to inefficiency and non-productivity.
- They adopted a new policy, based on 1 Timothy 5:8 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10, where able-bodied individuals were expected to work and provide for themselves, while the community helped those who could not.
The Bible's Influence on Education
- In 1647, the Massachusetts legislature passed the "Old Deluder Satan Act," which required towns to establish schools to teach children to read and write, with the goal of preventing civil and religious leaders from abusing their power.
- The law recognized that if citizens were biblically illiterate, they might not be able to resist evil government.
The New England Primer
- In 1690, the first American textbook, the New England Primer, was published in Boston.
- The primer taught phonics, the ABCs, and featured a rhyming alphabet with biblical illustrations and rhymes.
- It also included a section on the alphabet of lessons for youth, with each letter accompanied by a Bible verse.
- The primer included over 170 questions on the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, and was used for generations in American education.
The Declaration of Independence
- The Declaration of Independence (1776) was influenced by the ideas of John Locke, a theological writer and political philosopher.
- The document's success is attributed to the biblical principles upon which it was founded, making it the most successful government document in history.### John Locke and the Declaration of Independence
- John Locke's writings influenced American founders, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Rush.
- John Quincy Adams confirmed that the Declaration of Independence was based on Locke's theory of government.
- Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" had a profound influence on the founders' philosophy.
The Bible's Influence on the Declaration of Independence
- Richard Henry Lee, a signer of the Declaration, stated that the document was "copied from Locke's treatises on government".
- In "Two Treatises of Government", Locke referred to the Bible over 1500 times to demonstrate the proper operation of civil government.
The American Revolution
- The American Revolution began in 1776.
- In 1781, Americans won the Battle of Yorktown, resulting in the complete defeat and surrender of British commander Lord Cornwallis.
- With this victory, America gained independence from British policies, including the ban on printing the Bible in English.
Printing the Bible in English
- In 1781, a plan was proposed in Congress to print America's first English-language Bible.
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Description
Explore the role of the Bible in shaping America's foundation and its impact on the country's government.
