Reviewed by: Rachel M. Pfeiffer. Professional Writing student at Taylor University

Introduction

Title: The Founders and the Bible

Author: Carl J. Richard

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Publication Date: May 2016

Format: Paperback

Length: 373 Pages

OVERVIEW

The founders of our nation were firm believers in the importance of Christian morals and biblical lessons. They advocated the use and teaching of the Bible in schools, and they studied the Bible in great depth on their own. They likened their opponents to biblical villains and those they respected to biblical heroes. Many of the founders were believers in divine intervention, though some, like Jefferson, did not believe in biblical miracles. However, they all believed that the United States was, at least in some small way, the new Israel. They firmly asserted that their new country should be founded upon the biblical principle of individual rights. The founders’ beliefs differed and coincided on the various issues of religion and government; however, most were avid supporters of a balanced government and the separation of church and state.

Richard does an admirable job of explaining the various beliefs of the founders through quoting and expounding upon primary sources. Though the topical structure of the book creates some difficulty if one wishes to know the beliefs of a particular founder, this structure is helpful in obtaining a comprehensive view of the founders’ beliefs on a specific subject.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

Older high school students and adults who enjoy American and religious history would enjoy this book.

Christian Impact

In a country that seems to be straying from its roots, Richard offers much needed clarity regarding the Christian principles on which the United States was founded. This book offers encouragement to Americans who are being told that the founders did not possess a Christian faith and that this country was not founded upon Christian principles. For a fact, the writers of the Constitution did have a solid knowledge of the Bible.

Rachel M. Pfeiffer is a Professional Writing student at Taylor University and a freelance writer for The Aboite Independent and The Waynedale News.

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