100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith

Author:

Robert J. Morgan

Publisher:

W Publishing Group (an imprint of Thomas Nelson)

Publication Date:

February 2020

Format:

Hardcover

Length:

384 pages

OVERVIEW

It’s often said that Judeo-Christian ideas founded America, but few people today know the extent of it. Robert J. Morgan uses historical documents to show Bible verses or concepts that have impacted American leaders throughout its history, including:

• Scripture passages quoted by early American explorers and settlers
• Notable American missionaries
• Biblical ideas that influenced Founding Fathers like Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton
• Famous American speeches that quoted Scriptural ideas
• Famous conversations where leaders (from John Adams to Harry Truman) discussed Bible verses with advisors or friends

As he examines the impact these Biblical ideas had, Morgan shows how they helped create the America we know today.

This kind of nonfiction is very hard to write well. Too often, conservative American Christians try to talk about America’s Judeo-Christian roots with sweeping generalizations or asserting past politicians were Christians without really backing up their claims. Morgan thankfully avoids those extremes. Every time he talks about an individual being influenced by the Bible, he directly quotes letters they wrote, speeches they made, or statements from their official biographies. History buffs will argue how much one can really say some of these individuals are Christians, particularly near the book’s end when Morgan refers to contemporary leaders who’ve referenced the Bible in their speeches. However, Morgan doesn’t claim every single person referenced is Christian, he simply shows how Biblical ideas informed their thinking.

For the most past, Morgan also avoids making the book a soapbox for his political views; he includes politicians from both ends of the spectrum who cited Christianity’s effect on them. In fact, aside from a chapter on Norma McCorvey (the Jane Roe in Roe v. Wade who later became a pro-life Christian), he doesn’t directly comment much on current political issues. He simply makes a fact-based argument that America does well when it follows Christian principles and raises the hope new leaders will follow those principles. With solid argument and good writing, this book will help even skeptical readers appreciate America’s Judeo-Christian heritage.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

4 stars

Intended Audience

Christians interested in how Biblical ideas influenced America from the 1500’s onward, Christians interested in American leaders who were influenced by the Bible.

Christian Impact

This book will inspire readers to dig deep into classic Christian teachings and give them a deep appreciation for how Christian ideals have changed America.