America's Godly Heritage: Recent Episodes
Megan Tasdeler
The history revisionists don't want you to know! Revisionists are erasing our history. In losing our history, we are losing our future. We must rediscover our true history, one based on facts rather than political agendas, and then we must reclaim our future. America's Godly Heritage is creating educational videos and podcasts to help us realize: the early settlers and Founding Fathers entered into covenants with God. God has given the United States a specific plan and purpose. God’s hand has been upon the birth and growth of this nation. We should learn from the weaknesses and failures of previous generations so we don’t repeat their mistakes, and we should learn from and celebrate their strengths and successes individually and nationally we need to return to Him
President Ronald Reagan was a master communicator. In his 1986 Thanksgiving Proclamation, he reminded Americans of the importance of recognizing God's hand on the founding of our nation and of "offering thanksgiving" to Him. In making these two points, Reagan often referenced our first president, George Washington, who prayed to God, recognized His hand in the colonies' success in the Revolutionary War, and proclaimed days of thanksgiving so the troops and, later, the citizens could thank God for his many blessings. Reagan also referred to "America the Beautiful," which is both a patriotic song and a prayer for God's blessing upon this land. He concludes by encouraging all Americans to pray and show God gratitude on Thanksgiving Day.
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Beloved President Abraham Lincoln guided the United States through the nightmare that was the Civil War. Even as brother fought against brother, Lincoln invited the divided nation to set apart a Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer. Today we are again divided. As we set aside a day to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us listen to Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1863. Then, let us learn how Lincoln’s proclamation established the national Thanksgiving holiday, how it encourages us to recognize our blessings and acknowledge the Source of those blessings, how it exhorts us to pray for our nation, how it has many similarities to George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789, how it calls the nation to unity, and how it applies to our own lives. Don't miss out on Lincoln's words of wisdom!
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The Constitutional Convention was one of the pivotal moments in U.S. history, and it nearly crashed and burned. Yet, Benjamin Franklin’s speech pushed the quarreling delegates to stop focusing on that which was contentious and served their own interests and to start focusing on what would be best for the nation as a whole. His call for prayer reminded them that even though they were intelligent and insightful, if they proceeded without God’s guidance and succor, their efforts would be in vain. After a 4th of July timeout for an attitude adjustment, the delegates resumed their debates. This time, a workable compromise was found.
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Christian and Hopeful arrive at the Delightful Mountains, a place of refreshment and teaching. Christian asks the shepherds there some questions and receives cryptic answers. In turn, the shepherds have some questions for the pilgrims and then offer them some hospitality. The next morning the shepherds show them Hill Error, Hill Caution, and the by-way to hell and also let them look through their perspective lens. They then send the pilgrims on their way with a map and some helpful advice.
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In this episode we will be continuing our series on the United States Constitution. While God is not mentioned directly in the Constitution, His fingerprints are all over it. While God or worshipping God is discussed in all fifty state constitutions, we are going to focus on the governing documents of the original thirteen states that existed when the U.S. Constitution was created. If a state’s foundational governing document mentions worshipping God or being thankful to God, then it was a reflection of the culture and the priorities of the people in that state. If it wasn’t important to them, then they wouldn’t be putting it in their constitution. So, if God was important to the people in all thirteen states, then He was important to the people in the entire nation and thus was reflected in the U.S. Constitution, even if it wasn’t blatant.
Listen up to find out more!
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The Articles of Confederation were a disaster and needed to be replaced. However, the public would not accept tampering with them unless the one man they knew and trusted - George Washington - was involved in the process. He had to be convinced to come out of retirement and to oversee the Constitutional Convention. His sense of duty that led him to lay aside what he wanted to do to serve his country, his serene leadership that promoted cooperation at the Constitutional Convention, and his noble character that led to a single president in the executive branch and promoted ratification were all crucial for the success of the Constitution. Yet Washington didn't take the credit for it; he said it all happened "by the good pleasure of Providence."
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Between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution our nation was governed for a few years by the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. Since the Founders abhorred the strong, centralized British government so much that they declared the American colonies independent from Britain, they didn't want to create another strong, centralized government for the new American nation. However, the government they devised in the Articles of Confederation was ineffectual and weak during a pivotal time of recovering from the Revolutionary War, addressing the squabbling among the colonies, and dealing with a financial crisis. Therefore, they quickly realized they had to scrap the Articles and start over again to devise a more suitable governmental structure.
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Through Whitefield's preaching, particularly through his "Father Abraham" sermon, God united the thirteen colonies. Despite division caused by geography and denominationalism, when the colonists were affected by revival, their divisions became inconsequential and they became aware that they were all equal before God and that they were a nation chosen by God for a specific purpose.
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John Marrant became a Christian after an encounter with George Whitefield and became an evangelist himself, mostly preaching to the Native Americans. Meanwhile, George Whitefield continued to travel throughout the colonies making friends (such as with Benjamin Franklin) and opponents (such as the querists) wherever he went. Through his faithful ministry, hundreds of thousands of people came to know Christ.
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Learn how God worked through Jonathan Edwards, who was a world-class theologist involved from the early days of revival; through William Tennent, who founded a college for ministers; through Gilbert Tennent, who preached that ministers needed to be saved (really, he did!); through Samuel Davies, who influenced Patrick Henry, made the colonists aware of God's hand on George Washington, and evangelized to the Cherokees and slaves; and David Brainerd, who evangelized to the Native Americans.
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The American colonies had fallen into spiritual apathy, and they desperately needed to be stirred up again. God answered this need with the First Great Awakening. George Whitefield was a university student who came to know God in a powerful way and then set out to help others know Him too. After helping bring revival to England, Whitefield felt God calling him to preach in the colonies. There, he found the fields ready for harvest because God had already been working through other church leaders. The first such church leader was Theodorus Frelinghuysen.
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Although the first generation of colonists burned with intensity in their relationship with God, the second and third generations let that fire die. They were so blessed by God that they grew complacent. They needed something to happen to rouse them from their slumbers.
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Celebrate Thanksgiving by hearing Massachusetts Governor Curtis Guild Jr.'s Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1907. Guild encourages us individually to spend time with our loved ones and corporately to be grateful for our blessings and to use them to help others. He reminds us of the example of the Pilgrims, who kept their eyes on God, trusting Him to bring good out of their difficult trials. Let us, too, remember to keep our eyes on Him and to be thankful to the Lord our Provider.
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Some believe that since God is not clearly named in the Constitution, that it is a humanistic document. However, God's fingerprints are all over it.
Our Founders, who created the God-affirming Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, meant for them to work together. 1) The two documents helped unite the fledgling nation. 2) The Declaration outlines why the United States was created, and the Constitution then outlines how the United States government would be created. 3) The Declaration describes fundamental God-given liberties, but the Constitution (particularly in the Bill of Rights) creates the legal framework to protect these liberties.
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Christian and Faithful continue on their path to the Celestial City. They meet Talkative, who seems to be a fellow believer, but upon closer inspection he is found to be wanting in his beliefs and actions. After Talkative leaves them, they meet Evangelist. Evangelist tells them he is proud of them for persevering on their journey, but for one of them, the journey is about to end.
Christian catches up with the owner of the encouraging voice, Faithful, and they decide to continue their journeys together. They discuss life in the City of Destruction after Christian left. Then Faithful relates his journey thus far, which includes resisting temptation, being beaten unconscious, and addressing those trying to make him feel discontented and ashamed of his actions and choices.
No donuts were harmed in the making of this podcast! : )
Christian has defeated the mighty Apollyon, but his trials are not over. Now he must face the deadly and terrifying Valley of the Shadow of Death. Despite being warned not to enter the valley, he does so, as he realizes he has no other choice. There, he faces fiends and Wicked Ones, deep ditches and quagmires, and Giants Pope and Pagan. He prays for help, and God answers his prayers in an unexpected way.
After the mountaintop high of his stay at House Beautiful, Christian descends into the Valley of Humiliation. There, he is confronted by Apollyon. Like the devil in Matthew 4, Apollyon tries to use words to manipulate Christian into returning to the City of Destruction. When that doesn't work, the gloves come off and the battle begins.
Christian encounters two lions on the path, but he is able to pass between them safely after some encouragement by Watchful. He then goes to House Beautiful, where he is interrogated. He passes the test and enjoys a meal and a good night's sleep. Then the ladies of the house show him the "excellence of that place," particularly the study and armory. After being suited up in his own armor, he sets off on the next phase of his journey.
Tyndale laid the foundation for the Reformation in England through his English translation of the Bible. Henry VIII tore England away from the Catholic Church and created the Church of England, but then Mary I returned the country to Catholicism. Elizabeth I pulled it out again and insisted on uniformity amongst all the churches. James I and Charles I increased persecution of those who didn't conform, which helped lead the country into Civil War and a period of much greater religious freedom.
Without the Protestant Reformation, The Pilgrim's Progress would not exist. Here is a brief overview of how John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and Martin Luther helped birth the Reformation.
Warning: Discussion of martyrdom
Bunyan began life by going to the school of hard knocks, and he was known for his coarse language and behavior. Yet, God grabbed ahold of him and guided him safely through a spiritual crisis. Bunyan then became known as a pastor and preacher. After refusing to recant his Puritan beliefs, he spent twelve years in jail, which gave him time to write.
John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress is a best-selling classic allegory that has influenced Christians for centuries. In the Introduction, we look at what the title means; what allegory is; why Bunyan used allegory; and when, where, and why he wrote his book.
Instead of being melted down, this broken bell became a powerful symbol of freedom. During the 1800s, it became (incorrectly) linked to the War for Independence, a prophetic symbol for freeing the slaves, and a means to help unify the broken nation after the Civil War. During the 1900s, the bell was used to gain support for causes where freedom was threatened, such as the Civil Rights movement and World War 2. It continues to encourage those seeking freedom throughout the world today.
This Thanksgiving, take a few minutes to appreciate all that God has done for the citizens of the United States. Step back in time and learn about President George Washington and his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789. Washington wanted Americans to be thankful to God for the creation of the country and to pray for His continued blessing on it. It shines, especially in comparison with President Biden's humanistic proclamation.
Celebrate Thanksgiving by reading President George H. W. Bush's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1989. Note how President Bush models his proclamation after first President George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789, how we need to pray to the "ruler of Nations," and how we need to focus on being grateful for God's blessings. Let us remember to be thankful too.
How did a cracked and useless bell come to have such a hold on American culture? Learn how the Liberty Bell was created (with a whole lot of drama), how it was used, and how it developed its famous crack.
Into the darkness of the Spanish conquest of the New World came pinpricks of light in the form of missionary friars. This video takes a quick look at two of these friars: Bartolome de las Casas and Junipero Serra. De las Casas was named "Protector of the Indians," and he used his position of power to expose the atrocities being committed by the Spanish and to help and protect the Native Americans. Serra's personal motto was "keep moving forward," and so he did. Despite a wound in his leg that never healed properly, Serra walked over 6,000 miles to bring the Gospel of Christ to the Native Americans and to found missions along the coast of California.
Now the French Jesuits got in on the act in the Great Lakes region. Jacques Marquette was a missionary to the Illinois and explored the Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Illinois rivers. John de Brebeuf became the "Apostle to the Hurons" and died a horrific martyr's death at the hands of the Iroquois. The seeds planted by these and other missionaries into the fertile ground of the Native Americans grew into a great harvest.
Warning: Discussion of torture and murder/martyrdom
Our national motto, 'In God We Trust,' can be found on U.S. currency, stamps, and public buildings. From colonial times to the present day, the motto has reflected this nation's trust in God for guidance and protection in good times and bad. Although some believe our national motto does not belong in the public arena because it references God, it has been endorsed by several presidents and both houses of Congress and upheld by the U.S. Federal Appeals Court.
Spain sought to change the New World into a Mini-Me, and as part of that, it wanted the indigenous peoples to convert to Christianity. Church leaders came up with a missions plan, which eventually grew from travelling priests into the missions compounds that can still be found throughout Florida, the Southwest U.S., and Central and South America. There, the friars befriended, cared for, educated, and taught trade skills to the orphans and the poor. One such friar was Pedro de Gante, who became known as "America's first teacher."
The New World was covered in darkness. It became even darker as Spain conquered and enslaved the indigenous peoples and pillaged their lands. Three case studies provide examples of this: 1) Pizzaro's murder of Atahualpa and his search for treasure; 2) the mita system at the Potosi silver mine; and 3) the encomienda system.
Warning: Discussion of murder and systemic abuse
Now the French Jesuits got in on the act in the Great Lakes region. Jacques Marquette was a missionary to the Illinois and explored the Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Illinois rivers. John de Brebeuf became the "Apostle to the Hurons" and died a horrific martyr's death at the hands of the Iroquois. The seeds planted by these and other missionaries into the fertile ground of the Native Americans grew into a great harvest.
Warning: Discussion of torture and murder/martyrdom
Although Columbus was a phenomenal explorer, he was a terrible governor. Eventually, he was replaced and sent to Spain in chains. After being freed, he returned to the New World to explore the Caribbean and Central America. Though he had drifted from God, God called Columbus to repent and to return to Him. And so, he did.
Warning: Discussion of rape
Columbus has returned to Europe in triumph, but his character does not hold up under the weight of his success. He alienates three monarchs; lies; and demands titles, recognition, and wealth. After being "encouraged" to return to the New World, he discovers that those who had been left behind are all dead and that the cannibalistic Caribs have struck the islands.
Warning: Discussion of rape and cannibalism
Join Columbus as he sets sail on a voyage of discovery. After an almost-aborted journey, he finds a New World filled with kind Arawaks, mind-blowing flora and fauna, and treasure. Then his captaining skills are challenged by the desertion of the Pinta, the destruction of the Santa Maria, and two hurricanes.
Christopher Columbus was and still is a controversial figure. He believed he was to bring God's light into the darkness of the unknown world. He developed sailing and mapmaking skills but was mocked for his plan to sail due west across the Atlantic Ocean. After some divine intervention, he found favor in the court of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, and they agreed to sponsor his voyage. So, on August 3, 1492, Columbus and his crew set sail on three caravel.