American Gospel
God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation
What's it about
Was America founded as a Christian nation? Discover the surprising and complex truth about the role of faith in shaping the United States. This summary unpacks the Founding Fathers' vision of "public religion" and how it created a unique space for belief in the public square, without establishing a state church. You'll explore how figures like Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington navigated the delicate balance between private faith and public life. Learn how their personal beliefs and political compromises forged a spiritual yet secular government, a legacy that continues to fuel debate and define the American experiment today.
Meet the author
Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Jon Meacham is one of America's most prominent public intellectuals and a respected voice on faith, politics, and history. An Episcopalian who attended divinity school, Meacham brings a unique blend of scholarly rigor and personal insight to his exploration of religion's complex role in the nation's founding. His work illuminates the spiritual and moral dimensions of American democracy, offering a nuanced perspective that transcends partisan divides and speaks to the enduring questions of our civic life.
What's it about
Was America founded as a Christian nation? Discover the surprising and complex truth about the role of faith in shaping the United States. This summary unpacks the Founding Fathers' vision of "public religion" and how it created a unique space for belief in the public square, without establishing a state church. You'll explore how figures like Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington navigated the delicate balance between private faith and public life. Learn how their personal beliefs and political compromises forged a spiritual yet secular government, a legacy that continues to fuel debate and define the American experiment today.
Meet the author
Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Jon Meacham is one of America's most prominent public intellectuals and a respected voice on faith, politics, and history. An Episcopalian who attended divinity school, Meacham brings a unique blend of scholarly rigor and personal insight to his exploration of religion's complex role in the nation's founding. His work illuminates the spiritual and moral dimensions of American democracy, offering a nuanced perspective that transcends partisan divides and speaks to the enduring questions of our civic life.
The Script
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