Main Point: Our Founding Fathers knew that the government had to be established upon the principles and precepts of the Christian faith.

Synopsis:

• The voices of many Founding Fathers are heard as monuments in Washington, D.C. are shown. (See transcript below)
• The founders knew that the Christian faith was the essential building block of the new government.
• Video opens with the beginning words of the Declaration of Independence.
• Quotes from John Quincy Adams, George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Noah Webster, and William Penn are cited.
• Footage of the Washington and Jefferson Memorials, Capitol Building, Supreme Court Building, and the National Cathedral.
• Beautifully filmed—with texts fading in and out, use of paintings or busts of founders, and pictures of the American flag.
• High production quality—a timeless investment.

Application:

• This video provides a quick civics lesson—for those who think that the founders were all deists or non-believers.
• The founders understood completely that the nature of man is flawed and that our form of government needed checks and balances to avoid tyranny.
• A non-political or partisan way to present just the facts—it’s hard to argue with their actual words.
• If our freedoms of religion and speech are going to endure, it’s imperative that citizens understand the source of our freedom—and our form of government.

Suggested Uses:

• 4^th of July sermon starter
• Bible study on the foundations of this country
• Sermon-starter on Understanding Freedom

Biblical Reference:

• The 10 Commandments

Transcript:

We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal-- that that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights.

The Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth and laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity. John Quincy Adams

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate

to the government of any other. John Adams

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God to obey his will to be grateful for his benefits and humbly to implore his protection and favor—we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications

to the great Lord and ruler of nations. George Washington

God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of the nation be secured when we have removed the conviction that these liberties are the gift from God. Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just-- that his justice cannot sleep forever. Thomas Jefferson

I have lived sir a long time. And the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see this truth that God governs in the affairs of men and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an Empire arise without his aid. Benjamin Franklin to the Constitutional Convention.

The moral principles and precepts contained in the Scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws. Noah Webster

The law given from Sinai was a civil and municipal as well as a moral and religious code.

Laws essential to the existence of men and society most of which have been enacted by every nation that has ever professed any code of laws. John Quincy Adams

History will also afford frequent opportunities of public religion and the Excellency of the Christian religion above all others—ancient or modern. Benjamin Franklin.

Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants. William Penn, Founding Father