Building on the American Heritage Series

For centuries, issues of social justice have primarily belonged to the church. But in recent years, these issues have made their way into the political arena. So whose job should it be to care for those in need? And what does the Bible say about the government's role in social justice?

Most Americans are taught that political commentary does not belong in church. But in the founding era, the opposite was true. American clergy played an active role in achieving American independence... in the pulpit, on the battlefi eld, and eventually in public offi ce. Is it safe for America's pastors and churches to move in those realms today? Is there still a place for politics in the pulpit?

America's civil arena can be a complicated place for the Christian to navigate. So how can Christians effectively contribute to public affairs? Did our Founding Fathers leave any clues? Should people even bother with bringing faith into the civil arena?

Most Americans can agree that our country is in need of change. From economics to healthcare to education... our nation's systems are desperate for reform. But what is the average citizen's role in reform? And how long would it take to see true reformation?

Americans today face moral and economic challenges unknown to previous generations. As a result, Christians across America have joined in prayer for national revival. But the question remains... Is revival really the answer to our nation's problems? What have been the affects of past revivals in America?

Every American citizen has been endowed with a set of rights. But our Founding Fathers said that with every right there is a corresponding duty. What would they think about a society that emphasizes rights, but remains silent about citizen duties? What is the duty of a free citizen?

America was founded on a distinct set of governing principles, making this country an immediate exception to the worldwide norm. As a result, a unique sense of American Exceptionalism has been woven into our heritage. But where did the idea of American Exceptionalism first come from? Is it a legitimate thread in our nation's fabric, or a patriotic cover for American superiority?

Most history books fail to capture the impact of African Americans in our country's founding era. From military heroes and elected officials to educators and religious leaders, many great Americans have been erased from our nation's story. But today these lost heroes receive the honor they have long deserved.

Today's American culture tends to overlook the youth population and their role in the civil arena. But this has not always been the American way. In the founding era, young Americans made exceptional contributions to the development of the United States. They were scientists, diplomats, theologians, and soldiers. They were America's unsung heroes. Until now...

America's government was formed with an important balance of powers and limitations, but many Americans are unaware of where this balance lies. So what is the proper role of government? How should it fit into the average citizen's life? And how should it relate with other institutions like church and family?

Of all the nation's branches of government, the judicial branch is the most commonly misunderstood. With a court system that bears little resemblance to the constitution, it's time to demystify our nation's judicial branch. What was the original purpose of the judicial branch? How do we hold our courts accountable?

From news desks to dinner tables and even in the White House, America's Christian heritage has been the source of great debate in recent years. Is America still a Christian nation? Is there proof that our Founding Fathers were actually men of Christian faith? As conflicting answers circulate in society, another question has emerged in many American minds. Why does America's heritage even matter?

America's government rests on five simple principles found in the Declaration of Independence. But what inspired our Founding Fathers to create this distinct form of government? Why did they choose these particular principles as the basis of our nation? And why is it important for Americans to preserve them today?