Read the voices of the past to connect with the present. Kishlansky presents a well-balanced selection of readings that integrate coverage of social; economic; religious and cultural history within a traditional; political framework. Sources of the West includes documents on political theory; philosophy; imaginative literature and social history as well as constitutional documents; all of which raise significant issues for classroom discussions or lectures. By reading the voices of the past; readers can connect them to the present and learn to understand and respect other cultures while thinking critically about history. Note: MySearchLab does not come automatically packaged with this text. To purchase MySearchLab at no extra charge; please visit www.MySearchLab.com or use ISBN: 9780205098569.
#253985 in Books Daniel L Dreisbach 2016-12-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.40 x 1.30 x 9.20l; .0 #File Name: 0199987939344 pagesReading the Bible with the Founding Fathers
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Historical Treatment of the Beliefs That Shaped The Forces For American IndependenceBy M JamesExcellent research and presentation of the faith of our Founding Fathers. Very informative and pleasant reading with rich detail and background. Highly recommend to all who are interested in the scholarly history of the early years of the founding of the establishment of the independence of America. Well done!10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Food For ThoughtBy GDPDaniel L. Dreisbach's book is an interesting investigation of the influence the Bible; particularly the King James Version (1611); had upon the generation of the nation's "Founding Fathers." Most of us would intuitively conclude it was significant; since the Bible was essentially ubiquitous in Colonial America. As Dreisbach writes; "[The Bible] was integral to their education - both formal and informal - and it shaped their worldview; values; and habits of mind in diverse ways" (p. 49). While some Founders came to the Bible as believers; others thought of the Bible's moral teaching's as utilitarian.What Dreisbach contributes is a more intense look at specific examples of Scripture upon which the Founders likely relied. Intellectual histories in general; as well as the effects of sources upon subsequent actions or expressions in particular; are notoriously difficult to "prove" but Dreisbach builds a very strong circumstantial case for several examples.For instance; statements bearing the influence of Micah 6:8 are explored. Frequent paraphrases of "He hath shewed thee; O man; what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee; but to do justly; and to love mercy; and to walk humbly with God?" populate the quotes of Founding Fathers; who saw parallels between the terms of Israel's compact with God after its deliverance from Egypt and the terms upon which the young United States should abide in order to prosper.Another example focuses on the biblical basis for civil disobedience and; of course; the American Revolution (Acts 5:29; "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said; We ought to obey God rather than man") over the traditional biblical citation for the justification of monarchies (Romans 13:1; "Let every soul be subject unto the highest powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are of God"). The book continues in a like fashion.Dreisbach sees heavy traces of the critical biblical literature of the Protestant Reformation embedded throughout the Declaration of Independence (p. 133). He does not claim that the Bible was either the key or the primary source for American Revolutionary doctrine; but it certainly was significant and understanding that significance is crucial to understanding the Founding Fathers (p. 231; 234).Dreisbach also admits that; "The bible was employed for literary; rhetorical; and political purposes; in addition to theological and spiritual reasons" (p. 231). This book is not an apologia; but a reasoned argument.An important reason for reading this book is to remind oneself just how much wisdom is contained within the Bible and that its wisdom was; and still can be; applied to politics. I found myself returning to two items:1) Benjamin Franklin referenced Genesis 47 with these words of warning about the ways of tyrants; ".. get first all the people[']s money; then all their lands; and then make them and their children servants forever" (p. 85); and;2) A statement made by Samuel Langdon on June 5; 1788 about choosing representatives by referencing Proverbs 28-29; "Fix your eyes upon men [or women] of good understanding; and known honesty; men [or women] of knowledge; improved by experience; men [or women] who fear God; and hate covetousness; who love truth and righteousness …" (p. 166).Worth remembering.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Necessary to Know NowBy Stan CraderThere never was and will never be a better time than the present to learn. Dreisbach's gift is going to the original source to document the true intentions of our founding fathers. Social media makes widespread debate simple and easy. It also makes the widespread dissemination of faulty notions told as fact simple and easy. America's founding notions are no longer taught in public school and are being lost. Read this book and arm yourself to defend the founding principles of America. Thanks; Daniel; for sharing your many years of research to introduce us to something old that to many will be new.
