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Original Intent: The Courts, the Constitution, & Religion
Discover how the United States Supreme Court has reinterpreted the Constitution, diluting the Biblical foundations upon which it was based. Filled with hundreds of the Founders' quotes revealing their beliefs on the role of religion in public affairs, the proper role of the courts, the intended limited scope of federal powers, and numberous other current issues.
535 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1996
170 people are currently reading
1711 people want to read
About the author
David Barton
293 books264 followersDavid Barton is the Founder and President of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage.
WallBuilders is a name taken from the Old Testament writings of Nehemiah, who led a grassroots movement to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore its strength and honor. In the same way, WallBuilders seeks to energize the grassroots today to become involved in strengthening their communities, states, and nation.
David is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects being drawn largely from his massive library of tens of thousands of original writings from the Founding Era. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year.
His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators, has participated in several cases at the Supreme Court, was involved in the development of the History/Social Studies standards for states such as Texas and California, and has helped produce history textbooks now used in schools across the nation.
WallBuilders is a name taken from the Old Testament writings of Nehemiah, who led a grassroots movement to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore its strength and honor. In the same way, WallBuilders seeks to energize the grassroots today to become involved in strengthening their communities, states, and nation.
David is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects being drawn largely from his massive library of tens of thousands of original writings from the Founding Era. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year.
His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators, has participated in several cases at the Supreme Court, was involved in the development of the History/Social Studies standards for states such as Texas and California, and has helped produce history textbooks now used in schools across the nation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 12, 2015
Ok, this read was difficult and often redundant. My particular section of interest was upon Revisionist History and that was 4 star, IMHO.
Astonishing to me was a trip to D.C. in that last decade before the turn of the century- most of it spent just reading/ viewing the engravings. Everywhere there is mention and direction and inspiration centered in Supreme Being. Everything past one hundred years of age or older and not just phrases added within the last 50 or 80 years. They certainly did not hold the same context, connotation or definition of exact abstract terms or specific words as are being used by the current Historians or Politicos now either. Upon return to D.C. - every Museum, each memorial or monument- I am again reminded of this profound dissonance.
For some reason they are now teaching "the separation" as if it was held as a freedom FROM religion, when it was never such. Freedom OF religion is conceptually and lawfully quite apart and is entirely different. Altered within construct of application from the original intents and context? One that by connotation is now more often being generally assumed. Wrongly assumed.
Others have posted that Barton "makes things up". There is heavy toll of research, reference and original credits material here.
If people want change then they must change some absolute powers and rights within the Constitution itself, IMHO. Not redefine up to down and may to must in lawful applications or within corrupt Courts.
Hard to read though, and the style was not conducive to nourishing any increased interest in actual fallouts for these assumptions. Much more preaching to the choir than savvy erudite assault using Alinsky's 8 levels of controls as so often purported by the opposing view.
Astonishing to me was a trip to D.C. in that last decade before the turn of the century- most of it spent just reading/ viewing the engravings. Everywhere there is mention and direction and inspiration centered in Supreme Being. Everything past one hundred years of age or older and not just phrases added within the last 50 or 80 years. They certainly did not hold the same context, connotation or definition of exact abstract terms or specific words as are being used by the current Historians or Politicos now either. Upon return to D.C. - every Museum, each memorial or monument- I am again reminded of this profound dissonance.
For some reason they are now teaching "the separation" as if it was held as a freedom FROM religion, when it was never such. Freedom OF religion is conceptually and lawfully quite apart and is entirely different. Altered within construct of application from the original intents and context? One that by connotation is now more often being generally assumed. Wrongly assumed.
Others have posted that Barton "makes things up". There is heavy toll of research, reference and original credits material here.
If people want change then they must change some absolute powers and rights within the Constitution itself, IMHO. Not redefine up to down and may to must in lawful applications or within corrupt Courts.
Hard to read though, and the style was not conducive to nourishing any increased interest in actual fallouts for these assumptions. Much more preaching to the choir than savvy erudite assault using Alinsky's 8 levels of controls as so often purported by the opposing view.
September 17, 2007
It's been a while since I read Barton's book but here is what I remember.
Barton goes to great lengths to prove that the foundations of the government of the United States of American was established by men who wished for this country to be a Christian nation. Indeed, he goes so far as to quote out of context, misinterpret the intent of the founding fathers and early courts and in his attempts to make the founders look like angels, occasionally succeeds in making them look like idiots.
Barton clearly is utterly biased and has an agenda which does not include establishing fact but rather, making the world safe for Christianity (as opposed to, Safe for Freedom).
My opinion, of course!
--Wag--
Barton goes to great lengths to prove that the foundations of the government of the United States of American was established by men who wished for this country to be a Christian nation. Indeed, he goes so far as to quote out of context, misinterpret the intent of the founding fathers and early courts and in his attempts to make the founders look like angels, occasionally succeeds in making them look like idiots.
Barton clearly is utterly biased and has an agenda which does not include establishing fact but rather, making the world safe for Christianity (as opposed to, Safe for Freedom).
My opinion, of course!
--Wag--
November 22, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It was written to show the Original Intent of the founders of our country with regard to religion and the first amendment. This book heavily emphasizes the importance of reading original source documents from the founders themselves as well as the writings that they studied.
It begins by outlining the lives and religious beliefs of many of the founders. From there it goes into early court cases and then contrasts the findings of those cases with later cases.
It gets into how revisionism has entered into the courts as well as the public mind. Finally, it gets into the importance of individuals being educated and participating in civic duties as voting citizens and government servants.
For me, the greatest value of this book was the wealth of quotations from the founders and other prominent individuals. For most of the book, the author serves merely as a narrator to piece together the many quotations. I'll share just a few here, but to really grasp the wisdom of this book you'll need to read it yourself.
"On every question of construction, carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed." - Thomas Jefferson p. 28
"Such is my veneration for every religion that reveals the attributes of the Deity, or a future state of rewards and punishments, that I had rather see the opinions of Confucius or Moahamed inculcated upon our youth than see them grow up wholly devoid of a system of religious principles. But the religion I mean to recommend in this place is that of the New Testament....All its doctrines and precepts are calculated to promote the happiness of society and the safety and well being of civil government." - Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration of Independence p. 37
"Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Northwest Ordinance, Article III (an ordinance defining the rules of statehood in 1789. Passed by the same congress that framed the first amendment.) p. 47
"And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure if we have lost the only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath?" - Thomas Jefferson p. 52
"Christianity, is and always has been a part of the common law...not Christianity with an established church...but Christianity with liberty of conscience to all men." - Supreme Court, Updegraph v. The Commonwealth, 1824 p.58
"You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are." - George Washington speaking to Indian Chiefs who wanted their children to be taught in american schools. p. 91
"To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." - George Washington p. 111
"If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be if without it?" Benjamin Franklin p. 137
"With regard to the history contained in the Bible...it is not so much praiseworthy to be acquainted with as it is shameful to be ignorant of it." - John Quincy Adams p. 169
"There is simply no historical foundation for the proposition that the Framers intended to build the 'wall of separation' that was constitutionalized in Everson...But the greatest injury of the 'wall' notion is its mischevious diversion of judges from the actual intentions the drafters of the Bill of Rights ... No amount of repetition of historical errors in judicial opinions can make the errors true. The 'wall of separation between church and State' is a metaphor based on bad history...It should be frankly and explicitly abandoned.... Our perception has been clouded not by the Constitution but by the mists of an unnecessary metaphor." - Justice William Rehnquist p. 185
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - John Adams p. 188
"historians are discovering that the Bible, perhaps even more than the Constitution, is our founding document." - Kenneth Woodward p. 232
"Under the old system the question was how to read the Constitution; under the new approach, the question is whether to read the Constitution." - Attorney General Edwin Meese, III p. 247
"While the people are virtuous, they cannot be subdued; but when once the lose their virtue, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader." - Samuel Adams p. 326
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Benjamin Franklin p. 327
"I tremble for my country when I reflect that god is just: that His justice cannot sleep forever." - Thomas Jefferson p. 340
"If a nation expects to be ignorant - and free - in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." - Thomas Jefferson p. 344
"Let us take care of our rights and we therein take care of our prosperity. Slavery is ever preceded by sleep." - John Dickinson p. 353
"Politics are a part of a religion in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to the country as a part of their duty to God." - Charles Finney
"Remember that where citizen complacency rules, wrong principles and policies will abound; and when it comes to sound government, the enemy is seldom 'them'; it is generally citizen apathy." - David Barton
As you can see, this book is filled with wisdom. And it makes the case very effectively that our Founders intended for us to be a moral and religious nation. And while they didn't want to have any sort of established religion, they certainly never intended the "wall of separation between church and state" as it is modernly interpreted.
It begins by outlining the lives and religious beliefs of many of the founders. From there it goes into early court cases and then contrasts the findings of those cases with later cases.
It gets into how revisionism has entered into the courts as well as the public mind. Finally, it gets into the importance of individuals being educated and participating in civic duties as voting citizens and government servants.
For me, the greatest value of this book was the wealth of quotations from the founders and other prominent individuals. For most of the book, the author serves merely as a narrator to piece together the many quotations. I'll share just a few here, but to really grasp the wisdom of this book you'll need to read it yourself.
"On every question of construction, carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed." - Thomas Jefferson p. 28
"Such is my veneration for every religion that reveals the attributes of the Deity, or a future state of rewards and punishments, that I had rather see the opinions of Confucius or Moahamed inculcated upon our youth than see them grow up wholly devoid of a system of religious principles. But the religion I mean to recommend in this place is that of the New Testament....All its doctrines and precepts are calculated to promote the happiness of society and the safety and well being of civil government." - Benjamin Rush, signer of the Declaration of Independence p. 37
"Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Northwest Ordinance, Article III (an ordinance defining the rules of statehood in 1789. Passed by the same congress that framed the first amendment.) p. 47
"And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure if we have lost the only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath?" - Thomas Jefferson p. 52
"Christianity, is and always has been a part of the common law...not Christianity with an established church...but Christianity with liberty of conscience to all men." - Supreme Court, Updegraph v. The Commonwealth, 1824 p.58
"You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are." - George Washington speaking to Indian Chiefs who wanted their children to be taught in american schools. p. 91
"To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." - George Washington p. 111
"If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be if without it?" Benjamin Franklin p. 137
"With regard to the history contained in the Bible...it is not so much praiseworthy to be acquainted with as it is shameful to be ignorant of it." - John Quincy Adams p. 169
"There is simply no historical foundation for the proposition that the Framers intended to build the 'wall of separation' that was constitutionalized in Everson...But the greatest injury of the 'wall' notion is its mischevious diversion of judges from the actual intentions the drafters of the Bill of Rights ... No amount of repetition of historical errors in judicial opinions can make the errors true. The 'wall of separation between church and State' is a metaphor based on bad history...It should be frankly and explicitly abandoned.... Our perception has been clouded not by the Constitution but by the mists of an unnecessary metaphor." - Justice William Rehnquist p. 185
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - John Adams p. 188
"historians are discovering that the Bible, perhaps even more than the Constitution, is our founding document." - Kenneth Woodward p. 232
"Under the old system the question was how to read the Constitution; under the new approach, the question is whether to read the Constitution." - Attorney General Edwin Meese, III p. 247
"While the people are virtuous, they cannot be subdued; but when once the lose their virtue, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader." - Samuel Adams p. 326
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Benjamin Franklin p. 327
"I tremble for my country when I reflect that god is just: that His justice cannot sleep forever." - Thomas Jefferson p. 340
"If a nation expects to be ignorant - and free - in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." - Thomas Jefferson p. 344
"Let us take care of our rights and we therein take care of our prosperity. Slavery is ever preceded by sleep." - John Dickinson p. 353
"Politics are a part of a religion in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to the country as a part of their duty to God." - Charles Finney
"Remember that where citizen complacency rules, wrong principles and policies will abound; and when it comes to sound government, the enemy is seldom 'them'; it is generally citizen apathy." - David Barton
As you can see, this book is filled with wisdom. And it makes the case very effectively that our Founders intended for us to be a moral and religious nation. And while they didn't want to have any sort of established religion, they certainly never intended the "wall of separation between church and state" as it is modernly interpreted.
September 29, 2015
I'm a skeptic. There, I admitted it. AND an information junkie. So a book like this--with more primary source quotes than actual writing by Barton--is utopia for me. I'd say the biggest lesson you can take from this book is: read the primary source documents for yourself. Don't depend on someone who has an agenda (and who also happens to be writing a textbook) to tell you the truth. Because they won't.
Barton has written an amazingly researched and (over)-documented work on the US Constitution. If you can read this work and still agree with the revisionist take on our founding fathers and our Christian heritage, I'd love to know how you can justify that opinion.
Barton has written an amazingly researched and (over)-documented work on the US Constitution. If you can read this work and still agree with the revisionist take on our founding fathers and our Christian heritage, I'd love to know how you can justify that opinion.
May 2, 2012
Oh my goodness! We have been had. The progressives have spent years changing our actual history to one that is fiction. Lies, distortion and fraud have been used in an attempt to discredit the founding fathers and the principles they stood for. The techniques used are outlined in David's book. His rebuttal to the spin was effective. He did his homework. We need to get back to what made this nation strong.
September 14, 2013
Should be classed as fiction, bad fiction at that.
Another book I threw away. How can the man actually believe his basic tenets when he finds that he has to rewrite history in order to try to convince others to believe?
Double check everything David Barton ever writes (do not waste money actually buying anything he has written) and you will discover many sources of facts you can depend upon and enjoy exploring-so Barton does serve a useful purpose of sorts
Another book I threw away. How can the man actually believe his basic tenets when he finds that he has to rewrite history in order to try to convince others to believe?
Double check everything David Barton ever writes (do not waste money actually buying anything he has written) and you will discover many sources of facts you can depend upon and enjoy exploring-so Barton does serve a useful purpose of sorts
July 1, 2010
Outstanding. This book debunks the current impoverished view of the Founders of this nation. I consider it a 'Must Read' if you want to retain the liberties God gave us all.
February 28, 2012
This is a must read ............This is my second time reading this book and it has so much good information.
December 3, 2011
Every American should read this book to understand how this country was supposed to work.
October 14, 2020
This book took me forever to get through 😅 Definitely worth it though. I started out reading a few pages at a time, in order to really think it through and process. Then I read the last 50-80 pages in a couple days because I was ready to have it off my stack and move on to something else.
He examines, through court cases modern and from the last 200 years as well as numerous quotes from many of the Founding Fathers, the ways in which the Supreme Court is changing (and has already changed) the function of the Judiciary as set up in the Constitution of the United States. Most specifically in regards to religion and the freedom to exercise it.
This book is heavily notated—the book portion was around 350 pages, with the total page count around 500? I appreciated this and he explains in the intro why he chose to use so many sources and citations.
He examines, through court cases modern and from the last 200 years as well as numerous quotes from many of the Founding Fathers, the ways in which the Supreme Court is changing (and has already changed) the function of the Judiciary as set up in the Constitution of the United States. Most specifically in regards to religion and the freedom to exercise it.
This book is heavily notated—the book portion was around 350 pages, with the total page count around 500? I appreciated this and he explains in the intro why he chose to use so many sources and citations.
September 20, 2010
This book leaves little doubt that the Founders were religious. Even those considered the "least religious" among them were much more so than the vast majority we find in Washington. Barton is a brilliant historian who relies on primary sources--something missing in so many "historical" accounts we find today. There are ample quotes to prove that this nation was founded on Christian principles (i.e. the Bible) and that the Founding Fathers believed that religion and the devotion to it were the only way this country would survive. I ended the book with some despair as I realized how far we have strayed from these principles and the meaning intended from our Constitution. One of the themes Barton presents is that one must study the intents of the Founders as well as the historical perspective of the 18th century. It seems that nobody does that anymore. Among the many interesting insights, Barton explains how the judicial branch of government was meant to be the weakest of the three.....yet today it has become almost the strongest. If you want to understand the religious founding and intentions for this nation, read this book. I really wish I could give everyone on Capitol Hill a copy....
February 28, 2012
David Barton makes a compelling case that the 1st amendment to the U.S Constitution has been changed dramatically from the founding fathers original intent. In numerous citations and excerpts of letters from founding fathers it becomes apparent that the Supreme Court has changed the orignal meaning of the 1st amendment. Barton cites lists of case law that has slowly but inexorably moved the country away from religious artifacts in schools/government buildings and into a more secular society.
Barton also spends a significant amount of time establishing that the vast majority of the founding fathers were indeed religious, and that the United States was created and founded in Christianity.
An interesting read, it certainly changes my viewpoint when I realize that "separation of Church and State" is NOT in the Constitution at all.
Barton also spends a significant amount of time establishing that the vast majority of the founding fathers were indeed religious, and that the United States was created and founded in Christianity.
An interesting read, it certainly changes my viewpoint when I realize that "separation of Church and State" is NOT in the Constitution at all.
July 3, 2020
Is the Constitution a document to be interpreted, adapted and corrected to fit whatever is going on in the present day (an activist point of view) or is it an established document written by men who were inspired by God and we should recognize that any question should be considered in light of what the framers intended (a constructionist point of view)? This book documents specific cases where the activist approach was taken and how those small steps have added up over time to get us to where we are now.
Currently reading
January 12, 2015I know this book is going to piss me off but it is important to understand the point of view of people who you are in opposition to politically, religiously, or ideally.
This is the path to understanding and acceptance of others, even when they are wrong. Plus, it will make it that much easier for me to conquer these people in debate.
This is the path to understanding and acceptance of others, even when they are wrong. Plus, it will make it that much easier for me to conquer these people in debate.
Read
March 2, 2012If you care about the laws our country was founded on & need to see just how far we've turned a blind eye to Government, you will like this book!
Read
February 12, 2015This book takes an intense look at the First Amendment, the courts, and the intent of the founding fathers. David Barton goes directly to the source of both the Constitution (which does not ever state �separation of church and state�) and the founding fathers� writings and quotes. He also sites many court rulings throughout history that have both supported the �original intent� as indicated in the wording of the constitution and the founding fathers own words and have reshaped and revised the intent of the first amendment.\nWhile the text was hard to push through at times, with all the citations and legalize, I found the reading to be interesting. I was challenged to reexamine some of the things I believed when it comes to religion and the government.\nI do have one very large issue with the book. It continued to reference �Chapter 18� and the �Appendix� for further information on given topics. However, the copy I read only went to Chapter 11 and had no Appendix. So I feel like I am missing good chunks of knowledge and information that I would like to have been able to read.\nEven with that, though, it was worth the read. \n
May 28, 2015
Original Intent. By David Barton.
This is a very important book for people of faith to read regarding what has happened to the religious climate of public modern America. Unbelieving haters of biblical standards have taken over America from within. By rewriting and or ignoring the original intent of the authors of the founding documents of America, a so-called politically correct movement has corrupted the American way by usurping every branch of our government and is turning our constitutional republic of free citizens into a socialist democracy that is subservient to the elitists of globalism. Learn about the misleading metaphor used in this arena and read the actual quotes of the founding fathers in contrast to what modern politicians, activists and justices say about Christianity in the public square.
This is a very important book for people of faith to read regarding what has happened to the religious climate of public modern America. Unbelieving haters of biblical standards have taken over America from within. By rewriting and or ignoring the original intent of the authors of the founding documents of America, a so-called politically correct movement has corrupted the American way by usurping every branch of our government and is turning our constitutional republic of free citizens into a socialist democracy that is subservient to the elitists of globalism. Learn about the misleading metaphor used in this arena and read the actual quotes of the founding fathers in contrast to what modern politicians, activists and justices say about Christianity in the public square.
September 10, 2008
As silly as it may seem before thumbing through this well researched reference work I had not given a great deal of thought to the fact that behind every government and society is a philosophy. This book brought this concept into stark clarity along with the realization that many of the problems in this nation today stem from from the confusion that results from abandonement of the core principles and philosophy behind our institutions of government.
October 15, 2009
Great collection of evidence to explain and support "original intent" Constitutional interpretation. Great practical advice for Christians interacting with the modern deconstruction of American Jurisprudence.
Substantive Due Process is laughable. There is no voodoo magic in the text of the Constitution that needs modern academic witch doctors to decipher. The book is jammed with primary source material to ponder and teach. Great book. A bit dry at times but very worth it.
Substantive Due Process is laughable. There is no voodoo magic in the text of the Constitution that needs modern academic witch doctors to decipher. The book is jammed with primary source material to ponder and teach. Great book. A bit dry at times but very worth it.
September 2, 2013
A great read. Very clear explanation of the original purpose and intent of the 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. Worth the effort for anyone who really wants to understand how the Constitution should be interpreted and ho may be concerned that the Supreme Court has pre-empted the role of the legislative branch.
October 31, 2023
The most scary thing about this book is not the frequent amount of times Barton fails to provide the proper context of his quotes or fervently promoting his biased agenda, but the idea that this badly written book has so many positive ratings/reviews. His claims are simply incorrect. Please pick up a good academic monograph to read instead of this dumpster fire.
Want to read
January 10, 2011Everyone needs to know the truth about the term "separation of church and state." The truth will set you free. It will explain not only the plan for limited government originally set forth in the US Constitution and Bill of Rights but how that vision can once again become reality.
July 4, 2016
How fitting to finish this book on July 4. It is amazing and troubling to read how far away from the original intent of our Founding Fathers America has moved. I wish this book was required reading for every American.
February 11, 2015
People have not educated ourselves about the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the authentic history the creation of this nation.
Buy it, read it, and pass it along to everyone you know.
Buy it, read it, and pass it along to everyone you know.
October 3, 2016
Excellent Reference.
November 24, 2019
I read this book over 10 years ago, and here is the review I wrote then. Since then, I know that Barton ran into some trouble with his scholarship. I don't know what the outcome of that was. Either way, I think his book is worth reading. It is repetitive and tedious, but there is enough material in there to provoke serious thought. I did edit my original review from 2008 a little since I am not sure I agree with myself totally from then!
Most people understand that there has been somewhat of a shift in the mindset of the leadership of our country; however, sometimes it is hard to figure out where the shift occurred and why our country operates the way it does now (in contrast to what we have heard it has operated in the past). For example, we know that we have not always had to deal with this heavy-handed approach to any form of public religious expression by our government. But, we are not sure why, how, or if it should be this way. Perhaps you have done a little more thinking and research about this than the average person. Yet, you probably still have a sense of what has happened, but you don’t know how to present it and you still aren’t sure if you could prove it.
David Barton in Original Intent presents an argument that explains the Original Intent of the governing documents and the founding fathers convictions regarding religious expression in the United States. His support is so thorough and what he presents is so radically different from what we are hearing today, that it is alarming that our current system from the last 50 years has had the audacity to shift in such a manner. David Barton also answers how the current system has accomplished this, and why we haven’t been able to do anything about it. And finally, after all this, he presents four steps we can follow that will lead us back to the Original Intent of the Founders.
Most people understand that there has been somewhat of a shift in the mindset of the leadership of our country; however, sometimes it is hard to figure out where the shift occurred and why our country operates the way it does now (in contrast to what we have heard it has operated in the past). For example, we know that we have not always had to deal with this heavy-handed approach to any form of public religious expression by our government. But, we are not sure why, how, or if it should be this way. Perhaps you have done a little more thinking and research about this than the average person. Yet, you probably still have a sense of what has happened, but you don’t know how to present it and you still aren’t sure if you could prove it.
David Barton in Original Intent presents an argument that explains the Original Intent of the governing documents and the founding fathers convictions regarding religious expression in the United States. His support is so thorough and what he presents is so radically different from what we are hearing today, that it is alarming that our current system from the last 50 years has had the audacity to shift in such a manner. David Barton also answers how the current system has accomplished this, and why we haven’t been able to do anything about it. And finally, after all this, he presents four steps we can follow that will lead us back to the Original Intent of the Founders.
November 5, 2024
David Barton is a revisionist historian who firmly believes that America should be a theocracy. The religion he wants to rule every American is Born Again Evangelical Prostestanism. I just read this to see what the enemy thinks.
Barton bangs on with the same old Christian lie that they are being persecuted -- even though they have all the money, power, and privileges.
There are dozens, if not hundreds of religions in America. The reason why no religious imagery is sometimes not tolerated in public areas is because it's just impractical to put up the images of ALL the religions. If you just put up one image, then that promotes one religion over the others. It's a moot point anyway, since militant Christians just stick their shit up anyway and harass anyone mercilessly who points out the obvious.
And agnostic, atheists and Native Americans aren't considered good Americans, and therefore should never hold public office or take part in government.
Also, what the "original intent" of the writers of the Constitution doesn't matter AT ALL for Supreme Court Justices according to the Constitution. The Supreme Court was given the power BY THE CONSTITUTION to do whatever the fuck it wants.
But if Barton acknowledged that, he wouldn't get money from the Religious Right.
Barton bangs on with the same old Christian lie that they are being persecuted -- even though they have all the money, power, and privileges.
There are dozens, if not hundreds of religions in America. The reason why no religious imagery is sometimes not tolerated in public areas is because it's just impractical to put up the images of ALL the religions. If you just put up one image, then that promotes one religion over the others. It's a moot point anyway, since militant Christians just stick their shit up anyway and harass anyone mercilessly who points out the obvious.
And agnostic, atheists and Native Americans aren't considered good Americans, and therefore should never hold public office or take part in government.
Also, what the "original intent" of the writers of the Constitution doesn't matter AT ALL for Supreme Court Justices according to the Constitution. The Supreme Court was given the power BY THE CONSTITUTION to do whatever the fuck it wants.
But if Barton acknowledged that, he wouldn't get money from the Religious Right.
August 8, 2019
This is a book that reads like a law text book in some chapters, then scurries along in others. If you are interested in learning what the original intent of the founding fathers was, this is the book for you. It mainly covers the first amendment and the subject of religion and freedom of religion. The book will show you how revisionist judges of the Supreme Court, through out our history have basically re-written or re-interpreted the first amendment to suit their agenda. The book also delves into the meaning and spelling of words as they were written in it's original format, and how the meaning of words have changed over the years. We have drifted from the original intent of the founding fathers, which in my mind is why we have so many problems in our society today. We have lost virtue, morality and religion!
February 14, 2022
This book reveals that America was started a Christian nation from our founding fathers.
The citations to all truths in this book are airtight and accurate.
David Barton has been highly criticised from those who reject the truths that America was founded a Christian nation.
David Barton filed a lawsuit against a critic for defamation of character. This was to obtain a precedent within the court.
The settlement money was donated to history society's.
It was a case for further credibility, not money.
The citations to all truths in this book are airtight and accurate.
David Barton has been highly criticised from those who reject the truths that America was founded a Christian nation.
David Barton filed a lawsuit against a critic for defamation of character. This was to obtain a precedent within the court.
The settlement money was donated to history society's.
It was a case for further credibility, not money.
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November 29, 2019one of those dry but informative reads. Eh, I mark it read because I got through half of the recorded legislation of bills and legal matters. Good reference on legislation that has imposed on our american freedoms.
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