According to the conventional wisdom American constitutional democracy stemmed from Athenian democracy, Roman Law, English legal practices, and the Magna Carta. This book agrees that democracy was born in Athens. However, as the title suggests, the thesis of this book claims that constitutionalism in the sense of an agreed text sanctioning procedures of legislation, government, and power flow germinated in pre-state Israel better known as Israel of the Judges. The thesis of the book consists of three concepts: (1) The roots of American constitutionalism are in biblical Israel; this concept has been debated by scholars of constitutional history. (2) Proto-Israel also known as Israel of the Judges had no king as the Book of Judges claims; however it had a covenant which it enforced. Naturally, this belief is as old as the Bible; however, its proof is new. (3) American constitutionalism did not stem from studying and applying biblical recipes. It rather evolved through a sequence of embodiments each passing on the torch of essential traditions to its heir. This concept is new. The book is not intended to shake your understanding of the constitution; however it will answer questions you might have asked or even questions you never asked.

In The Origins of American Constitutionalism, Donald S. Lutz challenges the prevailing notion that the United States Constitution was either essentially inherited from the British or simply invented by the Federalists in the summer of 1787. His political theory of constitutionalism acknowledges the contributions of the British and the Federalists. Lutz also asserts, however, that the U.S. Constitution derives in form and content from a tradition of American colonial characters and documents of political foundation that began a century and a half prior to 1787. Lutz builds his argument around a close textual analysis of such documents as the Mayflower Compact, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, the Rode Island Charter of 1663, the first state constitutions, the Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation. He shows that American Constitutionalism developed to a considerable degree from radical Protestant interpretations of the Judeo-Christian tradition that were first secularized into political compacts and then incorporated into constitutions and bills of rights. Over time, appropriations that enriched this tradition included aspects of English common law and English Whig theory. Lutz also looks at the influence of Montesquieu, Locke, Blackstone, and Hume. In addition, he details the importance of Americans' experiences and history to the political theory that produced the Constitution. By placing the Constitution within this broader constitutional system, Lutz demonstrates that the document is the culmination of a long process and must be understood within this context. His argument also offers a fresh view of current controversies over the Framers' intentions, the place of religion in American politics, and citizens' continuing role in the development of the constitutional tradition.

Why are Americans so willing to relinquish the ideal of self-government to an enlarging and ever-encroaching federal government? Why are we relinquishing our property rights? How can we accept imposed limits on our religious freedom? Who should be held responsible for the nation?The Bible and the Constitution has the answer to these questions and many more perplexing challenges. It is for those who cherish the Constitution and hold self-governance dear. As each generation is less literate in the history and principles of liberty, this book is a daybreak of truth.This primer on American liberty attests to the vital role of the Bible in American history. The Bible has been our textbook of civil and religious liberty and produced our constitutional government. Primary source documents outlined in this book authenticate the Bible as the major influence on the making of the Constitution.This new edition commemorates the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower Compact when a small group of Pilgrims landed at Plimoth, Massachusetts and dealt with the supreme issue of all civilizations-how they might govern and be governed. The Mayflower Compact became "the first foundation of their government in this place" (Bradford) and set the stage for the growth of a Christian self-governing nation.The Forward includes essays from Dr. Gai Ferdon, Marshall Foster, Stephen McDowell, Paul Jehle and Rosalie Slater. The book includes study questions for each chapter, illustrations, facsimile reproduction of artillery sermons and the Year of the Bible Declarations (1983, President Ronald Reagan).This beautiful, keepsake edition can be passed down to generations. It is suitable for use in individual study, classrooms, home schooling and study groups. Hardbound, gold embossed linen cover, 8 1/2" X 11", 67 pages.

"From the founding of the colonies to the declaration of the Supreme Court, America's heritage is built upon the principles of the Christian religion. And yet the secularists are dismantling this foundation brick by brick, attempting to deny the very core of our national life. Gary DeMar presents well-documented facts which will change your perspective about what it means to be a Christian in America; the truth about America's Christian past as it relates to supreme court justices, and presidents; the Christian character of colonial charters, state constitutions, and the US Constitution; the Christian foundation of colleges, the Christian character of Washington, D.C.; the origin of Thanksgiving and so much more."--Publisher's description

Using the writings of the founders and records of their conversations and activities, John Eidsmoe demonstrates the influence of Christianity on the political convictions of the founding fathers.