What if the Fourth of July was actually meant to be celebrated as a religious holiday? That's exactly how the founding fathers envisioned it.

On this special Independence Day episode we unpack the profound Christian foundations of American freedom. They reveal how John Adams, writing to his wife Abigail on July 2nd (the actual day independence was declared), envisioned future celebrations with "solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty." Sixty-one years later, John Quincy Adams would explain that July 4th had become America's second most venerated holiday after Christmas because "the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior."

The Bartons dive deep into the Declaration's acknowledgment that human equality and inalienable rights come from our Creator, not from government. This revolutionary concept shattered the European hierarchical worldview where kings, nobles, and elites stood above common people. They explore how the founders understood freedom not as license to do whatever one pleases, but as liberty guided by "the laws of nature and nature's God."

This perspective couldn't be more relevant today. When government officials claim authority to determine which rights are essential during emergencies, they've forgotten the Declaration's fundamental principle: rights come from God, not government, and government exists to protect those rights, not suspend them.

As America approaches its 250th birthday, understanding these foundations is crucial. The atmosphere that nurtures freedom must be preserved if we hope to pass this precious inheritance to future generations. Listen to discover why July 4th isn't just about fireworks and barbecues, but about celebrating the spiritual seeds that produced the most free, stable, and prosperous nation in world history.

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A powerful shift is happening across America, and it's capturing everything from geopolitics to youth culture. The ripple effects of Israel's confrontation with Iran extend far beyond the Middle East, potentially crippling China's economic future. Why? Because China imports over 90% of Iran's oil exports at half the market price – a lifeline for both regimes that could soon collapse.

The Supreme Court delivered another victory for religious freedom by vacating a New York ruling that forced the Catholic Diocese of Albany to cover abortions in their healthcare plans. Astonishingly, New York denied the Diocese religious exemptions because they serve everyone and employ non-Catholics – essentially punishing them for being inclusive. This years-long battle demonstrates the persistent challenges faith organizations face even when constitutional protections should be clear.

Perhaps most encouraging is the transformation happening among young Americans. Recent Gallup polling reveals a significant 10-point drop in support for unrestricted abortion among 18-29 year olds. This shift aligns with other trends showing Gen Z's renewed interest in spiritual matters, Bible reading, and traditional values – potentially signaling the early stages of a genuine revival.

Meanwhile, David and Tim Barton share their experience leading state legislators through Washington DC's historical sites, helping elected officials connect with America's spiritual heritage through visits to Arlington National Cemetery and other significant monuments. These tours highlight the profound faith influences that shaped our nation but are often forgotten in modern discourse.

These developments collectively point toward a positive cultural shift that strengthens America's foundational principles. While challenges remain, there's growing evidence that many Americans are rediscovering the biblical, historical, and constitutional perspectives that built our nation.

Visit wallbuilders.com to access more resources and support our ongoing work.

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Ever wonder why Thomas Jefferson and George Washington remain our most controversial founding fathers? In this eye-opening exploration of America's founding narratives, we unpack the deliberate attacks on these pivotal figures and why they're specifically targeted by those seeking to reshape America's identity.

The episode begins with a listener question about Jefferson's complex relationship with slavery - a perfect entry point to discuss how historical sites like Monticello now emphasize his slave ownership while minimizing his anti-slavery positions. David Barton, author of "The Jefferson Lies," explains how returning to original source documents reveals a very different Jefferson than the one presented in modern academia.

We dive into the famous DNA controversy surrounding Sally Hemings, with surprising insights from Robert F. Turner, the University of Virginia professor who conducted the actual tests. His conclusion? Among the 26+ Jefferson males who could potentially have fathered Hemings' children, Thomas Jefferson ranks among the least likely candidates - information rarely discussed in mainstream historical accounts.

The conversation expands to explore why Washington and Jefferson specifically face disproportionate criticism compared to other founders. The answer reveals a strategic approach: by discrediting America's most influential founders, one can more effectively undermine the constitutional principles and limited government vision they established.

As we approach America's 250th anniversary, this discussion couldn't be more timely. We explore forgotten resources about all 56 signers of the Declaration and the significant contributions of revolutionary-era women - stories once taught in American classrooms but now largely unknown. The episode concludes with a delightful explanation of how political parties acquired their animal symbols, with a special answer for a seven-year-old listener.

Join us for this fascinating journey through American history, where we separate myth from fact and restore the complex, inspiring truth about our nation's founders.

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Ryan Walters is turning Oklahoma education on its head, and the rest of America should take note. The state's Superintendent of Public Instruction joins the WallBuilders Show to share his revolutionary approach to transforming a system long dominated by teachers unions and progressive ideology.

At the core of Walters' education revolution is a simple but powerful concept: returning control to parents. "God gave kids to parents, not to government, not to bureaucracy, not to teachers unions," he explains with unwavering conviction. This philosophy drives his most promising initiative – bringing the Bible back into Oklahoma classrooms as essential historical and literary content.

Walters makes a compelling case that ignores modern educational dogma: "How do you learn American history without the Bible? How do you learn about literature without the Bible?" He points out the absurdity of excluding the most influential book in American history from education while challenging the 1960s Supreme Court decisions that removed Biblical content from schools. His approach has triggered multiple lawsuits, but he remains undeterred, confident that accurate historical education requires understanding the Bible's profound influence on American founding principles.

Beyond curriculum reform, Walters has implemented practical changes that directly address teacher satisfaction and student performance. He's introduced merit-based pay that rewards excellence ("If you're one of the best science teachers in the state, I want you to make more money"), restored classroom discipline, and provided real-time guidance for teachers handling complex current events like the Israel-Iran conflict. The results speak for themselves – record teacher recruitment despite national shortages.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Walters identifies his fellow Republicans as his greatest obstacle. Despite Oklahoma's Republican supermajority, he describes "an absolute dogfight" to implement conservative education reforms because "Republicans sell out to an establishment... rather than fight for the ideals America was founded on." This candid assessment reveals the true challenge of meaningful education reform – not just defeating progressive opposition but overcoming resistance within conservative ranks.

Ready to learn how your state can implement similar reforms? Listen now to discover Ryan Walters' practical roadmap for reclaiming education from bureaucracy and returning it to its foundational purpose.

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Have we fundamentally misunderstood the nature of our unalienable rights? The Declaration's famous phrase "among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" suggests there's much more to our God-given rights than these three foundational principles. We dive deep into how the Founders understood natural rights as observable in nature itself – from self-defense to property rights – and how these extend beyond the Declaration into approximately 17-18 distinct rights protected in the Bill of Rights.

This exploration naturally leads us to question modern assumptions about constitutional authority. While today's legal education teaches that Supreme Court opinions effectively become "the law," this directly contradicts the Founders' intent. The Federalist Papers explicitly described the judiciary as "beyond comparison the weakest" branch of government. We examine how Congress actually possesses constitutional authority to remove issues from judicial review entirely – a power rarely exercised but critically important in maintaining proper separation of powers.

Perhaps most troubling in our current moment is the infiltration of Marxist ideology into American churches. Even traditionally conservative denominations now face potential splits over critical race theory and DEI initiatives. This group-identity framework fundamentally contradicts biblical teaching that "in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free." Scripture recognizes only one meaningful distinction – between those who know God and those who don't – rather than dividing people by immutable characteristics.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of America's founding, understanding these principles isn't merely academic – it's essential for preserving the constitutional republic our Founders established. Join us as we examine these crucial questions from biblical, historical, and constitutional perspectives.

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Congresswoman Mary Miller brings her refreshing brand of common sense to the WallBuilders Show, sharing her bold initiative to transform June from Pride Month into Family Month. As a mother of seven and grandmother of twenty-two, Miller speaks with authenticity about the critical importance of returning to family values in an age of confusion.

"I believe God's left us on earth as believers to overcome evil with good," Miller explains, outlining her strategy for countering what she sees as the left's hijacking of June to promote gender confusion and hyper-sexualization of children. Rather than merely opposing something, she's offering a positive alternative—a celebration of the American family as the cornerstone of society.

Miller's resolution represents the first step in a larger vision. She hopes to establish a "full-fledged month" celebrating families by 2026, America's 250th anniversary. The timing couldn't be more crucial, as CDC reports show plummeting birth rates and declining marriage rates among young Americans. Through her role as Chairwoman of the Congressional Family Caucus, Miller is fighting to reverse these trends by affirming traditional family structures.

The conversation shifts to Washington politics, where Miller offers insider perspective on the "big beautiful bill" moving through Congress. She highlights critical provisions like restricting SNAP benefits to U.S. citizens only and removing green energy tax credits she calls "a total scam." Her agricultural background gives her unique insight into how these policies affect America's heartland.

Perhaps most powerful is Miller's call to courage: "Evil never retreats on its own, only when it's confronted by a more powerful force," she reminds listeners. "We need to quit being so wimpy. We need to be a force against evil, against bad ideas."

Ready to join the movement to celebrate and strengthen American families? Visit wallbuilders.com to learn more about supporting initiatives like Congresswoman Miller's Family Month resolution and to access resources for biblical citizenship.

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