American Gospel: Faith, Politics, and the Founding of a Nation

In a time of national division marked by extremism, "American Gospel" looks to the past to offer a fresh perspective. Jon Meacham delves into the captivating history of America's journey through the intersections of faith and politics. From John Winthrop's iconic "city on a hill" sermon to Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, from the proposed nineteenth-century Christian Amendment to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s fight for civil rights, and from the leadership of George Washington to Ronald Reagan's presidency, the book paints a rich tapestry of American history.

In the discourse on faith and politics, opinions can often create more division than enlightenment. Some argue for a strict separation of church and state, while others revere the Founding Fathers as almost holy figures. As demonstrated by Meacham in this compelling narrative, both extremes miss the mark. Central to the American ethos is the concept of "public faith," as Franklin eloquently put it, where all individuals are endowed with inherent rights by a higher power, safeguarding personal beliefs from governmental intrusion. This delicate balance has been a cornerstone of American society, standing the test of time.

In his extensive writing and speaking engagements on faith and politics, Meacham brings historical authority and a message of hope to the challenges we face. Through his work in "American Gospel," he compellingly emphasizes that our nation's best chance of embracing what Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature" lies in rediscovering the spirit and principles of our Founding. By looking back, we can illuminate a path forward.

Reward for American Gospel

“In his
American Gospel , Jon Meacham offers a refreshingly clear, balanced, and smart historic portrait of faith and American politics at precisely the second when such equity and understanding are a lot wanted. Anybody who doubts the relevance of historical past to our personal time has solely to learn this distinctive ebook.”
—David McCullough, creator of 1776

“Jon Meacham has given us an insightful and eloquent account of the non secular basis of the early days of the American republic. It’s particularly instructive studying at a time when the nation is directly engaged in and deeply divided on the query of faith and its place in public life.”
—Tom Brokaw, creator of The Biggest Era