The WallBuilders Show

Ever wonder why we wave the flag on July 4th? As America approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, understanding the true foundations of our liberty has never been more critical.The evidence is hiding in plain sight, yet rarely taught. When America's founding fathers first gathered in 1774, they didn't immediately dive into politics—they spent two hours in prayer and Bible study. By the revolution's end, the Continental Congress had called for national prayer 15 times. Even the Peace Treaty of Paris that secured our independence begins with "In the name of the most holy and undivided Trinity."George Washington himself witnessed so many miraculous interventions during the Revolution that he joked he'd "seen enough miracles to become a preacher." In his Farewell Address, he declared religion and morality "indispensable supports" to America's success, while John Adams insisted our Constitution "was made only for a moral and religious people."This episode of "Rebuilding Liberty" featuring Tim Barton reveals the forgotten Christian foundations of American independence through primary sources and historical documents. You'll discover how the biblical principles that unified our founders remain essential for preserving freedom today. The founding fathers understood that liberty requires virtue, and virtue flows from faith—a truth as relevant now as it was in 1776.As we approach America's semiquincentennial, join us in rediscovering the atmosphere of Christianity that breathed life into our nation's birth. Share this eye-opening perspective with others who need to understand why America's flag is worthy of being waved—not just on July 4th, but every day we cherish freedom.Listen to the full "Rebuilding Liberty" course at wallbuilders.com or sign up as a host at patriotacademy.com to share these essential truths with your community.Support the show

What if everything you thought you knew about religion in American education was wrong? Dive into the eye-opening reality of how deeply the Bible was woven into the fabric of public education throughout most of American history.Our journey through forgotten educational practices reveals that in 1816 New Jersey, first and second-grade students in public schools didn't just learn about the Bible—they memorized entire books of scripture. One particularly diligent student had committed to memory the Gospel of John, 30 Psalms, and Psalm 119. This wasn't happening in private religious schools, but in taxpayer-funded public education.The evidence continues with Noah Webster's original 1828 dictionary, where 27% of word definitions included Bible verse references. Presidents from Zachary Taylor to Ulysses S. Grant publicly declared the Bible "the best school book in the world" and encouraged American youth to "hold fast to the Bible as the sheet anchor of your liberties." As late as 1947, public schools across major American cities offered Bible courses for credit.This episode doesn't just uncover forgotten history—it provides a practical roadmap forward. Recent Supreme Court decisions, particularly the Coach Kennedy case, have established a "history and tradition test" that creates new opportunities for constitutional religious expression in schools. Today, Bible curriculum is taught in 4,000 public schools reaching 600,000 students nationwide.You'll learn actionable steps to restore religious liberty in your community: displaying the national motto "In God We Trust" in government buildings, advocating for Ten Commandments displays in schools, implementing chaplain programs, and introducing constitutional Bible curriculum.The religious liberty landscape is changing dramatically. The walls that once seemed impenetrable now have openings—but walking through them requires knowledge and courage. Join us in this mission to rebuild liberty by understanding our past and creating a future where America's educational system once again embraces its full constitutional heritage.Support the show

The battle for religious liberty in America has reached a historic turning point, with implications that reach into every community and classroom across the nation. In this powerful episode of Rebuilding Liberty, David Barton uncovers the dramatic transformation in how courts interpret religious expression in public life.For half a century, the "Lemon test" served as the legal standard that systematically pushed faith out of public spaces—cited over 7,000 times to justify removing prayers, crosses, Ten Commandments displays, and religious references from schools and government property. But in a stunning reversal, recent Supreme Court decisions have completely abandoned this approach, replacing it with a "history and tradition test" that presumes constitutional protection for religious expressions with historical precedent in American life.Barton takes listeners on a fascinating journey through America's educational history, revealing startling facts about our nation's religious foundations. Did you know America's first public school law was called "The Old Deluder Satan Act," explicitly created to ensure biblical literacy? Or that the first English-language Bible printed in America was officially recommended by Congress for use in schools? These historical revelations dismantle the modern myth that America's founders intended education to be secular.From the New England Primer that taught colonial children their ABCs through Bible verses to founding father Benjamin Rush's insistence that "the only foundation for a useful education in a republic is to be laid in religion," this episode reconstructs the authentic American understanding of faith in public life.This isn't just history—it's a roadmap for restoring religious liberty today. As crosses return to veterans' memorials and expressions of faith re-enter the public square, we're witnessing the constitutional correction that reconnects America with its founding principles. For anyone concerned about religious freedom, education, or constitutional rights, this episode provides both the historical context and practical hope for rebuilding liberty in our time.Support the show

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, a profound question hangs in the balance: will we reclaim our founding principles or continue sliding away from them? The Rebuild Liberty course tackles this challenge head-on with practical, accessible solutions for everyday Americans concerned about preserving freedom.This groundbreaking program reveals how our current cultural struggles stem not primarily from political divisions but from spiritual and educational foundations being eroded. Drawing on powerful historical connections between faith and liberty, the course illuminates how the church once served as the epicenter of American freedom—a legacy waiting to be reclaimed.Pastor Jimmy Pruitt's compelling testimony about his awakening during COVID restrictions exemplifies what happens when faith leaders rediscover their historical role in defending liberty. "I had to decide: did I want my legacy to be that I was safe, or that I was dangerous?" His journey from political disengagement to cultural leadership serves as a powerful model for both clergy and laypeople.The course introduces a remarkably accessible "two-two-two" framework that transforms abstract concerns into concrete action: two hours weekly dedicated to liberty-focused activities, two percent of resources invested in freedom causes, and twice-weekly public advocacy. This approach makes civic engagement manageable for even the busiest Americans.Perhaps most ambitious is the goal to organize 5,000 celebrations across America for July 4, 2026—creating a nationwide movement of citizens recommitting to our founding principles. The Constitution Coach Program provides the tools for anyone to host small groups studying our founding documents, no expertise required.Beyond education, the course offers a 12-step recovery program for our constitutional republic, organized into practical categories: restoring civic literacy, revitalizing religious liberty, and reestablishing limited government. Participants choose which steps align with their interests and abilities.Ready to help rebuild liberty in your community? Join thousands of Americans preparing for 2026 by signing up for free at patriotacademy.com and accessing the complete course materials today.Support the show

The countdown to America's 250th birthday has begun, but are we prepared to celebrate with true understanding rather than empty patriotism? In this powerful introduction to the Rebuilding Liberty initiative, we confront the alarming reality that many Americans have forgotten what made our nation exceptional in the first place.Ronald Reagan warned us about this exact problem four decades ago: "If we forget what we did, we won't know who we are." His words proved prophetic as we've witnessed the erosion of American memory leading to confusion about our national identity. The semi-quincentennial celebration in 2026 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild liberty on its proper foundation – not just wave flags, but understand why those flags are worthy of being waved.The Declaration of Independence provides our blueprint. Thomas Jefferson's revolutionary document wasn't just a statement of independence but a formula for liberty that remains relevant today. We explore the essential building blocks: truth as our foundation, the Creator as the source of our rights, the pursuit of happiness through free enterprise, and the critical concept of consent of the governed. These principles formed the intellectual architecture that made America exceptional and must be restored if we hope to preserve freedom.We've grown dangerously comfortable, valuing safety over liberty. This misplaced priority has led to cultural decay as citizens become unwilling to risk reputation or comfort to maintain their freedoms. Rebuilding liberty requires courage – the willingness to speak truth, question established institutions, and actively participate in civic life despite personal costs. Our ambitious goal: educate 5 million Americans about constitutional principles, develop 100,000 Constitution coaches, support 10,000 liberty-minded candidates, and organize 5,000 meaningful celebrations for July 4, 2026.Join us at patriotacademy.com to become part of this movement. The window of opportunity is open, but it won't stay open forever. Will you help transform this moment into a movement that secures liberty for generations to come?Support the show

Divorce Rates Are Falling and Marriage Is Rising, Says Leading Researcherhttps://www.crosswalk.com/headlines/contributors/michael-foust/divorce-rates-are-falling-and-marriage-is-rising-says-leading-researcher.htmlGallup: Americans united on immorality of adultery, divided on abortionhttps://catholicvote.org/gallup-americans-united-on-immorality-of-adultery-divided-on-abortion/Trump Notches Gargantuan Win for Christians Who Were Banned from Sharing Their Faithhttps://www.westernjournal.com/trump-notches-gargantuan-win-christians-banned-sharing-faith/Supreme Court Allows Trump to Fire Education Department Employeeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/us/supreme-court-allows-trump-to-fire-education-department-employees-5887269Poll Shows Americans 18-29 are Becoming More Pro-Lifehttps://www.lifenews.com/2025/06/18/poll-shows-americans-18-29-are-becoming-more-pro-life/American society is experiencing a quiet but significant return to traditional values, defying decades of cultural decline narratives. Fresh data from the University of Virginia reveals divorce rates have fallen a remarkable 40% since the early 1980s, with the steepest drops occurring in the last fifteen years. Simultaneously, more children are growing up in two-parent households, reversing a troubling trend that had particularly devastated certain communities.This shift toward family stability appears to be bringing additional benefits. Marriage is encouraging healthier expressions of masculinity, with married men working harder, drinking less, and channeling traditionally masculine traits like protection and provision in ways that benefit their families and communities. The restoration of these traditional family structures creates a more stable foundation for raising the next generation of leaders.Religious expression is gaining renewed protection in public spaces. A recent Trump administration directive affirmed federal employees' right to express their faith in the workplace, normalizing religious conversation rather than treating it as something to be hidden away. This represents a significant change from previous administrations' approaches to religious expression in government settings.Perhaps most surprising are shifting attitudes on abortion, particularly among young adults. A Gallup poll shows that in just two years, the percentage of 18-29 year olds identifying as pro-life increased by eight points, while those supporting abortion in all circumstances dropped fourteen points. While this doesn't indicate complete opposition to abortion, it suggests Gen Z may not follow predicted patterns of increasing abortion support.When examining moral attitudes more broadly, Americans remain divided on issues like transgenderism, abortion, and same-sex relationships, often along partisan lines. Yet there are surprising points of unity: 89% of Americans view adultery as morally wrong, with cloning and suicide also widely rejected across political divides.These trends suggest America may be reaching a cultural inflection point where traditional values are experiencing renewed appreSupport the show

Today's episode dives deep into constitutional questions that reveal the complex interplay between America's founding principles and current debates about citizenship, federal funding, and religious foundations.When a listener asks about dual citizenship, we uncover a fascinating historical shift. While America traditionally emphasized singular national loyalty, the Supreme Court's 1967 ruling dramatically changed citizenship policies. This transformation reflects broader cultural changes in how we view commitment—a shift from steadfast loyalty to seeking multiple options and escape hatches. The discussion raises profound questions about what happens when citizens maintain divided allegiances during challenging times.The conversation takes an illuminating turn when examining claims about Planned Parenthood funding in recent legislation. What begins as a simple fact-check reveals the surprising power of unelected officials in the legislative process. The Senate parliamentarian's decision to reduce defunding from ten years to one demonstrates how procedural mechanisms can fundamentally alter major policy decisions with little public awareness.Perhaps most compelling is our examination of the founding fathers' religious beliefs. When confronted with claims that figures like Jefferson, Franklin, and Madison were deists who rejected Christian principles, we present documented evidence that paints a dramatically different picture. Drawing from Professor Donald Lutz's comprehensive research analyzing 15,000 founding-era writings, we demonstrate that the Bible was the single most cited source (34%) in the founders' documents—far outpacing Montesquieu, Blackstone, and Locke.The narrative of America being founded on anything other than predominantly Judeo-Christian principles simply doesn't withstand historical scrutiny. Benjamin Franklin's famous call for prayer during the Constitutional Convention hardly aligns with portraying him as a deist who believed in an uninvolved creator.For those wanting to explore these topics further, visit wallbuilders.com for primary source documents and deeper insights into America's true constitutional foundations. These questions remind us that understanding our nation's principles requires moving beyond simplified narratives to embrace the rich complexity of our shared heritage.Support the show

ResourcesSetting the Record Straight: American History in Black and WhiteThe tangled relationship between race and politics in America contains shocking truths that have been systematically erased from our collective memory. When Texas Democrats recently fled the state to break quorum on redistricting legislation, they unknowingly echoed tactics used by their political ancestors in the 1870s—though the historical context reveals a dramatically different motivation.Did you know the Republican Party of Texas was founded on July 4, 1867, by 150 Black Americans and only 20 white Americans? Or that census records from the 1870s documented just one Black Democrat in the entire state of Mississippi? These aren't fringe theories or alternative facts—they're documented historical truths that challenge everything most Americans believe about race and political affiliation.The electoral record speaks volumes: the first 42 Black elected officials in Texas history were all Republicans. This pattern repeats across the South—the first 99 in Alabama, 127 in Louisiana, 41 in Georgia, and 112 in Mississippi were Republicans without exception. Even more surprising, the Ku Klux Klan's founding documents explicitly stated they were created to "regain power from Republicans," not primarily to target Black Americans. Between 1882-1964, approximately 4,700 Americans were lynched—about 3,500 Black and 1,300 white—revealing the KKK's violence was politically motivated, targeting Republicans of both races.The gradual transition of Black voters from Republican to Democratic support throughout the 20th century is a complex story often mischaracterized as a sudden "party switch." In reality, most Black Americans still supported Republican Eisenhower in the 1950s, with major shifts occurring gradually through FDR's Depression-era programs and later civil rights legislation.We also spotlight forgotten heroes like Matthew Gaines, a Black Republican state senator who created one of America's first faith-based healing programs after the Civil War. These stories remind us that understanding American history requires examining the biographical accounts systematically excluded from modern narratives.Want to discover more hidden history? Visit wallbuilders.com and search "Black History" for resources that will transform your understanding of America's complex past. Share this episode with someone who believes they know American history—they're in for an eye-opening experience.Support the show

https://arkencounter.com/Stepping into the Ark Encounter feels like walking straight into biblical history. This architectural marvel—the largest freestanding timber frame structure in the world—stretches one-and-a-half football fields in length, stands 10 stories high, and brings Noah's epic journey to life through state-of-the-art exhibits that rival anything you'd find at Disney or Universal Studios.Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis, reveals some astonishing facts about this attraction and its sister site, the Creation Museum. Together, these destinations have welcomed nearly 15 million visitors since opening, with the Ark alone drawing approximately one million people annually. But what's truly remarkable isn't just the attendance numbers—it's who's coming through the doors. About 30% of visitors aren't Christians, representing diverse faiths including Sikhs, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, and various denominations. As Ham notes, "It's a mix you would never see in church."The impact extends far beyond tourism. Research consistently shows that roughly 7% of Ark visitors—approximately 70,000 people annually—become Christians as a direct result of their experience. Combined with similar figures from the Creation Museum, these attractions are leading nearly 100,000 people to faith each year. But why? Because they directly address the foundational questions that often prevent belief: Can we trust the Bible's historical claims? Could Noah really fit all those animals on the Ark? What about evolution and fossils?For believers, these attractions serve an equally vital purpose. Many Christians feel intimidated when challenged about their faith because they lack answers to difficult questions. The exhibits provide clear, compelling responses to these challenges, equipping visitors to defend biblical truth with newfound confidence. "I've learned more here than in my whole life in church or even at Bible college," visitors frequently comment.Ready to experience it yourself? Ham recommends allowing at least three days to fully explore both attractions. While summer draws the largest crowds (5,000-11,000 daily at the Ark alone), special programs run year-round, including Christmas celebrations and the 40 Days of Christian Music Festival. Visit arkencounter.com to plan your journey into biblical history and discover why these destinations are changing lives around the world.Support the show

What happens when 150 young patriotic Americans gather to learn the legislative process through a biblical worldview? At Patriot Academy, the answer comes alive as students from across the nation engage in committee work, floor debates, and deep discussions about America's founding principles.Rick Green and Tim Barton welcome listeners to this special broadcast from Patriot Academy campus, where tomorrow's leaders are developing the skills needed to make a difference in their communities. The atmosphere crackles with curiosity as students step forward with thoughtful questions spanning from constitutional relevance to effective dialogue with non-believers.When asked about the Constitution's modern relevance, Tim addresses a concerning trend even among conservative youth who question whether this foundational document is outdated. "Even a benevolent dictator is still not good," Tim explains, emphasizing how the Constitution's checks and balances protect liberty rather than hinder progress. This perspective offers a crucial counterpoint to those suggesting we should abandon constitutional constraints.The discussion takes a profound turn when exploring how believers can engage respectfully with those who don't share their faith. Tim shares his approach: "Our goal is not to win the conversation, it's to win the person." By starting with the question "How do you determine right and wrong?" he creates a pathway to meaningful dialogue that respects the individual while introducing objective moral standards.Perhaps the most illuminating segment examines how American education has dramatically shifted from its historical foundations. Early education built upon a sequence: religion, then morality, then knowledge. The 1647 "Old Deluder Satan Law" established schools primarily so children could read the Bible. This historical perspective challenges modern approaches that often separate moral foundations from knowledge acquisition.Whether you're a parent concerned about education, a person of faith seeking better dialogue skills, or a patriot interested in constitutional principles, this episode offers wisdom for navigating today's complex cultural landscape. Listen now to be encouraged and equipped for principled leadership in your own sphere of influence.Support the show