American Gospel: The Role of Faith in Shaping the Nation

In a time when our nation seems divided by extremism, "American Gospel" draws on the past to offer a fresh perspective. Meacham delves into the rich history of a country navigating the complex relationship between faith and politics. From John Winthrop's iconic "city on a hill" sermon to Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, from the Revolution to the Civil War, from the proposed nineteenth-century Christian Amendment to the Constitution to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s advocacy for civil rights, and from George Washington to Ronald Reagan, this exploration sheds light on the intertwined evolution of American faith and politics.

Debates on the intersection of faith and politics can often be more divisive than enlightening. Secularists emphasize the "wall of separation between church and state," while some conservatives idealize the Founding Fathers as almost sacred figures. Meacham's narrative presents a different perspective, showing that neither extreme fully captures the essence of the American experiment. At its core is the notion of "public faith," as Franklin termed it, where God grants every individual inalienable rights while safeguarding personal beliefs from government intrusion. This delicate balance has been a cornerstone of American society, guiding us through the complexities of faith and politics.

Through his extensive writing and speaking engagements on faith and politics, Meacham brings a historic authority and a sense of hope to the discussion. In his work, "American Gospel," he compellingly emphasizes that the nation's best chance to evoke what Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature" is by reconnecting with the spirit and principles of the Founding. By reflecting on the past, we can find the guiding light to move us forward.

Reward for American Gospel

“In his
American Gospel , Jon Meacham supplies a refreshingly clear, balanced, and sensible 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 guide.”
—David McCullough, writer 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, writer of The Biggest Technology