The Biblical Roots of American Constitutionalism

The Biblical Roots of American Constitutionalism PDF Author: Joseph Livni
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1793637229
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 171

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Book Description
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.

The Biblical Roots of American Constitutionalism

The Biblical Roots of American Constitutionalism PDF Author: Joseph Livni
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1793637229
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 171

Get Book Here

Book Description
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.

The Origins of American Constitutionalism

The Origins of American Constitutionalism PDF Author: Donald S. Lutz
Publisher: Lsu Press
ISBN: 9780807115060
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 178

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Book Description
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.

The Bible and the Constitution of the United States of America

The Bible and the Constitution of the United States of America PDF Author: Verna Hall
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781935851271
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
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.

Colonial Origins of the American Constitution

Colonial Origins of the American Constitution PDF Author: Donald S. Lutz
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 448

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Book Description
Presents 80 documents selected to reflect Eric Voegelin's theory that in Western civilization basic political symbolizations tend to be variants of the original symbolization of Judeo-Christian religious tradition. These documents demonstrate the continuity of symbols preceding the writing of the Constitution and all contain a number of basic symbols such as: a constitution as higher law, popular sovereignty, legislative supremacy, the deliberative process, and a virtuous people. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

America's Heritage

America's Heritage PDF Author: Herbert W. Titus
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Constitutional law
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description


The Origins of American Constitutionalism

The Origins of American Constitutionalism PDF Author: Donald S. Lutz
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780944561164
Category : Constitutional history
Languages : en
Pages : 42

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Book Description


The Bible in American Law and Politics

The Bible in American Law and Politics PDF Author: John R. Vile
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1538141671
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 679

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Book Description
While scholars increasingly recognize the importance of religion throughout American history, The Bible in American Law and Politics is the first reference book to focus on the key role that the Bible has played in American public life. In considering revolting from Great Britain, Americans contemplated whether this was consistent with scripture. Americans subsequently sought to apply Biblical passages to such issues as slavery, women’s rights, national alcoholic prohibition, issues of war and peace, and the like. American presidents continue to take their oath on the Bible. Some of America’s greatest speeches, for example, Lincoln’s Second Inaugural and William Jennings Bryan’s Cross of Gold speech, have been grounded on Biblical texts or analogies. Today, Americans continue to cite the Bible for positions as diverse as LGBTQ rights, abortion, immigration, welfare, health care, and other contemporary issues. By providing essays on key speeches, books, documents, legal decisions, and other writings throughout American history that have sought to buttress arguments through citations to Scriptures or to Biblical figures, John Vile provides an indispensable guide for scholars and students in religion, American history, law, and political science to understand how Americans throughout its history have interpreted and applied the Bible to legal and political issues.

Christianity and the Constitution

Christianity and the Constitution PDF Author: John Eidsmoe
Publisher: Baker Academic
ISBN: 9780801052316
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book 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.

How Religious Liberty was Written Into the American Constitution

How Religious Liberty was Written Into the American Constitution PDF Author: Joseph Bondy
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Constitutional history
Languages : en
Pages : 54

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Book Description


Contending for the Constitution

Contending for the Constitution PDF Author: Mark A. Beliles
Publisher: Providence Foundation
ISBN: 1887456198
Category : Bible
Languages : en
Pages : 8

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Book Description
Contending for the Constitution is a companion volume to the popular work Defending the Declaration. As author Gary Amos did concerning the Declaration, Mark Beliles and Doug Anderson present their case that the Constitution is based on biblical principles and Christian influence. Using primary source evidence, the authors give an easy-reading history of the Constitutional Convention and the Founder's emphasis on religion being necessary for its success. They show how the spirit of the Constitution has greatly diminished today and issue a call for its defense. -- from the publisher.