Dr. Daniel Dreisbach, “The Bible’s Influence on the American Founders’ Political Thought and Practices”
While the Declaration of Independence declares that such foundational rights as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are self-evident, many scholars argue these “self-evident” truths are not as evident today as they once were. Behind these truths, these scholars argue, lies a biblical worldview, especially the ideas of a single, rational Creator and the inherent dignity of humans as bearers of the imago Dei, the “image of God.”
Join us for The Bible and America 250: These Truths Are Not Self-Evident Lecture Series, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. This thought-provoking event brings together a host of renowned scholars and historians to explore the profound influence of the Bible on America's founding principles, values, and institutions.
In this lecture, Dr. Daniel Dreisbach examines how the Bible shaped the American Founders’ views of human nature, constitutional design, and the development of a system of separated powers and checks on government authority.
Aug 23, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Scholars Initiative Conference Room, Floor 5R
Free Admission (Event Ticket Required)
In Person Event
Virtual Event
Abstract
The Bible was the most accessible and authoritative book in the world of the Founding Fathers. Not surprisingly, they looked to the Bible for guidance in their political pursuits and projects. Believing that good government must take account of human nature, the Founders considered mankind’s nature when establishing new constitutional republics following independence from Great Britain. This lecture examines the Founders’ views of human nature, informed by a biblical view of humankind as fallen and sinful. This, they believed, necessitated a government characterized by a separation of powers and a robust system of checks on the exercise of government power. The lecture also considers how the Bible informed the founders’ views on an emerging constitutional tradition.
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Schedule
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1:30 p.m. | Welcome & Check In
1:30–2:00 p.m. | Refreshments
2:00–3:00 p.m. | Lecture
3:00–3:30 p.m. | Panel Q&A
3:30–5:00 p.m. | Self-Guided Tour of the Bible in America Gallery
Lecturer
Dr. Daniel Dreisbach
Daniel Dreisbach is a professor at the American University School of Public Affairs and an attorney. He specializes in the constitutional issue of church-state separation and is the author of Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers.
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