Dr. Vincent Phillip Muñoz, "What Should We Celebrate When We Celebrate the Declaration of Independence? Political Authority, Religious Authority, and the American Revolutions of 1776”
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. Vincent Phillip Muñoz will examine what the Declaration of Independence should be celebrated for by exploring the Founders’ understanding of political authority.
Oct 4, 2026 - Oct 4, 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
Should we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence? If so, what should we celebrate? In his lecture, Dr. Vincent Phillip Muñoz will address these questions by exploring the American Founding Fathers’ political philosophy of political authority and its limits. Dr. Muñoz will discuss, in particular, how religious citizens might understand the relationship between political authority and religious authority in the principles of the American Founding.
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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. Vincent Phillip Muñoz
Vincent Phillip Muñoz is the Tocqueville Professor of Political Science and Concurrent Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of God and the Founders: Madison, Washington, and Jefferson, focusing on religious liberty and the separation of church and state, and is founding director of Notre Dame’s Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government.
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