LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ONLINE
AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM: RELIGIOSITY
Govt 329 –D02
Spring 2020
Tim Hall
Annotated Bibliography
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Running Head: Annotated Bibliography
Adams, John. "Letter to Massachusetts Militia." Founders Online. October 11, 1798.
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102 (accessed April 24,
2020).
In this letter from John Adams to the Massachusetts Militia dated in 1798, he encourages the
troops to maintain their commitment to the necessity of religion and morality. Additionally,
Adams warns the Militia of his concerns should the American people disobey their moral and
religious responsibilities and the danger it can bring to the country and the Constitution.
Accepting the knowledge of human nature in a fallen world, John knew and believed that a
country with no reliance or faith in religion would eventually end in a society of immoral decay
and would lead to the end of the experiment of America and self-governance.
Carson, Holloway. "Tocqueville on Christianity and American Democracy." The Heritage
Foundation. March 7, 2016. https://www.heritage.org/civil-society/report/tocqueville-
christianity-and-american-democracy (accessed April 25, 2020).
Dr. Carson is the Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Nebraska at
Omaha, he chairs the B. Kenneth Simon Center for Principles and Politics’ Council of Academic
Advisors for The Heritage Foundation. He is the author of four books plus and has been the co-
editor to a list of other works. This citation explores the writing of Alexis de Tocqueville in his
study of Democracy in America. Discussing the importance of Christianity in the origins of
Americas democracy, as a political principle, the foundations of freedom that are found in
religion and morals and the dangers of freedom through excessive individualism.
Gingrich, Newt, and Vince Haley. A Nation Like No Other: Why American Exceptionalism
Matters. Washington D.C.: Regnery Publishing INC, 2011.
Newt Gingrich in his book “A Nation Like No Other” discusses why America is exceptional in a
time today where many who serve this country and her citizens attempt to erase this country’s
long history of exceptionalism. Newt Gingrich is the former Speaker of the House of
Representatives who is the originator of the “Contract with America.” has since written
numerous books and has produced documentaries on historical and public policy matters. He had
become known as a well-known authority in world and American history.
In “A Nation Like No Other” Newt attempts to discuss the influence and impact that faith has
played in making America exceptional and its influence on modern day America and how that
compares with that of the colonial days. Gingrich takes the position that the Christian faith and
principles practiced by the faith are the primary result to the exceptionalism we have experienced
over the years.
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Running Head: Annotated Bibliography
Martin, Glenn R. Prevailing Worldviews of Western Society Since 1500. Marion, Indiana:
Traingle Publishing, 2006.
Dr. Glenn Martin was a former professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, and a worldwide
lecturer. In Prevailing Worldviews of Western Society Since 1500 Dr. Martin defined all
civilizations by answering 4 questions 1) Who are we, how do we exist? 2) How does one know
3) What is our ultimate value and 4) Where are we going? His writings happen to be thought
provoking and the reader is left by the close of his book with a better understanding of their
personal answer to those four questions and have a better grasp on their personal worldview. For
the purpose of this research paper there will be a focus on the third chapter which discuss a
Christian worldview on early America and the colonies and the role of Religion on the forming
of our government.
Metaxas, Eric. If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty. New Yori, New
York: viking, 2016.
Eric Metaxas is an American author, speaker and a radio host and has written for Veggietales,
Chuck Colson and for the New York Times. Considering the book that is cited Metaxas writes
about Americas exceptional nature and explains the role of Religion in creating a free society and
religion which is the cornerstone of the foundation of America. Discusses the necessity for why
the citizenry and the leaders of the Free World practice and hold onto morality and virtue as the
Founders did.
Murray, Charles. American Exceptionalism. Washington D.C: American Enterprise Institute for
Public Policy Research, 2013.
Charles is an Author who holds a Ph.D. from MIT and is a political scientist. He has become
known as an authoritarian about history. His book looks at the concept of the Exceptionalism
that many in the world see in America specifically in her founding years. It explores that
Religiosity is an exceptional trait and he explores how free enterprise and faith flourish.
Spalding, Matthew. "Why is America Exceptional?" The Heritage Foundation. October 1, 2010.
htttps://www.heritage.org/american-founders/report/why-america-exceptional (accessed
April 22, 2020).
Matthew is the Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College on
the Washington D. C. campus; he is a best-selling author and was at The Heritage Foundation
where he served as Vice President to American Studies. He contributes also to The Hill, Wall
Street Journal, Real Clear Politics and Washington Examiner.
In his article “Why is America Exceptional?” he explores the question of what makes America
Exceptional. Spalding explains that religion is the at the heart of what separates the World from
America. The principle of the Declaration of Independence was established in religion that all
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Running Head: Annotated Bibliography
men are created by the Creator has established is a fundamental right of American citizens.
Therefore, by securing these rights, it limits the growth of government and secures the rights and
freedoms to the people.
Washington, George. "George Washington's Farewell Address." Wall Builders. September 19,
1796. https://wallbuilders.com/george-washingtons-farewell-address/ (accessed April 25,
2020).
As the first President of the United States George Washington served for a total of two terms.
Before being called to serve as President George Washington served as the General of the
Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Devotion to his country was a great portion of
his life in the service of his country at times bitterly but always with a sense of it being his duty
in doing so. After his second term as President he longed for a return to Mount Vernon to which
he could enjoy the remainder of his life. Two announce his decision to leave the call of public
service he penned a farewell address and had published in newspapers.
In the address he offers his thoughts to the public on how to sustain and preserve our Republic.
In detail and passion his address spoke on the topic of national unity, spirit of party, and
encroachment as well religion and morality. The focus of this citation will be on his views of
morality and religion in perseverance of a free government.
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