Wallbuilders Live! With David Barton & Rick Green

Tim Barton takes us on a riveting journey through America's forgotten faith foundation in this eye-opening episode of the Rebuilding Liberty course. With startling clarity, he reveals how Christianity was the atmosphere that birthed American freedom—not merely a cultural backdrop but the essential foundation for our constitutional republic.The evidence is hiding in plain sight. When examining the famous painting of the Constitutional Convention, most overlook the Bible open to Matthew 5 in the corner. This visual detail reflects a deeper historical reality: the Bible was the founding fathers' most quoted source by far. Even Benjamin Franklin, often characterized as America's least religious founder, delivered a passionate speech calling for prayer during a critical impasse at the Constitutional Convention, reminding delegates that divine intervention had sustained them through the Revolution.Barton powerfully connects America's earliest beginnings with its founding principles. From John Wi

Ever wonder why we wave the flag on July 4th? As America approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, understanding the true foundations of our liberty has never been more critical.The evidence is hiding in plain sight, yet rarely taught. When America's founding fathers first gathered in 1774, they didn't immediately dive into politics—they spent two hours in prayer and Bible study. By the revolution's end, the Continental Congress had called for national prayer 15 times. Even the Peace Treaty of Paris that secured our independence begins with "In the name of the most holy and undivided Trinity."George Washington himself witnessed so many miraculous interventions during the Revolution that he joked he'd "seen enough miracles to become a preacher." In his Farewell Address, he declared religion and morality "indispensable supports" to America's success, while John Adams insisted our Constitution "was made only for a moral and religious people."This epis

What if everything you thought you knew about religion in American education was wrong? Dive into the eye-opening reality of how deeply the Bible was woven into the fabric of public education throughout most of American history.Our journey through forgotten educational practices reveals that in 1816 New Jersey, first and second-grade students in public schools didn't just learn about the Bible—they memorized entire books of scripture. One particularly diligent student had committed to memory the Gospel of John, 30 Psalms, and Psalm 119. This wasn't happening in private religious schools, but in taxpayer-funded public education.The evidence continues with Noah Webster's original 1828 dictionary, where 27% of word definitions included Bible verse references. Presidents from Zachary Taylor to Ulysses S. Grant publicly declared the Bible "the best school book in the world" and encouraged American youth to "hold fast to the Bible as the sheet anchor of your liberties." As late as

The battle for religious liberty in America has reached a historic turning point, with implications that reach into every community and classroom across the nation. In this powerful episode of Rebuilding Liberty, David Barton uncovers the dramatic transformation in how courts interpret religious expression in public life.For half a century, the "Lemon test" served as the legal standard that systematically pushed faith out of public spaces—cited over 7,000 times to justify removing prayers, crosses, Ten Commandments displays, and religious references from schools and government property. But in a stunning reversal, recent Supreme Court decisions have completely abandoned this approach, replacing it with a "history and tradition test" that presumes constitutional protection for religious expressions with historical precedent in American life.Barton takes listeners on a fascinating journey through America's educational history, revealing startling facts about our nation's religious

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, a profound question hangs in the balance: will we reclaim our founding principles or continue sliding away from them? The Rebuild Liberty course tackles this challenge head-on with practical, accessible solutions for everyday Americans concerned about preserving freedom.This groundbreaking program reveals how our current cultural struggles stem not primarily from political divisions but from spiritual and educational foundations being eroded. Drawing on powerful historical connections between faith and liberty, the course illuminates how the church once served as the epicenter of American freedom—a legacy waiting to be reclaimed.Pastor Jimmy Pruitt's compelling testimony about his awakening during COVID restrictions exemplifies what happens when faith leaders rediscover their historical role in defending liberty. "I had to decide: did I want my legacy to be that I was safe, or that I was dangerous?" His journey from political disengagement to cultura

The countdown to America's 250th birthday has begun, but are we prepared to celebrate with true understanding rather than empty patriotism? In this powerful introduction to the Rebuilding Liberty initiative, we confront the alarming reality that many Americans have forgotten what made our nation exceptional in the first place.Ronald Reagan warned us about this exact problem four decades ago: "If we forget what we did, we won't know who we are." His words proved prophetic as we've witnessed the erosion of American memory leading to confusion about our national identity. The semi-quincentennial celebration in 2026 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rebuild liberty on its proper foundation – not just wave flags, but understand why those flags are worthy of being waved.The Declaration of Independence provides our blueprint. Thomas Jefferson's revolutionary document wasn't just a statement of independence but a formula for liberty that remains relevant today. We explore t

Divorce Rates Are Falling and Marriage Is Rising, Says Leading Researcherhttps://www.crosswalk.com/headlines/contributors/michael-foust/divorce-rates-are-falling-and-marriage-is-rising-says-leading-researcher.htmlGallup: Americans united on immorality of adultery, divided on abortionhttps://catholicvote.org/gallup-americans-united-on-immorality-of-adultery-divided-on-abortion/Trump Notches Gargantuan Win for Christians Who Were Banned from Sharing Their Faithhttps://www.westernjournal.com/trump-notches-gargantuan-win-christians-banned-sharing-faith/Supreme Court Allows Trump to Fire Education Department Employeeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/us/supreme-court-allows-trump-to-fire-education-department-employees-5887269Poll Shows Americans 18-29 are Becoming More Pro-Lifehttps://www.lifenews.com/2025/06/18/poll-shows-americans-18-29-are-becoming-more-pro-life/American society is experiencing a quiet but significant return to traditional values, defying decades of cultural decline narratives. Fresh data from the

Today's episode dives deep into constitutional questions that reveal the complex interplay between America's founding principles and current debates about citizenship, federal funding, and religious foundations.When a listener asks about dual citizenship, we uncover a fascinating historical shift. While America traditionally emphasized singular national loyalty, the Supreme Court's 1967 ruling dramatically changed citizenship policies. This transformation reflects broader cultural changes in how we view commitment—a shift from steadfast loyalty to seeking multiple options and escape hatches. The discussion raises profound questions about what happens when citizens maintain divided allegiances during challenging times.The conversation takes an illuminating turn when examining claims about Planned Parenthood funding in recent legislation. What begins as a simple fact-check reveals the surprising power of unelected officials in the legislative process. The Senate parliamentarian's decision to

ResourcesSetting the Record Straight: American History in Black and WhiteThe tangled relationship between race and politics in America contains shocking truths that have been systematically erased from our collective memory. When Texas Democrats recently fled the state to break quorum on redistricting legislation, they unknowingly echoed tactics used by their political ancestors in the 1870s—though the historical context reveals a dramatically different motivation.Did you know the Republican Party of Texas was founded on July 4, 1867, by 150 Black Americans and only 20 white Americans? Or that census records from the 1870s documented just one Black Democrat in the entire state of Mississippi? These aren't fringe theories or alternative facts—they're documented historical truths that challenge everything most Americans believe about race and political affiliation.The electoral record speaks volumes: the first 42 Black elected officials in Texas history were all Republicans. This pattern repeats acros

https://arkencounter.com/Stepping into the Ark Encounter feels like walking straight into biblical history. This architectural marvel—the largest freestanding timber frame structure in the world—stretches one-and-a-half football fields in length, stands 10 stories high, and brings Noah's epic journey to life through state-of-the-art exhibits that rival anything you'd find at Disney or Universal Studios.Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis, reveals some astonishing facts about this attraction and its sister site, the Creation Museum. Together, these destinations have welcomed nearly 15 million visitors since opening, with the Ark alone drawing approximately one million people annually. But what's truly remarkable isn't just the attendance numbers—it's who's coming through the doors. About 30% of visitors aren't Christians, representing diverse faiths including Sikhs, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, and various denominations. As Ham notes, "It's a mix you would never see

What happens when 150 young patriotic Americans gather to learn the legislative process through a biblical worldview? At Patriot Academy, the answer comes alive as students from across the nation engage in committee work, floor debates, and deep discussions about America's founding principles.Rick Green and Tim Barton welcome listeners to this special broadcast from Patriot Academy campus, where tomorrow's leaders are developing the skills needed to make a difference in their communities. The atmosphere crackles with curiosity as students step forward with thoughtful questions spanning from constitutional relevance to effective dialogue with non-believers.When asked about the Constitution's modern relevance, Tim addresses a concerning trend even among conservative youth who question whether this foundational document is outdated. "Even a benevolent dictator is still not good," Tim explains, emphasizing how the Constitution's checks and balances protect liberty rather than hinder

Today, we cover several uplifting developments across multiple fronts in the ongoing cultural battle for traditional values, religious freedom, and the sanctity of life.The struggle to restore common sense to university campuses has yielded a stunning breakthrough with Columbia University agreeing to pay $200 million to the federal government following anti-Semitic incidents. After the Trump administration boldly withheld billions in federal funding from Ivy League institutions promoting radical ideologies, Columbia established new behavioral guidelines and even rescinded degrees from protestors who disrupted campus life with anti-Israel demonstrations. For those who assumed these elite institutions were untouchable, this reversal proves that principled pressure can succeed where political timidity has failed.Perhaps most remarkable was the extraordinary medical achievement highlighting the false choice between a mother's life and her unborn child. When doctors discovered Lucy Isaac had ovarian cancer at

History isn't always what we think it is – from the coins in our pockets to the death of America's first president, misconceptions abound. When a numismatist listener points out that Americans have never actually made "pennies" but rather "one cent pieces," it opens a conversation about historical accuracy that spans centuries.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as David Barton reveals details about the upcoming book "American Story 3: A World at War." Six weeks before completion, the research team discovered declassified government documents from the 1970s that completely change the narrative on significant aspects of World War II. Rather than focusing on dry facts and dates, the book brings to life the extraordinary stories of Medal of Honor recipients and everyday heroes whose courage shaped history.Prepare to have your understanding of World War II challenged. Did you know Japanese forces attacked Alaska, but the American government suppressed this information

Step into the vibrant energy of the largest Patriot Academy National Leadership Congress ever held as Tim Barton and Rick Green broadcast live surrounded by nearly 150 passionate young Americans. The air crackles with excitement as these students—suited up and ready to engage—demonstrate a depth of understanding about liberty that puts many adults to shame.We explore what happens when young people experience the legislative process firsthand, revealing why even the most principled elected officials sometimes struggle to effect change in a complex system. Tim shares a powerful insight: Patriot Academy isn't primarily about creating future politicians, but about equipping citizens who can influence every sphere of culture with timeless principles.The heart of this episode unfolds through thoughtful questions from students that tackle substantive issues: What is government's proper role in charity? Are tariffs more biblical than income taxes? Should Senate representation be population-based? These aren

"We're taking on the hot topics of the day from a biblical, historical, and constitutional perspective."These words from Rick Green perfectly capture the heart of the WallBuilders Show broadcast from the Patriot Academy National Leadership Congress—where 140 young Americans are gathered for an experience that transcends typical political training.Broadcasting from the House Chamber where future leaders are being forged, this episode takes listeners behind the scenes of Patriot Academy's largest class ever. Through conversations with student leaders serving as Governor, Speaker of the House, and Lieutenant Governor, we discover what makes this program transformative for participants ages 16-25.What emerges is a powerful model of generational mentorship unlike anything else in American civic education. As Governor Benjamin Griesinger explains, Patriot Academy doesn't just involve older adults pouring into youth—it creates a continuous chain of leadership development where students mento

History of the Black Robe RegimentThe battle for free speech in America's pulpits has taken a significant turn with the IRS finally acknowledging what courageous pastors have known all along – the constitutional right to speak biblical truth, even when it intersects with politics. Pastor Jack Hibbs joins the conversation to share why this decision, while welcome, simply confirms what should have been obvious: pastors derive their authority from Scripture, not government permission."I don't need the government to tell me to do this, that, or the other. I take my marching orders from the Word," Hibbs declares, cutting to the heart of pastoral responsibility. The COVID pandemic served as a powerful litmus test, revealing which religious leaders prioritized biblical principles over governmental compliance. Churches that remained steadfast in their commitment to gather and worship saw tremendous growth as believers sought authentic spiritual leadership during unprecedented times.While the IRS r

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Ever wonder what education looked like when 15-year-olds regularly attended college? Or how impeachment really works beyond the headlines? The WallBuilders Show dives deep into these fascinating historical questions that reveal surprising truths about America's founding principles and their modern applications.The episode begins with a thoughtful exploration of impeachment powers and presidential pardons. While impeachment makes headlines when presidents face it, most cases throughout American history have targeted federal judges. Unlike criminal prosecution, impeachment serves as a political tool to remove officials who can't otherwise be held directly accountable through elections. From William Blount in the 1790s to modern controversies, we trace how this constitutional safeguard has evolved and been applied.The most eye-opening segment examines how dramatically educational expectations have changed since America's founding. When Thomas Jefferson wrote to his 15-year-old nephew prescribing p

A compelling conversation with Ohio State Representative Gary Click reveals the challenging but ultimately successful battle to protect children from experimental gender treatments in the Buckeye State. As both a pastor and legislator, Click brings a unique perspective to his fight against the medical interventions being performed on minors experiencing gender dysphoria.When Representative Click first introduced the SAFE Act (Saving Adolescents From Experimentation), many colleagues couldn't believe children's hospitals were actually performing these procedures. Through meticulous research and powerful testimonies from detransitioners like Chloe Cole, who underwent a double mastectomy at just 15 years old, Click built an impressive coalition of support. The conversation details how children's hospitals initially claimed these treatments were harmless and reversible, yet when challenged to provide them without causing permanent effects, they admitted it would be impossible.Perhaps the most drama

The battle for parental rights is turning a crucial corner. After years of watching schools and government agencies assert control over children's education—especially regarding sensitive topics like gender identity—the Supreme Court has delivered a watershed victory for families across America.Kelly Shackelford, president of First Liberty Institute, joins the WallBuilders Show to share the remarkable story behind this landmark ruling. In a California case that mirrors the Supreme Court's recent Mahmoud decision, parents discovered their elementary school was teaching gender ideology to kindergartners without their knowledge or consent. When fifth graders were instructed to read books encouraging kindergartners to "question their gender," some children came home troubled, feeling the activity conflicted with their religious beliefs.What happened next reveals the stark divide in how we view the parent-child relationship in America today. When parents requested notification about such sensit