The American Creed: A Biography of the Declaration of Independence

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Macmillan, 2003 - Počet stran: 180

What makes us all Americans--whatever our differences--is adherence to a creed, a creed based upon cornerstone truths the founders believed "self-evident." From the earliest days, the survival of the new republic hinged not merely upon the expression of these grand principles of liberty and equality but upon their spiritual underpinnings. Freedom and faith were intertwined. America, as a foreign observer once put it, is a nation with the soul of a church.

In this stirring and timely book, Forrest Church charts the progress of this creed from the America's beginnings to the present day by evoking those whose words-whether in declarations, songs, inaugural addresses, speeches, or prayers-have expressed its letter and captured its spirit. What emerges is our shared destiny. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream that this country might someday "rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed," echoes Thomas Jefferson's belief that "equal and exact justice to all" is the "creed of our political faith." Our connection with the past represents our commitment to the future and vice versa.

A "spiritual and patriotic primer," The American Creed distills the essence of American history while also matching its sweep. Church lets the story of the Declaration of Independence unfold before our eyes, giving us both the big picture and the details that place it into brilliant focus. Those steeped in our nation's heritage will find fresh insight and renewed purpose. Those still discovering its riches could have no finer introduction. In its scope and embrace, this is a book for us all.

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A CITY ON A HILL
1
SOUL FREEDOM
10
THE LIBERTY BELL
19
WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS
30
A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM
43
E PLURIBUS UNUM
57
AMERICAS MISSION
68
NEW FRONTIERS OLD TRUTHS
102
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
120
TO MY CHILDREN
141
NOTES AND SOURCES
157
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O autorovi (2003)

Forrest Church is senior minister at All Souls Unitarian Church in New York City. He has written or edited twenty books, including "The Jefferson Bible," "Restoring Faith: America's Religious Leaders Answer Terror with Hope," and, most recently, "Bringing God Home: A Traveler's Guide." He lives with his family in New York.

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