Introduction to America's Providential History Podcast and Founders Biblical Knowledge
Stephen McDowell Welcome to America's Providential History Podcast, where we talk about the real story of America and explore the hand of God in our history. Now here's your host, Steven McDowell. Hello. I'm M glad you're joining us for this edition, of America's Providential History Podcast. Today I want to look at the founders biblical knowledge and in particular look at one biblical phrase that George Washington used dozens of times.
The Bible's Profound Influence on the Founders and Colonial America's Biblical Education
Now, the Bible. As we've examined in these previous podcasts, the Bible was the single most important influence in the birth, growth and development of the United States of America. The men who colonized the states, who wrote our laws and our Constitutions, who started our schools and colleges, who guided us through the American Revolution, gave us the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, were very knowledgeable of the Scriptures. Now this is a testament to their thorough biblical education that they received in their homes, their churches and their schools. One educator did a study on the influence of, Christian preaching and teaching on colonial America and concluded that the average colonial American heard about 15,000 hours of preaching in his lifetime. I mean that's like the equivalent of the amount of hours of TV people watch today. Scriptural truth was a part of their thought, their speech, and it directed their actions in every sphere of life. In fact, they were so immersed in the knowledge of the Bible, it wasn't necessary for them to explain to others when they're making biblical arguments. So when they're writing articles, publishing things in the newspaper, whatever it may be, they were full of biblical scriptural ideas, but they didn't have to tell their fellow American, fellow man, you know, I'm quoting from the Bible now because everyone had a great knowledge of the Scriptures. In fact, the founders consider it shameful to be ignorant of the Bible.
Shameful Ignorance of the Bible Today Versus Founders' Deep Scriptural Knowledge
Jon Quincy Adams said to a man of liberal education, the study of history is not only useful and important, but altogether indispensable. And with regard to the history contained in the Bible, it is not so much praiseworthy to be acquainted with it as it is shameful to be ignorant of it. And so Jon Quincy Adams, reflecting the view of really, the founders of America, said it was shameful to to be ignorant of the Bible and what it said. Unfortunately, a shameful ignorance of the Bible is the state of most Americans today, and that includes most educators at all levels in college and secondary education. Most Americans today are ignorant of the Bible. You know, many people today have argued that our founders were not Christian. Look, they don't rarely quote scripture. They say they don't see, read Citations in the Bible from their writings. That is they're saying they don't see them quote chapter and verse. It's kind of common today when we're writing, making arguments supported by Scripture that will support chapter and verse. But the founders didn't do that because everybody knew the Bible and knew when they were quoting chapter and verse. But today educators are so ignorant of the Bible they don't even know when the founders would are referencing the Bible. And so their lack of knowledge of the Bible is why some of them today could read Patrick Henry's Give me liberty or give me death speech delivered in March 1775 that they would read through it and have no clue that he references a dozen or so scriptures in that address. But he doesn't, you know, specifically appeal to a verse, doesn't say this verse says that or that he just delivered the information. everybody knew he was referencing the Bible throughout that speech.
Understanding Founding Fathers Requires Knowledge of the Bible and John Locke's Teachings
Academicians today can read Jon Locke's second Treatise on Civil Government think his ideas were primarily drawn from secular enlightenment writers because they say, well Locke might mention the Bible here and there, but really not that often. But in reality he directly references scores and scores of scriptures and his ideas are drawn from hundreds and hundreds of Bible passages. And the founding generation who would have read Jon Locke would have recognized the firm biblical support for everything that he was writing in that book. So without a knowledge of the Bible, someone cannot understand the worldview of our founding fathers. And this is certainly true of George Washington, the father of our country.
George Washington's Extensive Biblical Knowledge and Use of Scripture in Writings
You know, Washington used about 80 different names for God, each reflecting a, ah, unique aspect of his character. And Washington over his lifetime would have learned of the unique character of God from sermons, hundreds of sermons. He heard from many of his biblical readings that he, that he took place in. In fact, you know, in Washington at his death, when an inventory was taken of his library, he had more than 150 sermons and Christian books. And of course you realize books were very expensive at the time and, and to have a lot, many of them was a rare entity. But washing 150 sermons and books related to Christian faith. And so hearing sermons, these readings would have sunk deep within his worldview and thinking. So it's reflected in all the different names he used for God. Washington quoted Scripture extensively in his writings and he quoted it not. And he didn't reference a particular Bible and verse but drew right from the Scripture and everyone would have known it.
Washington's Frequent Use of the "Vine and Fig Tree" Biblical Phrase
In a circular letter to the States in 1782, he referred to Ecclesiastes 9:11 when he wrote, the race is not always to the swift or the battle to the strong. Writing to the Marquis de, Chateauc, he referred to Isaiah 2:4 in expressing his wish that the swords might be turned into plowshares, the spears into pruning hooks. And as the scripture expresses it, the nations learn war no more. He wrote to Lafayette, I am become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac. And under the shadow of my own vine and my own fig tree, I am solacing myself. And here he's alluding to, 1st Kings 4:25 Micah 3, 4:34 Zechariah 3:10, Isaiah 36:16. When he used that phrase, vine and fig tree. He spoke of Pharaoh in Exodus 5:7, who compelled the children of Israel to manufacture bricks without necessary ingredients. He referred to the widow's might. That's a passage of scripture from Mark 12:41, 44, Luke 21:1 4. In a letter he wrote to his adopted son, George Washington Paak Custis. And there are many more biblical passages, in his writings that he would, have written but would not directly point to chapter and verse. Everyone would have known that. Now, one of Washington's favorite phrases was we read a quote from him that he wrote to Lafayette, but it was that phrase, under my own vine and fig tree. Now, he used that phrase about 50 times in his writings.
The "Vine and Fig Tree" Phrase and Its Significance for Freedom in America
Another incident I, read you one that he referred to when he wrote to Lafayette. I'm become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac. And under the shadow of my own vine and fig tree, I'm solacing myself. In a letter to Jon Armstrong on January 10, 1783, Washington wrote, I wish you may possess health and spirits to enjoy after we shall have seated ourselves under our own vines and fig trees. Trees. If it is the gracious will of Providence to permit it the return of many happy years. Washington used that phrase in a letter to the Hebrew congregation in Newport, Rhode island, expressing, they have freedom in this country to sit under their own vine and fig tree, writing, may the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants, while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree. And there shall be none to make him afraid. You know, when Washington wrote that to the Hebrew congregation, it was in the United. Only in the United States of America, where Jews, in fact, as well as other people, had such freedom.
Biblical Phrase "Vine and Fig Tree" Used Multiple Times in Scripture
They didn't have freedom to sit under their own vine and fig tree. Now, his use of this biblical phrase reflects not only his knowledge of particular Bible verses, but also his understanding of the various scriptural truths presented in the different context. See the vine. The phrase vine and fig tree is used five times in Scripture. And each reference, expands truths presented by that phrase.
Biblical Economics: Productivity, Private Property, and Dwellings Under Vine and Fig Tree
It's a little different context. And let's, let's look at each of those. See, Isaiah 36, 16 says, Every one of you eat from his own vine and everyone from his own fig tree. So here we see, Isaiah speaks of eating from vine and fig tree, so eat from his own vine and fig tree, speaks of productivity, speaks of individual enterprise, private property. Now, all these are components of biblical economics. In order, you know, for you to eat of your own vine and fig tree, it implies you labored, you worked, you had property, you planted it, you were able to benefit from the fruit of your labor, it was, yours, that you could eat from that which you produced, which is much different than living in a socialistic system where you don't eat, that which you produce. We've talked about that in the past with the pilgrims, how they put off that communistic, socialistic system, embraced a free enterprise system so they could eat of their own, the product of their hands. So Isaiah speaks of eating from your own vine and fig tree. But then in First Kings 4:25, it says this quote, dwell safely, lived in safety. Another way to translation, dwelt safely.
Safety, Peace, Freedom, Contentment, Generosity: Meanings of the Vine and Fig Tree
Each man under his vine and fig tree, so live in safety, gives a picture of security, peace, freedom. So again, it's expanded. That phrase, represents private property, productivity, individual enterprise, eating from the fruit of your labor, living in safety, on your own property, off of the product of your own hands. There's peace, there's freedom. Then in, Micah 4:4, it says, Everyone shall sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid. So to sit under his own vine and fig tree implies contentment, enjoyment, benefiting from the fruit of one's labor. So again, an expansion of ideas that are contained in that simple little phrase, your own vine and fig tree, that you eat from it, you dwell safely, you sit under it. And then Zechariah 3:10, it says, Everyone will invite his neighbor under his vine and under his fig tree. So here, invite his neighbor, communicates, blessing, others, generosity, relationships, that you take the product of your hands, the product of your own property and labor, the great freedom and security you have to be productive, that you use the abundance that's Produced to bless others, to be generous, to build relationships. So these four verses speak of living without fear, living in freedom.
Limited Government, Flourishing Society, and the Messiah's Kingdom Influence
They imply limited government that doesn't own everything, control everything, regulate everything, but limited government that performs its limited function to protect everyone's God given life, liberty and property. These passages imply a flourishing society. In fact, the context of one of these is that the Bible says this is what will occur in the age of the Messiah. And we live in the age of the Messiah. Messiah. The Messiah has come. Jesus Christ. And the life changing work that he brought, the liberty he brought, the transformation, internal and external that he brought, has produced, eating from your own fig tree, dwelling safely under your own vine and fig tree, sitting under your own vine and fig tree, inviting your neighbor to benefit with you and build relationships. Relationships. So the Bible says that when the Messiah comes in the messianic kingdom, this will be the growing reality.
Unique Flourishing in America as a Fruit of Christian Principles
And this is what's happened the last 2000 years since Christ came into the world. And uniquely in the United States of America, that George Washington recognized and said this is unique, this is special. This freedom and liberty and economic flourishing is a fruit of the principles upon which the United States of America was built. And everyone benefited from it. The Christians, the Jews, and others.
Biblical Capitalism, Founders' Worldview, and America's Christian Foundation
So these scriptures under your own vine and fig tree and all the modifiers present an image of the kingdom of God, of a world full of his peace, his joy and his righteous standards. So this biblical expression encapsulates many major components of biblical capitalism, encapsulates the ideas of private property, individual enterprise, productivity, freedom, limited, government. George Washington and our founders understood such ideas were uniquely manifested in the United States of America. They understood, as we've discussed in past podcasts, that Americans exceptionalism came from Christianity. Our founders extensive use of the Bible reveals their deep biblical worldview. So this is one of many things that reveal America is founded as a Christian nation, that our founders knew the scripture, appealed to the scripture, applied the scripture, the principles in there just emanated from their life. It was a part of their life, part of their thinking, part of their action, part of the laws that they instituted in the constitutions, part of the American Revolution, these biblical ideas. So the founders were acting upon that deep biblical truth that had been sown within them from the very beginning. Their families and their churches, wherever education took place, with their own study and their own reading, they were thoroughly grounded in knowledge of the Bible. Not just a superficial knowledge, not just you pull out a scripture verse each day as A promise for you.
Founders' Deep Biblical Knowledge Fueled Liberty, Prosperity, and Biblical Economics
But they had a deep, thorough biblical worldview. The founders sought to apply their extensive knowledge of the Bible in every sphere of life. This was the source of our great liberty, prosperity and advancement. And so I love Washington's use of that phrase and I love how the scripture uses that phrase to communicate the flourishing that comes from the Christian faith and gives insight into us, the principles of biblical economics. Now I wrote a book on Steward in the, the biblical view of Economics where I go into detail on each of those components and more that I mentioned there that under sitting, eating, dwelling safely, inviting his neighbor, communicate, private property, individual enterprise, productivity, freedom, limited government, those are just some components of biblical capitalism that our founders knew and understood and they extracted that understanding from the Bible.
Lessons on Biblical Economics Versus Socialism and Communism
So it's a great lesson for us. you can get, see get a copy of my book Steward in the Earth at our website providencefoundation.com and I also have articles on there on biblical economics. if you are interested and in future podcasts I'm going to teach a lot more about biblical economics. I've we have a few podcasts already done and posted and you can go back and listen to them at any time on comparing biblical economics versus socialism. And this is certainly an idea that's very important to commute to present today and communicate today to Americans and really people all over the world because we have lots of people who, who embrace socialism and communism teaching in our schools.
Founders' Knowledge of Scripture Contrasted with Modern Societal Decline
And so a lot of our young people think oh this sounds great and then they'll vote for people like the socialist mayor of NewSong York City and other places. but our founding fathers would never have seen such a thing come about because they had a deep knowledge of scripture and they had a deep knowledge of applying and living in God's world. And in God's world godly principles produce flourishing but principles contrary to the Scripture produce lack and decline. And so there's just a brief look at the founders biblical knowledge and we need to understand the founders what motivated them and let them be an example to us so that we can acquire the knowledge necessary to restore America as the land of liberty. Well to learn more Visit our website providencefoundation.com and come back next week as we will continue to explore America's providential history and all things biblical.
God's Work in History and the Transformation of Nations Through His Truth
What does God have to say about various spheres in life? How has God worked and moved, in history? And how has he brought about the transformation and flourishing of America? And many other nations as they have applied his truth. Well, God bless you.
Introduction to America's Providential History Podcast and Founders Biblical Knowledge
Stephen McDowell Welcome to America's Providential History Podcast, where we talk about the real story of America and explore the hand of God in our history. Now here's your host, Steven McDowell. Hello. I'm M glad you're joining us for this edition, of America's Providential History Podcast. Today I want to look at the founders biblical knowledge and in particular look at one biblical phrase that George Washington used dozens of times.
The Bible's Profound Influence on the Founders and Colonial America's Biblical Education
Now, the Bible. As we've examined in these previous podcasts, the Bible was the single most important influence in the birth, growth and development of the United States of America. The men who colonized the states, who wrote our laws and our Constitutions, who started our schools and colleges, who guided us through the American Revolution, gave us the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, were very knowledgeable of the Scriptures. Now this is a testament to their thorough biblical education that they received in their homes, their churches and their schools. One educator did a study on the influence of, Christian preaching and teaching on colonial America and concluded that the average colonial American heard about 15,000 hours of preaching in his lifetime. I mean that's like the equivalent of the amount of hours of TV people watch today. Scriptural truth was a part of their thought, their speech, and it directed their actions in every sphere of life. In fact, they were so immersed in the knowledge of the Bible, it wasn't necessary for them to explain to others when they're making biblical arguments. So when they're writing articles, publishing things in the newspaper, whatever it may be, they were full of biblical scriptural ideas, but they didn't have to tell their fellow American, fellow man, you know, I'm quoting from the Bible now because everyone had a great knowledge of the Scriptures. In fact, the founders consider it shameful to be ignorant of the Bible.
Shameful Ignorance of the Bible Today Versus Founders' Deep Scriptural Knowledge
Jon Quincy Adams said to a man of liberal education, the study of history is not only useful and important, but altogether indispensable. And with regard to the history contained in the Bible, it is not so much praiseworthy to be acquainted with it as it is shameful to be ignorant of it. And so Jon Quincy Adams, reflecting the view of really, the founders of America, said it was shameful to to be ignorant of the Bible and what it said. Unfortunately, a shameful ignorance of the Bible is the state of most Americans today, and that includes most educators at all levels in college and secondary education. Most Americans today are ignorant of the Bible. You know, many people today have argued that our founders were not Christian. Look, they don't rarely quote scripture. They say they don't see, read Citations in the Bible from their writings. That is they're saying they don't see them quote chapter and verse. It's kind of common today when we're writing, making arguments supported by Scripture that will support chapter and verse. But the founders didn't do that because everybody knew the Bible and knew when they were quoting chapter and verse. But today educators are so ignorant of the Bible they don't even know when the founders would are referencing the Bible. And so their lack of knowledge of the Bible is why some of them today could read Patrick Henry's Give me liberty or give me death speech delivered in March 1775 that they would read through it and have no clue that he references a dozen or so scriptures in that address. But he doesn't, you know, specifically appeal to a verse, doesn't say this verse says that or that he just delivered the information. everybody knew he was referencing the Bible throughout that speech.
Understanding Founding Fathers Requires Knowledge of the Bible and John Locke's Teachings
Academicians today can read Jon Locke's second Treatise on Civil Government think his ideas were primarily drawn from secular enlightenment writers because they say, well Locke might mention the Bible here and there, but really not that often. But in reality he directly references scores and scores of scriptures and his ideas are drawn from hundreds and hundreds of Bible passages. And the founding generation who would have read Jon Locke would have recognized the firm biblical support for everything that he was writing in that book. So without a knowledge of the Bible, someone cannot understand the worldview of our founding fathers. And this is certainly true of George Washington, the father of our country.
George Washington's Extensive Biblical Knowledge and Use of Scripture in Writings
You know, Washington used about 80 different names for God, each reflecting a, ah, unique aspect of his character. And Washington over his lifetime would have learned of the unique character of God from sermons, hundreds of sermons. He heard from many of his biblical readings that he, that he took place in. In fact, you know, in Washington at his death, when an inventory was taken of his library, he had more than 150 sermons and Christian books. And of course you realize books were very expensive at the time and, and to have a lot, many of them was a rare entity. But washing 150 sermons and books related to Christian faith. And so hearing sermons, these readings would have sunk deep within his worldview and thinking. So it's reflected in all the different names he used for God. Washington quoted Scripture extensively in his writings and he quoted it not. And he didn't reference a particular Bible and verse but drew right from the Scripture and everyone would have known it.
Washington's Frequent Use of the "Vine and Fig Tree" Biblical Phrase
In a circular letter to the States in 1782, he referred to Ecclesiastes 9:11 when he wrote, the race is not always to the swift or the battle to the strong. Writing to the Marquis de, Chateauc, he referred to Isaiah 2:4 in expressing his wish that the swords might be turned into plowshares, the spears into pruning hooks. And as the scripture expresses it, the nations learn war no more. He wrote to Lafayette, I am become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac. And under the shadow of my own vine and my own fig tree, I am solacing myself. And here he's alluding to, 1st Kings 4:25 Micah 3, 4:34 Zechariah 3:10, Isaiah 36:16. When he used that phrase, vine and fig tree. He spoke of Pharaoh in Exodus 5:7, who compelled the children of Israel to manufacture bricks without necessary ingredients. He referred to the widow's might. That's a passage of scripture from Mark 12:41, 44, Luke 21:1 4. In a letter he wrote to his adopted son, George Washington Paak Custis. And there are many more biblical passages, in his writings that he would, have written but would not directly point to chapter and verse. Everyone would have known that. Now, one of Washington's favorite phrases was we read a quote from him that he wrote to Lafayette, but it was that phrase, under my own vine and fig tree. Now, he used that phrase about 50 times in his writings.
The "Vine and Fig Tree" Phrase and Its Significance for Freedom in America
Another incident I, read you one that he referred to when he wrote to Lafayette. I'm become a private citizen on the banks of the Potomac. And under the shadow of my own vine and fig tree, I'm solacing myself. In a letter to Jon Armstrong on January 10, 1783, Washington wrote, I wish you may possess health and spirits to enjoy after we shall have seated ourselves under our own vines and fig trees. Trees. If it is the gracious will of Providence to permit it the return of many happy years. Washington used that phrase in a letter to the Hebrew congregation in Newport, Rhode island, expressing, they have freedom in this country to sit under their own vine and fig tree, writing, may the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants, while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree. And there shall be none to make him afraid. You know, when Washington wrote that to the Hebrew congregation, it was in the United. Only in the United States of America, where Jews, in fact, as well as other people, had such freedom.
Biblical Phrase "Vine and Fig Tree" Used Multiple Times in Scripture
They didn't have freedom to sit under their own vine and fig tree. Now, his use of this biblical phrase reflects not only his knowledge of particular Bible verses, but also his understanding of the various scriptural truths presented in the different context. See the vine. The phrase vine and fig tree is used five times in Scripture. And each reference, expands truths presented by that phrase.
Biblical Economics: Productivity, Private Property, and Dwellings Under Vine and Fig Tree
It's a little different context. And let's, let's look at each of those. See, Isaiah 36, 16 says, Every one of you eat from his own vine and everyone from his own fig tree. So here we see, Isaiah speaks of eating from vine and fig tree, so eat from his own vine and fig tree, speaks of productivity, speaks of individual enterprise, private property. Now, all these are components of biblical economics. In order, you know, for you to eat of your own vine and fig tree, it implies you labored, you worked, you had property, you planted it, you were able to benefit from the fruit of your labor, it was, yours, that you could eat from that which you produced, which is much different than living in a socialistic system where you don't eat, that which you produce. We've talked about that in the past with the pilgrims, how they put off that communistic, socialistic system, embraced a free enterprise system so they could eat of their own, the product of their hands. So Isaiah speaks of eating from your own vine and fig tree. But then in First Kings 4:25, it says this quote, dwell safely, lived in safety. Another way to translation, dwelt safely.
Safety, Peace, Freedom, Contentment, Generosity: Meanings of the Vine and Fig Tree
Each man under his vine and fig tree, so live in safety, gives a picture of security, peace, freedom. So again, it's expanded. That phrase, represents private property, productivity, individual enterprise, eating from the fruit of your labor, living in safety, on your own property, off of the product of your own hands. There's peace, there's freedom. Then in, Micah 4:4, it says, Everyone shall sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid. So to sit under his own vine and fig tree implies contentment, enjoyment, benefiting from the fruit of one's labor. So again, an expansion of ideas that are contained in that simple little phrase, your own vine and fig tree, that you eat from it, you dwell safely, you sit under it. And then Zechariah 3:10, it says, Everyone will invite his neighbor under his vine and under his fig tree. So here, invite his neighbor, communicates, blessing, others, generosity, relationships, that you take the product of your hands, the product of your own property and labor, the great freedom and security you have to be productive, that you use the abundance that's Produced to bless others, to be generous, to build relationships. So these four verses speak of living without fear, living in freedom.
Limited Government, Flourishing Society, and the Messiah's Kingdom Influence
They imply limited government that doesn't own everything, control everything, regulate everything, but limited government that performs its limited function to protect everyone's God given life, liberty and property. These passages imply a flourishing society. In fact, the context of one of these is that the Bible says this is what will occur in the age of the Messiah. And we live in the age of the Messiah. Messiah. The Messiah has come. Jesus Christ. And the life changing work that he brought, the liberty he brought, the transformation, internal and external that he brought, has produced, eating from your own fig tree, dwelling safely under your own vine and fig tree, sitting under your own vine and fig tree, inviting your neighbor to benefit with you and build relationships. Relationships. So the Bible says that when the Messiah comes in the messianic kingdom, this will be the growing reality.
Unique Flourishing in America as a Fruit of Christian Principles
And this is what's happened the last 2000 years since Christ came into the world. And uniquely in the United States of America, that George Washington recognized and said this is unique, this is special. This freedom and liberty and economic flourishing is a fruit of the principles upon which the United States of America was built. And everyone benefited from it. The Christians, the Jews, and others.
Biblical Capitalism, Founders' Worldview, and America's Christian Foundation
So these scriptures under your own vine and fig tree and all the modifiers present an image of the kingdom of God, of a world full of his peace, his joy and his righteous standards. So this biblical expression encapsulates many major components of biblical capitalism, encapsulates the ideas of private property, individual enterprise, productivity, freedom, limited, government. George Washington and our founders understood such ideas were uniquely manifested in the United States of America. They understood, as we've discussed in past podcasts, that Americans exceptionalism came from Christianity. Our founders extensive use of the Bible reveals their deep biblical worldview. So this is one of many things that reveal America is founded as a Christian nation, that our founders knew the scripture, appealed to the scripture, applied the scripture, the principles in there just emanated from their life. It was a part of their life, part of their thinking, part of their action, part of the laws that they instituted in the constitutions, part of the American Revolution, these biblical ideas. So the founders were acting upon that deep biblical truth that had been sown within them from the very beginning. Their families and their churches, wherever education took place, with their own study and their own reading, they were thoroughly grounded in knowledge of the Bible. Not just a superficial knowledge, not just you pull out a scripture verse each day as A promise for you.
Founders' Deep Biblical Knowledge Fueled Liberty, Prosperity, and Biblical Economics
But they had a deep, thorough biblical worldview. The founders sought to apply their extensive knowledge of the Bible in every sphere of life. This was the source of our great liberty, prosperity and advancement. And so I love Washington's use of that phrase and I love how the scripture uses that phrase to communicate the flourishing that comes from the Christian faith and gives insight into us, the principles of biblical economics. Now I wrote a book on Steward in the, the biblical view of Economics where I go into detail on each of those components and more that I mentioned there that under sitting, eating, dwelling safely, inviting his neighbor, communicate, private property, individual enterprise, productivity, freedom, limited government, those are just some components of biblical capitalism that our founders knew and understood and they extracted that understanding from the Bible.
Lessons on Biblical Economics Versus Socialism and Communism
So it's a great lesson for us. you can get, see get a copy of my book Steward in the Earth at our website providencefoundation.com and I also have articles on there on biblical economics. if you are interested and in future podcasts I'm going to teach a lot more about biblical economics. I've we have a few podcasts already done and posted and you can go back and listen to them at any time on comparing biblical economics versus socialism. And this is certainly an idea that's very important to commute to present today and communicate today to Americans and really people all over the world because we have lots of people who, who embrace socialism and communism teaching in our schools.
Founders' Knowledge of Scripture Contrasted with Modern Societal Decline
And so a lot of our young people think oh this sounds great and then they'll vote for people like the socialist mayor of NewSong York City and other places. but our founding fathers would never have seen such a thing come about because they had a deep knowledge of scripture and they had a deep knowledge of applying and living in God's world. And in God's world godly principles produce flourishing but principles contrary to the Scripture produce lack and decline. And so there's just a brief look at the founders biblical knowledge and we need to understand the founders what motivated them and let them be an example to us so that we can acquire the knowledge necessary to restore America as the land of liberty. Well to learn more Visit our website providencefoundation.com and come back next week as we will continue to explore America's providential history and all things biblical.
God's Work in History and the Transformation of Nations Through His Truth
What does God have to say about various spheres in life? How has God worked and moved, in history? And how has he brought about the transformation and flourishing of America? And many other nations as they have applied his truth. Well, God bless you.
In this episode of America's Providential History Podcast, host Stephen McDowell examines the profound biblical knowledge of America's founders, particularly focusing on a phrase used frequently by George Washington. Delve into how the Scriptures influenced the birth and development of the United States, shaping the thoughts and actions of its leaders. Discover the significance of the phrase 'under my own vine and fig tree' and how it reflects biblical principles of productivity, freedom, and individual enterprise that were foundational to America's exceptionalism.
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