Telling Jefferson Lies
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Telling Jefferson Lies chronicles how history can be hijacked for ideological and political purposes, as well as a much broader story about the surge of Christian nationalism and the misuse of history which often goes along with it. The series begins with an in-depth consideration of the methods of Christian nationalist story teller David Barton. Then I tell the story of how his book on Jefferson was pulled from publication in 2012 and the response of evangelicals to that rare event. From there, I broaden the scope to examine the varieties of Christian nationalism and the negative consequences of this way of thinking about church and state. The last segment examines the reasons why the separation of church and state is good history, good civics, and good religion.
For more information, go to http://www.gettingjeffersonright.com.
Telling Jefferson Lies
America's Premier Historian: Origin Story
In April 2012, Thomas Nelson published The Jefferson Lies, a book about Thomas Jefferson written by David Barton. By August of the same year, the publisher had removed the book from publication. What happened?
This series tells that story and so much more.
Just over a decade later, the Speaker of the House of Representatives declared his thanks to the same David Barton for his work in history.
This series explores how historical revisionism persists even when it can be demonstrated that the facts are not there.
First, I provide some context for the current characters. In this initial installment, I go back and pick up the origin story of David Barton and his entrance into Christian nation storytelling. Although he has no academic preparation as a historian, that fact hasn't dissuaded evangelicals from flocking to hear him. As is sometimes the case, evangelicals use religious similarity as a misleading signal of expertise. This sets up the story of how The Jefferson Lies was pulled from publication and the role of Getting Jefferson Right in that event.
More broadly, the expert historians and scholars I have interviewed will help us understand the pitfalls of Christian nationalism and the revisionist history which sustains it. Ultimately in the series, I want to explore the remarkable American story of religious pluralism and freedom of conscience.
In this episode, Julie Ingersoll, John Fea, Rob Boston, and Gregg Frazer provide insightful commentary.
Show Notes:
Danbury Baptists and the wall of separation (links)
The letter from the Danbury Baptist Association to Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists
Trends in violent crime (links)
American Homicide by Randolph Roth
Long-term Historical Trends in Violent Crime by Manuel Eisner
A crime puzzle: Violent crime declines in America by Claude Fischer
The Bible in Schools and Violent Crime by Warren Throckmorton
Theme song: The World Awaits Us All - Roman Candle
Closing song: The Fight From Me - Greg Thornbury
Background music: Jonathan Swaim, Roman Candle, Warren Throckmorton
I want to thank Mike Cosper for wisdom and advice. I want to thank Greg Thornbury, Roman Candle, and Jonathan Swaim for sharing their advice and talents.