Biblical Origins of the Constitution
PRESENTATION ASSESSMENT: BIBLICAL ORIGINS OF THE CONSTITUTION
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
Prior to beginning this assignment, complete Watch: The Constitution – Part 1 and Watch:
The Constitution – Part 2 as found in the Learn items for Module 1: Week 1. These
presentations were recorded live at convocation at Liberty University shortly before the election
of 2008. Although David Barton refers to that election, the basic principles are valid at any time.
Almost 10 years later, David Barton appeared with Governor Huckabee to discuss the moral
failure in the United States for taking God out of the public square. This interview - the
Constitutional Christian - is divided into four parts
America: Our Roots
America and Divine Providence
Removing God from America
America: One Nation Under God
INSTRUCTIONS
Using the information from the presentations, and current issues in America today, you will write
a 3- 5 page essay in current APA format. Your essay will have an introduction, conclusion, and
level headings. You will include a title page, a reference page, one additional scholarly source
not more than six months old, and at least three biblical references which include the full text of
the scripture verse. Include the video presentations and the Bible in your reference list. These
do not count as “additional sources”. Wikipedia, and similar sources, are not permitted. Do not
simply write parts of Barton’s presentation verbatim.
As a reminder, collaborating with other students on this assignment or borrowing answers from
other students’ work is considered plagiarism and will be treated as such.
1. Explain the problems confronting the Constitutional convention in 1787, how they were
addressed, and the role of God in the creation of the Constitution.
2. Barton gives several examples of scriptural references in the Constitution. Name any two
principles, give the complete text of the applicable scripture, and explain how this
constitutional principle does, or does not, work in practice today. Give specific
examples.
3. Barton gives four examples of political issues, based on the Ten Commandments, which
receive God’s highest priority. Select any one political issue and discuss how it is either
in or out of compliance with God’s law. Discuss a specific court case related the political
issue and the applicable commandment.
4. According to Barton’s presentation, the government should not be involved in meeting
the needs of the poor. Cite a verse in the Bible that instructs us how to help the poor.
Give an example of how you, your community, or your church serves the poor. Compare
this to a similar government program. Who provides a better outcome to the recipient?
Explain.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the SafeAssign plagiarism tool.
The Constitution and the Bible
Student Name
University
Course
Professor Name
Date
The Constitution and the Bible
The American revolution birther the United States, after which the country's founders undertook to create a new body of laws called the American Constitution. Ever since many observers believe that the American Constitution was influenced by Bible. An interview with David Barton addresses some of these issues in the constitution, including the major problems it faces since 1787. The interview also makes Biblical references in the constitution and highlights political issues that complicate God’s law. Lastly, Barton argues that the government should not be involved in meeting the needs of the poor. The focus of this essay is to present a discussion of these items as outlined in the David Barton interview.
Problems
One of the main problems with the American Constitution is that it does not have the stipulations that allow it to govern the Americans. Barton argues that it is wrong to assume that the constitution governs America since it is the people that are constitutionally elected to the government. The cause of the problem is that these individuals have varied interests, which determine their actions and the direction they give the country. As a result, the constitution becomes only useful when the individuals elected are keen to maintain it. an example given is some Supreme Court Justice who have or have not read the constitution. In this case, the constitution would be useless in the hands of those who have not read the constitution. This scenario is explained by White (2022), who argues that the fights in the Supreme Court are usually about the Senate. If this is the case, it follows that the Supreme Court Justices will be seeking to align the court’s decisions with the interests of the Senate, which means the individuals constitutionally elected to the government. In other words, the constitution will not be the one governing America. Rather, it is the Senate that governs the country with support from the Supreme Court.
Scriptural References
In some of the scriptural references made by Barton, some constitutional principles are seen as not working practically. Barton quotes Proverbs 29:2, which expresses that “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked rule, the people mourn” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001). This scriptural reference has also been used in the interview to illustrate that the interests of the rulers determine how the constitution is applied. The principle of separation of powers does not seem to work t...