America's Godly Heritage

Celebrate Thanksgiving by hearing President George H. W. Bush's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1989. Note how President Bush models his proclamation after first President George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789, how we need to pray to the "ruler of Nations," and how we need to focus on being grateful for God's blessings. Let us remember to be thankful too. Supp...

How did a cracked and useless bell come to have such a hold on American culture? Learn how the Liberty Bell was created (with a whole lot of drama), how it was used, and how it developed its famous crack. Support the show

The New World was covered in darkness. It became even darker as Spain conquered and enslaved the indigenous peoples and pillaged their lands. Three case studies provide examples of this:  1) Pizzaro's murder of Atahualpa and his search for treasure; 2) the mita system at the Potosi silver mine; and 3) the encomienda system. Warning:  Discussion of murder and systemic abuse Support the show

Spain sought to change the New World into a Mini-Me, and as part of that, it wanted the indigenous peoples to convert to Christianity. Church leaders came up with a missions plan, which eventually grew from travelling priests into the missions compounds that can still be found throughout Florida, the Southwest U.S., and Central and South America. There, the friars befriended, cared for, educated,...

Into the darkness of the Spanish conquest of the New World came pinpricks of light in the form of missionary friars. This video takes a quick look at two of these friars:  Bartolome de las Casas and Junipero Serra. De las Casas was named "Protector of the Indians," and he used his position of power to expose the atrocities being committed by the Spanish and to help and protect the Native...

Now the French Jesuits got in on the act in the Great Lakes region. Jacques Marquette was a missionary to the Illinois and explored the Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Illinois rivers. John de Brebeuf became the "Apostle to the Hurons" and died a horrific martyr's death at the hands of the Iroquois. The seeds planted by these and other missionaries into the fertile ground of the Native...

Our national motto, 'In God We Trust,' can be found on U.S. currency, stamps, and public buildings. From colonial times to the present day, the motto has reflected this nation's trust in God for guidance and protection in good times and bad. Although some believe our national motto does not belong in the public arena because it references God, it has been endorsed by several preside...

Columbus has returned to Europe in triumph, but his character does not hold up under the weight of his success. He alienates three monarchs; lies; and demands titles, recognition, and wealth. After being "encouraged" to return to the New World, he discovers that those who had been left behind are all dead and that the cannibalistic Caribs have struck the islands. Warning:  Discussion of...

Although Columbus was a phenomenal explorer, he was a terrible governor. Eventually, he was replaced and sent to Spain in chains. After being freed, he returned to the New World to explore the Caribbean and Central America. Though he had drifted from God, God called Columbus to repent and to return to Him. And so, he did. Warning:  Discussion of rape Support the show

Join Columbus as he sets sail on a voyage of discovery. After an almost-aborted journey, he finds a New World filled with kind Arawaks, mind-blowing flora and fauna, and treasure. Then his captaining skills are challenged by the desertion of the Pinta , the destruction of the Santa Maria , and two hurricanes. Support the show

Christopher Columbus was and still is a controversial figure. He believed he was to bring God's light into the darkness of the unknown world. He developed sailing and mapmaking skills but was mocked for his plan to sail due west across the Atlantic Ocean. After some divine intervention, he found favor in the court of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, and they agreed to sponsor his v...