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The Founding Myth  By  cover art

The Founding Myth

By: Andrew L. Seidel, Susan Jacoby - Foreword
Narrated by: Christopher Grove
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Publisher's summary

Do "In God We Trust", the Declaration of Independence, and other historical "evidence" prove that America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles? Are the Ten Commandments the basis for American law? A constitutional attorney dives into the debate about religion's role in America's founding.

In today's contentious political climate, understanding religion's role in American government is more important than ever. Christian nationalists assert that our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, and advocate an agenda based on this popular historical claim. But is this belief true? The Founding Myth answers the question once and for all.

Andrew L. Seidel, a constitutional attorney at the Freedom from Religion Foundation, builds his case point by point, comparing the Ten Commandments to the Constitution and contrasting biblical doctrine with America's founding philosophy, showing that the Bible contradicts the Declaration of Independence's central tenets. Thoroughly researched, this persuasively argued and fascinating book proves that America was not built on the Bible and that Christian nationalism is, in fact, un-American.

©2019 Andrew L. Seidel; Foreword copyright 2019 Susan Jacoby (P)2019 Tantor
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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important information

loved this book. it was dense at some points but so much good info in this book

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Must-listen truths

This book is an incredible resource for anyone who wants more info on how religiousity permiated America's secular system of rule. Not at the America's founding, but smuggled in piecemeal as decades turned to centuries.

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Informative

I loved the book. It was informative and intelligently written. The performance was rough to get through though. He droned on in a near monotone voice throughout. Wish I would have bought the physical book instead.

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Worst voice ever.

love the content.

can't stand the voice. wtf were they thinking with this guy narrating?! fucking horrible. can't listen to it. just going to read it.

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thorough and convincing

This book is very well-researched and detailed to the point of being somewhat tedious, but very much worth listening to.

It gives a comprehensive history as to how Christianity has crept into our state and national governments, and insight as to why evangelicals support Trump.

This book leaves no doubt that our constitution is not based on the Bible nor our laws based on the ten commandments. Well done.

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  • 12-08-21

A must

I enjoyed this so much I ordered hardcover books to give as holiday gifts. A compelling, well researched argument against Christian Nationalist opportunists presently ruining our country. Time to speak up and out.

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Masterpiece!

Finally, a comprehensive demolition of the Christian nationalist narrative! Jacoby expertly debunks the lie that America was founded on "Judeo-Christian" values and principles with ample evidence and documentation from the Founders. Our great nation was explicitly designed by reason, using principles of the Enlightenment and the Bible and Christianity are antithetical to the freedom and democracy guaranteed by the Constitution!

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the founders were right about religion

Knowing true facts about the men who envisioned the US of A at inception is crucial to destroying the myths that others believe. Keeping religious dogma and totalitarian leaders out of our government was foremost in their design. The Christian Nationals are too wrapped up in their religion to accept the truth that we are a nation of freedom-loving people not religious followers. That’s how i read the Constitution and that’s what i believe and now i know why. All my questions about our history are answered now. Great book for understanding our current political drama and the destructionists trying to to take over our government to install their religion over us all.

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Excellent points from an expert

Overall great book. Could be a bit on the dense side at times. Audiobook did come off as angry at times, which is warranted due to passion on the subject. Author brought up ideas I have not been exposed too. Would recommend to anyone open minded enough to listen on the subject.

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Very thoughtful and thorough

Very thoughtful and thorough presentation of the topic. I strongly recommend this book for everyone

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