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A Spiritual Heritage Tour of the United States Capitol
Hosted by WallBuilders' founder David Barton, this private tour of America's Capitol reveals the spiritual significance of the structure's statues and artwork. This book offers an exclusive look at some of the most notable events in American history and provides information that will enrich self-guided tours of the Capitol. It is the perfect companion to our Spiritual Heritage DVD.
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
David Barton
265 books292 followersDavid Barton is the Founder and President of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage.
WallBuilders is a name taken from the Old Testament writings of Nehemiah, who led a grassroots movement to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore its strength and honor. In the same way, WallBuilders seeks to energize the grassroots today to become involved in strengthening their communities, states, and nation.
David is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects being drawn largely from his massive library of tens of thousands of original writings from the Founding Era. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year.
His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators, has participated in several cases at the Supreme Court, was involved in the development of the History/Social Studies standards for states such as Texas and California, and has helped produce history textbooks now used in schools across the nation.
WallBuilders is a name taken from the Old Testament writings of Nehemiah, who led a grassroots movement to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore its strength and honor. In the same way, WallBuilders seeks to energize the grassroots today to become involved in strengthening their communities, states, and nation.
David is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects being drawn largely from his massive library of tens of thousands of original writings from the Founding Era. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year.
His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators, has participated in several cases at the Supreme Court, was involved in the development of the History/Social Studies standards for states such as Texas and California, and has helped produce history textbooks now used in schools across the nation.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 4, 2023
This was an interesting little book. The writing style isn't fantastic and the title isn't completely accurate, but the content is fascinating. A Spiritual Heritage isn't really a tour of the United States Capitol as much as it's a history of the Founding Fathers, their Christian beliefs, and where they're remembered/recognized in the Capitol.
More than anything, this is a brief history of the Christian influence on the founders of the United States. Not only does it include lots of quotes from the founders, it also includes several pages of end notes--literally dozens of references to check the accuracy of the author's statements.
If you're interested in the true spiritual influences on the Founding Fathers (were they deists or Christians?), this is an excellent quick reference. (As far as being a tour of the Capitol, that's very much a minor portion.)
Rated G.
More than anything, this is a brief history of the Christian influence on the founders of the United States. Not only does it include lots of quotes from the founders, it also includes several pages of end notes--literally dozens of references to check the accuracy of the author's statements.
If you're interested in the true spiritual influences on the Founding Fathers (were they deists or Christians?), this is an excellent quick reference. (As far as being a tour of the Capitol, that's very much a minor portion.)
Rated G.
August 12, 2018
Well done, full of well researched insights. Some complain that it should go further. Fine: go look at the rest of their library 🤠
March 9, 2024
I know a lot about our Christian heritage, but not this much. I was blown away.
December 31, 2016
Interesting, but lacked nuance.
He critiques those who claim the founding fathers were less Christian than supposed, and shows evidence from original writings supporting the idea that many of them were truly Christian.
He doesn't deal with Jefferson, he doesn't mention that Washington never took communion, he doesn't engage with the fact that well yes, there were Christians foundational to the beginnings of the United States, that is not the whole story. I think it would have been helpful to have more nuance, showing that some of the founders, while perhaps supporting Christian values, may not have been Christians.
Also, if a Christian is touring the Capitol, it could be useful to address places where the rhetoric of Christianity has been co-opted to discuss the country, like the painting the apotheosis of Washington.
I appreciated that Barton kept the book about history and didn't try to force in ideas about today's America, but I do think he he missed some needed nuance.
He critiques those who claim the founding fathers were less Christian than supposed, and shows evidence from original writings supporting the idea that many of them were truly Christian.
He doesn't deal with Jefferson, he doesn't mention that Washington never took communion, he doesn't engage with the fact that well yes, there were Christians foundational to the beginnings of the United States, that is not the whole story. I think it would have been helpful to have more nuance, showing that some of the founders, while perhaps supporting Christian values, may not have been Christians.
Also, if a Christian is touring the Capitol, it could be useful to address places where the rhetoric of Christianity has been co-opted to discuss the country, like the painting the apotheosis of Washington.
I appreciated that Barton kept the book about history and didn't try to force in ideas about today's America, but I do think he he missed some needed nuance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2010
Enjoyed this short review of the capitol and these favorite quotes:
on her baptism, Pocahontas changed her name to Rebecka, wanting a Biblical name to accompany her through her new life.
“that all may bow to the scepter of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole earth be filled with His glory.” From John Hancock’s Oct 15, 1791 proclamation
Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth. That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity - John Quincy Adams. On July 4, 1837
on her baptism, Pocahontas changed her name to Rebecka, wanting a Biblical name to accompany her through her new life.
“that all may bow to the scepter of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole earth be filled with His glory.” From John Hancock’s Oct 15, 1791 proclamation
Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth. That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity - John Quincy Adams. On July 4, 1837
January 22, 2017
A short read but packed with information that's difficult to find elsewhere. David Barton walks you through the capitol building, sharing stories about the founders and their spiritual lives.
I especially appreciated the almost exclusive use of primary sources (a few times, secondary sources) to illustrate the beliefs and religious practices of our various founding fathers, who served in all areas of government. I had no need to question the veracity of any statements because it all came, as it were, from the horse's mouth.
I especially appreciated the almost exclusive use of primary sources (a few times, secondary sources) to illustrate the beliefs and religious practices of our various founding fathers, who served in all areas of government. I had no need to question the veracity of any statements because it all came, as it were, from the horse's mouth.
December 26, 2010
Follow David Barton as he walks through the Capitol building in Washington D.C.. Mr. Barton is quite the scholar on our nation's founding, and it shows as he describes the various artifacts that populate the historic building and relates how each points to the fact that the country was indeed built by Christians on Judeo-Christian principles.
December 26, 2013
Highly informative and very inspiring! I highly recommend it!
Being a teacher, I greatly appreciated this presentation of the founding of our country and its great leaders from a constitutional perspective.
Being a christian, I appreciated our American history being presented from a moral/religious perspective.
The dvd was professionally filmed.
Being a teacher, I greatly appreciated this presentation of the founding of our country and its great leaders from a constitutional perspective.
Being a christian, I appreciated our American history being presented from a moral/religious perspective.
The dvd was professionally filmed.
September 9, 2010
Short and easy read. David Barton does a wonderful job telling the stories of early American history and it's rich spiritual heritage. It's a powerful testament of the deep faith of our Founding Fathers and it just scratches the surface!
July 26, 2008
Barton does an good job of detailing the spiritual heritage of our founding fathers.
December 2, 2012
Another outstanding book by David Barton. A must read~
February 17, 2015
I loved this quick read and recommend it to all Americans!!! Check out the DVD too:)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews