Week 2 Restoring Religious Liberty
We have created these resources to complement Patriot Academy’s Rebuilding Liberty Course. We pray they will be a blessing for you as you attend or lead a class.
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Things to Think About
- What is something new I learned?
- What is something that made an impression on me?
- Summarize Lemon v. Kurtzman (the Lemon Test).
- How did Coach Kennedy’s win at the Supreme Court (overruling the Lemon Test) change things in society today?
- What was the Old Deluder Satan Act of 1647?
- What is the New England Primer? What things are included in it?
- Do you think a societal worldview play a part in the quotes from Presidents Taylor and Grant? If so, how?
- There was only 8 years from 1954 when there was an Old Testament curriculum for credit in the public schools to 1962 when prayer was removed from schools. How do you think this happened so quickly? Was there anything happening in society from 1954-1962 that could contribute to this change?
Resources
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The is a WallBuilder’s Reprint of the 1777 version of the New England Primer that was used for over 100 years as the textbook for teaching American school children. A forward has been added and the “f’s” have been changed to “s” to make it easier to read.
This version of the Elementary Catechism has been updated by about 10% by WallBuilders to reflect the changes made by the additional amendments to the Constitution since the publishing of the catechism.
Whoever defines the words, rules society. Definitions matter. This is a great dictionary that was written much closer to the founding of our nation than any dictionary published today. It is helpful for understanding the definitions that are closer to what the founding fathers would have used.
David Barton Combines hundreds of quotes from primary sources with the authors exposition on topics such as revisionism, judicial activism, and separation of church and state. A substantial appendix encompasses full texts of the founding documents, biographical sketches of numerous Founders, and extensive reference notes.
Homework
Homework assignments can be submitted here. Please put “homework” as the first word of the message.
Assignment- The Lemon Test
What is the “Lemon Test”? When was the original decision handed down from the Supreme Court? When was it overturned? Why is this important? These two articles might help you understand. The End of the Lemon Test – Alliance Defending Freedom and SCOTUS Rules in Favor of Coach Kennedy – Liberty Counsel.
Bonus assignment- 1828 Webster’s Dictionary
Go look up the following words in the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary. There is a free, online version if you don’t have a hard copy at home.
Look up the following words. How are each of these similar or different than the modern definition?
- chief (the example from class)
- denounce (From the Declaration…. “They, too, have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.”)
- politics
- republic
- democracy
- rule
- freedom
- liberty
Blog Posts that Relate to Class
Jason writes on the Patriot’s Hope Blog about jurisdictions, enumerated powers, original intent, and more on our blog. You can earn an entry into the drawing for every blog post you read and leave a comment. Contact Us and let us know which blog posts you left comments on.
More Ways to Earn Happy Tickets
- Invite a friend or family member to register for class! Then Contact Us and let us know their name so I can watch for the registration. Each class can stand alone. It’s never too late to have someone come.
Action Steps
Steps 4-6 for Rebuilding Liberty
4. In God We Trust in every public square
5. 10 Commandments in Schools
6. Godly Wisdom back in schools (bring the Bible back)
For more details on these steps, please visit Patriot Academy’s 250 Celebration page.
Reminder
Homework assignments can be submitted here. Please put “homework” as the first word of the message. Answer the Homework assignments, tell which of your friends registered for class, which blog posts you commented on, or what action steps you took. You will earn a Happy Ticket for each and every item you do.
