Even though the United States is founded upon the value of separation of Church and State, U.S. presidents have often violated this precept…in a good way. Religious ideas and words have flooded America since its founding and the Bible has often served as a go-to text for inspiration and celebration.
Big Ideas
- The Hebrew Bible continues to make a large impact on the thematic and specific thinking of U.S. presidents.
- Presidents cite the Bible – with which they obviously have some familiarity – because it resonates with large chunks of the American public.
- The Hebrew Bible is adapted by American presidents for its general truths, albeit not necessarily laws particular to the Jewish Bible.
Essential Questions
- Why does the Hebrew Bible continue to make such an impact on American presidents?
- How do general American values parallel general Hebrew Bible values?
