GoodNews – Episode 21: Biblical Foundations of America: Lessons from History with Jerry Newcombe

Faith, Freedom, and the Foundations of America

There are moments when we’re called to reflect not just on where we’re going, but on where we’ve been. That’s exactly what this episode of GoodVue Network’s Good News invited us to do. Hosts Duke White Jr. and Dr. Lee Kanter sat down with Dr. Gerry Newcombe, historian, author, and executive producer of The Foundation of American Liberty documentary series, to discuss the biblical and historical foundations that shaped America—and the pressing need to reconnect with them today.

This episode wasn’t just a history lesson; it was a deeply stirring reminder of the faith and principles that built this nation and why they’re still vital to our future.

A Nation Under God

Dr. Newcombe began with a simple yet profound truth: America’s founding wasn’t an accident. It was rooted in biblical principles that the early settlers carried with them to the New World. From the Mayflower Compact to the Declaration of Independence, these documents reflect a deep understanding that our rights come from God, not man.

As Dr. Newcombe explained, the Pilgrims’ covenant, drafted aboard the Mayflower, set the stage for what would become the United States of America. This foundational document declared their intention to form “a civil body politic” for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.

Hearing this reminded me of something we often forget: our freedoms were not born out of convenience or human ingenuity but out of a commitment to honor God’s design for governance and life.

Biblical Principles in Action

One of the most eye-opening moments of the conversation was when Dr. Newcombe unpacked how biblical truths influenced America’s founding documents. He pointed to the Founding Fathers’ understanding of human nature—specifically, the biblical truth that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This acknowledgment of humanity’s sinfulness led to the division of power within the government to prevent tyranny.

James Madison, known as the Father of the Constitution, famously wrote in Federalist Paper No. 51: “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” This humility—recognizing the need for checks and balances because of our fallen nature—has allowed the Constitution to endure for nearly 250 years.

It was a sobering reminder that without God’s wisdom, even the best systems fall apart.

The Decline of Biblical Foundations

While the episode celebrated the biblical principles that shaped America, it also addressed the reality of how far we’ve drifted from them. Dr. Newcombe shared startling insights about the erosion of faith in public life, pointing to the removal of the Ten Commandments from schools and the rise of secular humanism.

“When you remove God as the foundation, something else fills the vacuum,” he said. This “something else” often comes in the form of moral relativism, cultural confusion, and a loss of accountability.

I couldn’t help but reflect on how true this is today. We see the consequences of forgetting our biblical roots in rising crime rates, broken families, and a society that seems increasingly unsure of what’s right and wrong.

The Role of Personal Responsibility

Dr. Newcombe also emphasized the importance of individual morality in sustaining our freedoms. He quoted John Adams, who said: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

This struck me deeply. It’s easy to point fingers at political leaders or cultural shifts, but as believers, we have a responsibility to live out our faith authentically. If we’re not imitating Christ—if we don’t look different from the world—how can we expect to inspire change?

A Call to Reclaim Our Identity

One of the most powerful moments of the episode came when Dr. Newcombe reminded us of George Washington’s words: “Unless we imitate the divine author of our blessed religion, we have no hope to be a happy nation.”

Those words feel just as relevant today as they did in 1783. They’re a call to return to the foundations of faith, integrity, and humility that once set this nation apart.

As I listened, I felt a renewed sense of hope. Yes, the challenges are great, but so is our God. And just as He guided the early settlers and founders, He can guide us today if we’re willing to seek Him.

Final Thoughts

This episode wasn’t just an exploration of history; it was a challenge to live out the principles that made America great. It reminded me that while our nation’s foundation is rooted in faith, it’s up to us to build on that foundation with lives that honor God.

As Dr. Newcombe said, “The answer isn’t in the government—it’s in the church.” If we want to see true change, we need to start in our own hearts, our families, and our communities, returning to God’s Word as the ultimate authority.

So, what’s the next step for us? Let’s take up the challenge to be a light in a dark world, to live with integrity, and to point others to the source of true freedom: Jesus Christ.