A Book Review: 100 Bible Verses That Made America. Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith

By The Bachster

My daughter saw a book at Cracker Barrel that made her think of me so she bought the book for me. The book is entitled, “100 Bible Verses That Made America. Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith.”  I am not exaggerating when I say that this book is one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. I am almost halfway through it and have to force myself to lay it down, lest I buzz through it without eating or sleeping.

This book intertwines American History and the Lord, two things I love almost equally, although I’m a better student of one than the other. I can see why my daughter thought of me when she saw it. Some of the stories are from the 1500s before America was even America. Many of them involve our Founding Fathers or early settlers and to say the stories are interesting would be an understatement.

Many emotions have been invoked during the reading of this book. Pride. For the individuals who lost their lives fighting for freedom before we were a Republic. Sadness. For the awful way that some Americans were treated either by Britian or by their own countrymen, e.g. slaves. Anger. For the people who were depraved of mind so deeply that they fought against freedom. Disbelief. For the propensity of evil to influence the minds of individuals who refuse to think for themselves and instead believe whatever they are told. It was apparent even way back then, that there was a purposeful agenda to destroy freedom. Connection. As someone who was born in Connecticut and lived in New England for much of my childhood, I feel connected to the places and the environment in which these people lived. Anticipation. For the next story that is going to be better than the last one – because that keeps happening over and over. Surprise. I knew that our country was built on Biblical principles, but I had no idea the extent to which that was true. It was almost as if love for freedom could not be separated from a belief in, love for, and reverence toward, a sovereign God. Fear. People were brave back then. Men were rugged – a man’s man. Women were tough too. The main objective most days was to just survive. No cushy life. Nothing handed over via a silver platter. No Kroger delivery for groceries. If they wanted a house they had to build it. If they wanted furniture, they had to build it. If they wanted food, they had to grow it. If they wanted to be protected, they had to protect themselves.

I shudder to think of what would happen if we were ever in another war on US soil - would there be anyone who would fight? Or would surrender to whatever force wanted power, be the immediate response? I can’t say with confidence that there would be anyone to fight for freedom. People have become complacent and soft and for the most part, have forgotten all of the history that allows us to live freely.

The good news is that reading this book has also encouraged me. There were times, like when prayers were offered up and battles were won and then they credited God’s providence for winning that battle and considered it an answer to their prayers. Or like immediately after the American Revolution, when people turned away or just forgot God altogether. Then after a time, there was a spiritual revival of sorts reminding the people of God’s sovereignty and bringing them back to where they needed to be. Let’s hope to God that something similar happens in our present day. Lord have mercy on us all.

I highly recommend this book. Looks like it’s available from many sources including Amazon. Would make an amazing gift especially for American History lovers.