Loading summary
A
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
B
Why should you listen to Armstrong and Getty on Demand? We're not boring. A lot of news is boring and tedious and depressing. It makes you angry. You don't want to live your life like that. Hey, I'm Jack Armstrong. He's Joe Getty. We're Armstrong and Getty. We try to bring you the truth and help you figure out this crazy modern world. How about something about a comedic tone? We have a winner. Yes. Listen to Armstrong and Getty on Demand on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
A
So what can history teach us about God's plan for America? Our guest today is helping raise up a generation of believers who know their Bibles and their history. And he's here to share from his new book, the American Rebuilding the Republic. But before we get to that, join me around is the student at the table, April Simons.
C
Are you ready to learn today?
A
I am ready to learn, and I'm so excited. We live in a great country. We do. There's so much great about it. So I'm excited for this job. You know, I know you travel a lot abroad. I do, but. And we love that. I mean, we love every country. Yes. But when you come back home, I mean, you realize how blessed you are today. Oh, my goodness. It's just good stuff right here. We need to be grateful for what we have. That's right. Cindy Johnston, how are you?
D
Hey.
A
I'm doing wonderful today. Good. Happy to be here and be able to talk about our history in this country and how God has been such a part of this whole process. And I'm thankful to be living in this country. Yeah. Well, I know that my daughter, Rachel Ann Brown, loves history. I do. This is going to be right down your alley.
C
And dad loved history, and he.
A
He passed along that love for history to me. And I love to see there is, like, this revival of this love for country here in America, and it's really cool. I just saw Target. They're actually doing this, like, full on,
C
like, American display, patriotic display.
A
And so I just love seeing, like, this renewal of just love for country. Yeah, that's good. That's good. Dorothy Newton, how are you? I'm doing great. You know, a lot of the history that's being taught in our schools today is not accurate, and a lot of stuff's being left out. Things have been changed. To have a real historian today to talk about that has legitimate documents. Yes, I think it's gonna Be good.
D
Yes.
A
I think it's gonna be great. And you know what? I'm always open to learn more and more, and it's just. It's a beautiful thing. It really is. Cindy Murdock, are you ready? I am so ready. And, you know, I was thinking that it's a shame that we as Americans don't really study the history of this country to keep rekindling the love for this country. And I was just thinking at Christmas, we bought little constitutions, a little booklet, and we stuck it in all of our adult children's stocking, hoping that they might just get back in there and be rekindled and be refreshed and understand the Constitution. That's neat. That's awesome. Well, you know, he is an author, speaker, and president of wall Builders. Please welcome our dear friend, Tim Barton. I called you a historian.
B
I'll take it.
A
Are you right?
B
Yeah.
A
I mean, it's amazing. Your dad, David Barton, and you have these, like, photographic memories. Isn't it, like, copy paste?
C
It's like a little, like, younger version, the 2.0.
A
Yeah. It's amazing, like, what you'll see when he starts telling stories. But you guys really have one of the greatest libraries of historical documents, is that right?
B
Yes, ma'.
A
Am.
B
It's the only collection we have, actually. Two museums in the Dallas, Fort Worth area. We have one just west of Fort Worth in Alito. We have one in Los Colinas. But the one in Alito, which is where our main location for wall builders is, we have on display the only place in America you can go and see documents from every single signer of the Declaration and every signer of the Constitution. The only other people that have those collections are places like the Smithsonian, the Library of Con National Archive. And we've been blessed. We have tens of thousands of original documents. So any president, any founding father you can name, we have some of their handwritten documents.
A
So I know this is going to be difficult, but out of all the documents that you have looked at, what is one that really touched your heart and stood out? As far as maybe looking at our founding Father's Constitution, whatever.
B
We have a Geneva Bible that the pilgrims came to America in 1620. The Geneva Bible was part of the Bible reformation when the Bible hadn't been available to the modern world in their language. And so when the Geneva Bible comes out, for example, in English, for people in England and Western Europe, this is a revolutionary thing. And when the pilgrims come to America, they come to the Geneva Bible. Well, John Winthrop is the one who Leads the Puritans in 1630. There's a thousand Puritans that come initially with him. And this is where he gives a famous sermon about America being a city on a hill. We have a Bible from one of the families that came with John Winthrop. And in the front of the Bible, it actually has their family genealogy and quill pen. The Bible's from 1590. And so that's just ones off the top of my head.
A
Of course, you've written these books, the American Story. There's one and two. And this is just like a must have for understanding America, the story of America. Just quickly tell about both of these, because I know people want to get that and share with their. Their children, their grandchildren, et cetera, et cetera.
B
Yeah. The American story of the beginnings. We go from Columbus through the Declaration, and we actually, in both books have more than 1,000 footnotes in the back of them because we're trying to tell the honest story. And so we use original documents to do it. And in using those documents, we encourage people, please don't take our word for this. Like here, here's the actual letter where this is what he wrote. But what we try to point out to people is that most of what we think we know today is not historically accurate for lots of reasons. And when you go back and actually read from their own writings, you real that even though these weren't perfect people, they were people that by and large, not only knew there was a God, there were people seeking to be used by God for a greater purpose, for their future legacies, future generation for America. The second book goes from the Constitutional Convention up through the first seven presidents. So my dad and I are working. We're going to have a series of four or five of these that kind of tell all of the American stories. So these are the first two installments, chronological order. But it goes Columbus through the first seven presidents.
A
And you tell a lot of the actual stories, like you said, with the footnotes to back up, because truth is so important. And I'm going to let everybody go around because I know everybody wants to ask a history question, but what would our founding Fathers say about the state of America today?
B
Yeah, I think they would lament. One of the things that John Adams wrote is if we ever come to the place that we lose the foundation, he says, posterity, you will never know how much it costs my generation to preserve your freedom. And he said, I hope you make good use of it, or I shall repent in heaven that I ever took half of the pains we did to create it. And so I think they would look and go, what are y' all doing? But because we don't know our history, we don't recognize that the Founding Fathers are the ones who worked so hard to make sure we had a faith foundation. They quoted the Bible more than any other book in their writings, and it's not even close. The Bible was the most important book. And so in education, the Bible was the number one textbook that kids learned to read with. When you went to university, you were required to be trilingual. No matter what university you went to. You had to know English for maybe obvious reasons in America, you had to know Latin because you would read all the classics in Latin. But then you had to know Greek because every university, your freshman project was to translate a portion of the Greek Septuagint into English. So you had to know Greek. Well, this was just part of basic American education. You have to know the Bible. That's where you're learning to read from. It was a tradition that nearly every American in their time, the Founding Fathers, about this often for themselves. Standard practice was they would read through the Bible at least once a year.
A
Well, and our government was set up in the branches based on Isaiah, the government that they studied in the Bible.
B
Correct? Yeah, correct.
A
So talk just a little bit about that.
B
So when you look, for example, the Constitution, there's so many elements and components of the Constitution that come directly from the ideas they learned from the Bible. The fact that we have a republican form of government, they recognize that a king was never God's idea. I mean, when they're leaving Europe. Right. And they can point to where Samuel says, this is a terrible idea. Well, they say, well, what did God do before there were kings?
A
It never worked. I mean, through the whole all of history in the Old Testament. Correct? Yeah, correct.
B
And so the question was, what did God do before there were Kings? Well, Exodus 18:21. Choose from among you people to represent you. Leaders of tens, fifties, hundreds, thousands. Well, it repeats it in Deuteronomy. One repeats it in Deuteronomy 16. And so you go to the Constitution and there are so many components, including the separation of powers, where George Washington, John Adams, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton all wrote the reason we have to have a separation of powers is because the heart of man is wicked and deceitful. It can't be trusted, so we can't centralize. And by the way, that's a quote from Jeremiah 17:9, that the heart of man is wicked and deceitful. It can't Be trusted. And they actually didn't put the verse reference by it. There's a great letter from Benjamin Franklin over. When he was over in Europe, he wrote back to a pastor in America. He said, when I'm over here, he said, if I quote the Bible and if I don't tell them what I'm quoting, this is as foreign to them as if I'm speaking a different language. He says, in America, I can quote the Bible and I never need a reference that I'm quoting it. Because everybody in America knows the Bible well. This is what in their writings, when they say the heart of man is wicked and deceitful. They didn't put Jeremiah 17,9, but it's a verbatim quote. But the reason it mattered, they said we have to separate powers. Because if we know the heart of man's wicked and deceitful, then if we centralize power, when somebody's heart's wicked and deceitful, we're like, what are we gonna do? Well, now we separate power so that when somebody's heart's wicked is evil even. The reason we have the three branches, right? If you had a Supreme Court that was bad, well, then you have Congress and the president to keep them accountable. If you have a president that's bad, you have Supreme Court and Congress to keep them accountable.
A
Accountability.
B
That was it. Because they know we can't trust the heart of man solely in and of itself. But this again, and actually in the book Building the Republic and the American Story of the Beginnings, we go through some of this from their own writings at the moment when they write it. Because it goes chronological, we will include part of that letter. And it's also worth noting when we tell those stories Most history today is one of people's least favorite subjects because it's names and dates and places, right? It's dates and dead people. Nobody wants to do that. But it's interesting.
A
Kind of like reading Leviticus or writing
B
numbers and so and so begat so and so, and I don't even know. But what we try to do is take more of a Bible approach. Not from the Leviticus or the numbers side, but if we all talked about the story of King David, when David kills Goliath, if that was in a modern school setting, the question would be, in what year did David kill Goliath? And none of us Bible lovers at this table could answer that question.
A
You're right.
B
Why? Because the Bible doesn't tell us. Well, why didn't. Because that's not the point of the story. Modern history emphasized what should have been the least significant moments, and they removed what was the entire point of why we did this in the first place. So this goes back and it actually tells far more of the story. Not just names, dates and dead people, but it tells the story, which makes it a much more fun reading.
C
There's a very common misconception when it
A
comes to talking about the separation of church and state. Can you clarify what the Founding Fathers meant when they put that? Because a lot of people say the church should not be involved in politics, true or false.
B
So that is entirely false. But what we've done in modern culture, because we know so little history, we have taken a phrase and confused it, that the Founding Fathers believed in a separation of church and state, but not the way we do. They believed in separate institutions, but not secular institutions. Right. I mean, the Old Testament teaches us this. Moses was in charge of the law and government. Aaron was in charge of the tabernacle, the temple, the church. Well, those were separate institutions, but God was over both of them. God gave Moses all the law. God gave Aaron all the instructions, right? I mean, through Moses. But God is the one that gives all those instructions. In fact, if you go to King uzzia in Chronicles 26, he was the one that God gave inventions of war. He was coming back one day after a victory. He goes by the temple, he wants to offer incense. And the priest meets him and says, king, like, you can't go in there. I will do it for you. And he says, I'm the king, like, what? What is wrong with you? I do what I want. And if you remember, when King Uzziah enters the temple, God struck him with leprosy. He turned and fled. A leper. God had just given him victory in war. God was not against King Uzziah, but God made very clear boundaries. There's a separation of institutions. The Founding Fathers knew that very well because they had seen over in Europe where there was a state controlled church, that the king would actually determine laws
A
and theology for the church and create new institutions.
B
Correct.
A
And line up with what he wanted to do.
B
That was it. So they said in America, we're not going to do it. But they never thought there was a secular notion of government. And this is where the very first time the Founding Fathers met, as an example, September 6, 1774. The very first motion made at their very first meeting was to open with prayer. And they discussed it. They brought in the Reverend Jacob Duchet. The opening prayer lasted for two hours.
A
Wow.
B
By record now, most churches would have a hard time having a two hour prayer meeting these days. Right. But these are the founding fathers and we can go through hundreds of examples. By 1814, there had been more than, excuse me, 1815, there had been more than 1,400 official government issued prayer proclamations where governors, presidents or congress called on the nation or their individual states to times of prayer and fasting or prayer and thanksgiving. If the notion we're hearing of separation church state means you can't have God in government, then why did every single founding father who became a governor do prayer proclamations calling on a specific day in their state for a time of prayer and fasting or a specific day for a time of prayer and thanksgiving? Either they misunderstood the phrase or we've misunderstood the phrase. And since they're the ones who did the constitution, I'm going to think they didn't misunderstand it. We've just misrepresented that today they believed in separate institutions, but not secular institutions.
A
And of course, a lot of people reference the letter that Thomas Jefferson wrote. So explain that.
B
Yeah. So in January 1, 1802, Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to a group of baptists in Danbury, Connecticut. Thomas Jefferson was the one. When he was in Virginia, he had worked to remove the Anglican church as the official state established church of Virginia, which had gone all the way back to Jamestown's founding, because that's what England was under King Henry viii. They became Anglican. And so Virginia was officially an Anglican colony. And Jefferson said that we should not give favoritism toward the Anglicans over everybody else. We should have freedom of religion for all Christian people. So he was the one that worked to remove the Anglican church over Virginia. Well, the Danbury Baptist knew that. And being up in Connecticut where they were, Connecticut was very strong Congregationalist, which was Puritan pilgrim descendants. That was kind of their thought. And they were concerned that John Adams had just been president. He was a very like, outspoken leader, supported by the Congregationalists. And they said, if we get another guy like that, they might say we're all going to have to be Congregationalists in America. So Jefferson's president, they said, this is the guy we need. Can you make sure, in their letter they write in October of 1801, they say, can you make sure that you do something to ensure our religious freedom? And the letter he writes back, January 1, 1802, he says, you don't need to worry about losing this. He says, congress has already made sure that your freedom is forever secure. Because in the first amendment, which says congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the prejudice thereof. He says we've erected an eternal wall of separation between church and state to make sure the government can never interfere with your religious expression.
A
So the government cannot interfere, but they switched it and said the church, you know, can.
B
Right now we're saying that we can't have religion and government. But here's where I would go even one further, maybe kind of to your thought a minute ago too. Thomas Jefferson. January 1st, 1802 was a Friday, two days later, Sunday. Jefferson doesn't just go to church. He goes to church in the US Capitol building, a church that he actually approved to meet in the Capitol building. And, and the pastor who spoke that Sunday was the pastor that Thomas Jefferson had personally invited, John Leland. So if Jefferson admit with separation, church is faith, that you can't have religion and government, then why did he go to church at the Capitol building and listen to the pastor that he personally invited to come speak on that Sunday?
A
So good. So good. I would have enjoyed history and Leviticus more if I knew it this way. I know you have kids, three and six, I believe, and I have grandkids and I know they are not going to learn this in school. Do you have something for them that, that we could be teaching them? Any material?
B
Yes, ma'. Am. So at wallbuilders.com, we do have resources and material for younger kids. We actually have some coloring books with some stories in it. But even with these two books, the American Story, we have them written where even homeschool parents can use them in upper elementary, they can be used in middle school or high school, depending on when you want to cover some of these materials. But it's also written in such a way, one of the things that unfortunately, most parents don't realize how poor their education has been either. And I would encourage, like most parents go back and relearn this because just like it used to be growing up where a Sunday school where there'd be like maybe storyboard, right? And we're learning David Killing Goliath, you know, phone board, whatever it is. So I would say one of the things that's so important is for parents to learn the story so that then they can help tell the story at an age appropriate level. You know, there's some parts that even in the book, like we have a little disclaimer at the beginning. There's a few moments where we talk about cannibalism in America and some like could be intense moments for kids. Like parents just be cautioned These sections, you might want to read it first. But that's what we would say is there's a lot of great resources on our website, but also even these books for parents to know so then they can even walk their kids through reading, telling some of these stories to relearn who some of those heroes were.
A
How and why have these facts not been brought forth over the years into public schools and into society in general. How has that started just going away with education?
B
There's a long history we can back up with progressives. When they took over in the early 1900s, they changed the goal of education. Ultimately what they did is they stopped creating thinkers and they started producing memorize and repeaters. And so most people now have not learned the stories because it doesn't help support what the point of education has become. And going back to what education used to be, we wanted people to be thinkers, problem solvers and know the story. And we've just shifted the idea in modern education.
A
What are some victories today that's happening in America that gives hope?
B
Well, I think there's actually a lot happening right now and unfortunately a lot of news networks aren't covering them, but we are seeing incredible victories from the pro life battlefield where states are doing things to protect and defend life. But even things like the Ten Commandments being now at Texas, where we are one of the states that's actually passed the Ten Commandments are going to go back in every public school classroom in Texas. The same thing with In God We Trust legislation. There's legislation that's allowed chaplains. There's more than 20 states that now have chaplains in schools in their state and that list is growing. There's a law now passed in Texas where Bible and prayer time is allowed every day for every teacher and every student. There's a lot of really positive things when we look at what made America a unique, special, prosperous nation. The foundation that made us different was the Bible. And the Bible has been actively removed for the last 60 years. But we are at a place now that we can restore that and we are seeing it restored in real time, which is pretty amazing.
A
Wow. Amazing. You know, wall builders was trying to get some ads out and it was rejected.
B
Yeah.
A
So tell us about that. And then what can all of us do in a way to help support and make it happen?
B
So we were in Washington D.C. where there are the Smithsonian Museum, so many school kids go. We wanted to take out ads and put them on buses and various places in even the metro stations where people could see basically there was a QR code was all we were doing. There was a picture of George Washington kneeling in prayer and it had the word Christian with a question mark. There was a QR code. Like to find out more, go here. And we had an article where we just had quotes from founding fathers and had a little disclaimer up front that even though not every founding father we wouldn't argue was a devout Christian, most of them were. And here's just some of the things they said about their faith. And so then we have this long list. Well, in Washington D.C. they said, wait a second, you can't have religious advertising in D.C. and that's too politically controversial. And so our friends, Kelly Shackler for First Liberty, they represented us. We were able to win that case. And so then our ads actually did run in Washington D.C. and where they were on buses, they were in the metro stations where people could actually just go on that QR code and see what did the Founding Fathers actually say. And when you go to their writings, it's so different than what most of us have been taught about their beliefs.
A
I'm curious because you mentioned this at the beginning of the program. What are some of the biggest misconceptions that are being taught that are history,
C
that actually aren't accurate that people would
A
be surprised to find out?
B
Yes, there's not a single signer of the Declaration or Constitution that was a atheist, agnostic or a deist, which we hear today. Well, you know, Franklin, Washington, they were all deists. None of them were deist, but they
A
said Jefferson, saying right now I might
B
look at like a Franklin. And I wouldn't argue he was a Christian, but he's the same guy who during the Constitutional Convention when it's all falling apart, the longest speech he gave was challenging all of the other delegates there to a time of prayer. He said, if God doesn't help us, we'll never succeed. Well, that's not an atheist, agnostic or deist. Now, he wasn't sure about the divinity of Jesus at the end of his life. So I wouldn't say he's a Christian, but he wasn't anti Christian ever his whole life. Or the idea the Founding Fathers were all these racist, bigoted slaveholders. The vast majority of the founding fathers actually came out against slavery and many of them never had slaves. Many of them who had slaves actually freed their slaves in their lifetime. But we're not told their stories. We're told about, well, Thomas Jefferson, he had slaves. Washington had slaves. Cool. You've named two of more than 200 founding fathers. Who else do you know that had slaves? And what's their story? And the problem is we don't know the story. We hear the accusations. And because we don't know the story, we often believe the accusations, even though largely they're historically ungrounded. And so part of what we do, going back and telling the story, people can see not just what the accusation was, but what did they actually do and how it's so different than what they're accused of today.
A
So some of the best presidents that America has had and some of the worst presidents as it relates to what our founding fathers intended.
B
Yeah. So for the original intent, for the foundation Constitution, obviously, George Washington, he's the guy that started it all. He helped do the Constitution. He was one of the best. You could point to people like Abraham Lincoln, who had the courage and backbone. Significant moment in American history. We'd point to someone like a Calvin Coolidge, who's considered one of the most constitutional presidents in our nation's history, Maybe even a guy like Ronald Reagan, who, when, you know, an era, we were told, america's going downhill, never going to recover, and it turns around. I'd even point to Donald Trump, with all of the criticism he gets. He is one of the most constitutionally grounded presidents we've seen in our lifetime. I mean, and not even close. So I would say that's probably my top five. Andrew Jackson actually is in my worst president because of what he fundamentally did to change America. And then you have guys like an FDR because of bringing in progressivism. There's several people I would point to the Roosevelt, where they correct Franklin Delano Roosevelt for fundamentally changing what the American system was about and saying, no federal government should be the one to meet all your needs. It used to be we knew God met our needs.
A
Did his wife have a lot of influence on him, though?
B
Correct. The same with him, with Woodrow Wilson. A very bad president. His wife was very influential. Maybe even like a Joe Biden whose wife was very influential.
A
Yeah, yeah. So the damage that we've seen from some of these presidents, it's interesting. It's almost like you can go back and read about the kings. You have a good king, a bad king. You go backwards, you go forward. But are you hopeful for what you're seeing happen now? Some of the doors that are open, even our Supreme Court decisions?
B
I'm very hopeful for lots of reasons. We're seeing God on the move all over the nation. We have the opportunity. We do a lot of traveling on a yearly basis. And it's so evident. I mean, we've seen and talked about even on your program before, like the baptisms in California. Right. 7,700 people baptized. Well, there was baptisms in Atlanta just a couple weeks later, where they did 1600 baptisms in Atlanta. We're seeing God on the move all over the nation. We actually have a president who loves America and one who recognizes that not only is there a God, but God saved him on purpose for a reason. It's been a while since we've had a president even acknowledge something that simple. And so there's a lot of reasons. I'm very hopeful.
A
Well, and we have to say, because we're out of time, but when you talk about that God has used. He always uses imperfect people. And so we can talk about King David. Man after God's own heart. But he murdered a man. He committed adultery.
B
President Trump would fit in Hebrews 11 very well because that was an incredibly flawed list of murderers, prostitutes, womanizers.
C
Right?
A
Yeah.
B
But look how God used them in amazing ways.
A
Yeah. And God can do that. Right?
B
Correct. Hebrews 11 should be one of the most hopeful chapters we ever read, because we should go, if God can use them, he can use me.
A
You have Rahab in there who was a prostitute.
B
Correct.
A
You know, think about that. It is in the lineage of Jesus. So this is good, right? Yes, so good. So good. Well, we're out of time today, but I want you to remember we're not just called to learn from history. We're called to make history with God. I've heard people say that history is his story. And our founding fathers, of course, like our founding fathers, we need to stand up, speak truth, and lead in this moment. You need to get out and be a part of your community, your school board. I mean, how important is that? So important to get involved in what's going on with our schools and with our children and with the world. And, I mean, so many things happening. God's given you an opportunity to speak up and to speak truth. And I wanted to say, like, as believers, be kind. Okay. We don't have to be ugly and mean and angry. And, you know, God loves everyone. We love everyone. And today, if you're watching and you need prayer, that's why that prayer line number's on the screen. If you're watching today and you don't know the Lord, but you would like to know Him, I would just encourage you to call that number on the screen and just invite Jesus into your heart right now. Just say Jesus I need you. I always talk about my grandpa Trammell who just said, God, if you're there, I need you. He didn't know what to pray. He just said, God, I need you. And God transformed his life. He wants to do that for you too. The most important prayer you can pray is to invite Jesus into your heart and ask him to forgive you. Because the Bible says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. All of us sitting at this table have sinned and come short. And we have all prayed and ask Jesus to come into our hearts and he has changed our lives. He wants to do that for you. Well, I do want to thank Tim for joining us to get a copy of his book, both these books. Find out more about his ministry. This is such a great thing for kids, y'. All. Visit wallbuilders.com both 1 and 2. There will be a 3 and 4 coming out. And the stories, that's what interests me. I don't know about y', all, but I love to read. And these are stories that are backed up by documents. So as always, make sure to follow us on social media. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes. Exclusive content. Let us know how Table Talk is touching your life. We love hearing from you. You can also listen to the Joni Table Talk podcast, available now on all major platforms. I want to thank you so much for watching. Thank you Tim.
B
Yes ma'.
A
Am. We love and appreciate your little photographic memory there and just excited about what you're doing and the truth that you're sharing these stories that actually happen that we can know and understand and I know you've been blessed by it as well. Thank you so much for watching. Thank you ladies. See you next time. Bye bye for today.
B
Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. Now I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month back. So I thought it would be fun
A
if we made $15 bills but it
B
turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a try@mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for three months, $90 for
A
six months or $180 for a 12 month plan. Required $15 per month equivalent taxes and fees.
C
Extra initial plan term only greater than 50 gigabytes. Me slow when network is busy. See Terms.
B
Why should you listen to Armstrong and Getty on Demand? We're not boring. A lot of news is boring and tedious and Depressing and makes you angry. You don't like that. Hey, I'm Jack Armstrong. He's Joe Getty. We're Armstrong and Getty. We try to bring you the truth and help you figure out this crazy modern world about something about a comedic tone. We have a winner.
D
Yes.
B
Listen to Armstrong. You get it on Demand on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.
A
So do you think God allows tragedy, pain, and loss? And if so, how can we get through difficult seasons and come out stronger? Other side? Well, today's guest is here to share the amazing story of how losing his sight actually helped him to find unshakable faith. But before we get to that, join me around the table is my little twin today with her.
C
Thank you.
A
Kendra. Kelly Dean, how are you? This is such. It's such an amazing testimony about how
C
God is always there.
A
If we're just willing to surrender and say, lord, here's what I have, take
C
what I have and make it all for your glory.
A
He's so faithful to do that. And this is. People are going to be blown away today, I guess. And Dorothy Newton, you know, welcome to the table. We want to encourage people today that, you know, things don't always turn out the way we think they're going to in this lifetime. That's right. No matter what happens, no matter what it is, he will always be there. He's there when it happens, you know, during the time after. He's always there. His love never fails. He's going to be faithful. Yes. Yes. Anna Kendall, do you believe that? I absolutely believe that. You're bright blue. You know, my husband's so pretty. My husband was in the marine Corps for 11 years and was made. He reached the rank of major, and I believe so much in the military, and I'm so thrilled when I meet someone who has served our country. And I'm so sorry that he had the problems from that. But look at what God has done. This is just amazing. Yeah, it is. And we're going to hear that story. Cindy Murdoch, are you ready? Were you encouraged today? Oh, my goodness, yeah. I am so encouraged and encouraged as guests, as a couple. But the hope they instill to people, the courage they have taken to stand and do what's right. And we're just so glad to have Captain Scotty Smiley and his beautiful wife Tiffany here at the table.
D
Thank you so much.
A
Welcome, guys. Well, you know, when faced with unthinkable situations that transform our lives, how do we move forward? Can we really find Wholeness in God's plan in the midst of our pain. Well, our guests are here to answer these questions and share their inspiring story. He is the US Army's first blind active duty officer and he's here with his beautiful wife. Again, welcome Scotty and Tiffany Smiley. So glad you guys are here.
C
I'm so happy to be here.
A
I'll tell you what, I love the book Hope Unseen. Because, because the fact of the matter is, Scotty, you trained and went to Iraq and we're going to get to that part of the story. And I mean, we're kind of jumping ahead. But just quickly tell what happened to you in Iraq and then we'll start over and kind of go through the story.
D
Yeah. Serving in Iraq as a first lieutenant in the army in charge of 45 men. Came face to face with a suspicious vehicle. Rules of engagement, I couldn't shoot unless I knew for 100% that they had a weapon. And unfortunately, my driver parked the Stryker vehicle about 30 yards from his vehicle on the same road. He's facing west, I'm facing east. No median, nothing in between us. Just a single man in the driver's seat in a silver opal, had a gray button up shirt on. His head was buzzed, face was buzzed. Both hands were on the steering wheel. I yelled at him to get out of his vehicle and he shook his head no and took his hands off the steering wheel. And I yelled at him again. He responded in the same manner. Then he took his foot off the brake and that's when I raised my M4 rifle to my shoulder. I fired a round in front of his vehicle and then boom, my world went black.
A
So at that point, and we'll get into more of the story, but you lost your eyesight, had a traumatic brain injury, actually, you were paralyzed at first, right? Yes.
D
So lost both of my eyes. And obviously the story later being told to me, you know, immediately passed out, put into a medically induced coma, rushed from Mosul to Germany, flat lined several
C
times on the way, lost, you know, a lot of blood. They didn't even know if he was going to survive. They were taking him from one combat sport hospital to another to try to get him the care he needed.
D
Finally just, you know, stabilized and woke up and was later told what had happened. And that's when the true, not just physical, mental, but spiritual journey really began.
A
Right. And we're going to, we're going to get into that. And of course, your book, Hope Unseen, the story of the US Army's first blind active duty Officer, which is quite a story in and of itself. How powerful was that bomb? I mean again, you were 30 yards away and you were in a vehicle and you had on protective. I mean, how powerful was it?
D
The entire vehicle disintegrated. Engine block, you know, flew, you know, 100 yards. Just the entire. The man took his own life. It disintegrated. The vehicle, created a crater in the ground about, I later heard, about 5 yards wide, several yards deep, just. And this is on cement. So literally disintegrating. These men were willing to take their own lives to destroy disruption. What the United States was now creating was a democracy.
C
And you know, the terrorists actually filmed it and it was on YouTube until our US government took it down.
A
Oh my goodness. Wow, wow, wow. If you're sitting there saying, you know what, I just can't get up, I can't do this. This happened. That happened. Well, watch this and know God still has incredible plans for your life. Let's watch.
D
I'll be conducting the Ironman a little different way. I'm blind. I've been blind for a little over 10 years. And so I need a partner for every part of the race. My partner, Andy Cooper, who's my brother in law, is the best partner in the world. We had laid everything out pretty carefully the night before. The morning was a bit of a scramble like always because there's always last minute adjustments.
A
Let's go.
D
Get marked up. Run 105. Today is a high.
B
A natural athlete and having completed military diving school, Scotty is a strong asset in the water. Scotty and Andy completed the swim in an hour and 25 minutes, showing little signs of fatigue. They were greeted by the cheers and encouragement of spectators.
A
And point your toes, family.
D
Right out of the water. You feel like a million bucks. You get on the bike and your jersey's dripping wet and you're cool and you're excited and you're amped up. And we did just take off.
A
I don't think either one of us
D
felt our legs for the first. What is it, about 14 miles of this smaller loop? The most difficult part of that bike ride was when we got to the top of the hill on the second loop. We knew an aid station was to going. Coming up. We took what little water we had left and poured it over ourselves, which was only mildly refreshing.
B
Scotty and Andy were reaching their physical limits. The last leg of the marathon was in sight. But the finish couldn't feel further away.
A
They're coming, Scotty. Let's go, Scotty.
D
I knew If I did stop, there'd be huge chance I wouldn't get back up. By no means was I was trying to skirt in on the last. In the last second. I was doing everything I could just to stay alive, to keep my body temperature down, but to keep moving.
C
Amen.
D
That's what it began to mean to me is we don't give up on life. We don't give up on what struggles or trials may be facing us. When God meets us and says, good job, good and faithful servant, your race is complete.
A
Sad. The table said that three letter word wow. And then we set it backwards.
D
Wow.
A
Okay, so that was amazing. But, Tiffany, that's only one, really. Although. Great accomplishment, but small compared to some of the other things he's done.
C
Oh, yeah, Scotty. You know, when Scotty was first blind, being at the hospital with him and obviously navigating the army and everything we had to go through, I heard everyone telling him what he couldn't do. And, you know, I knew. And God put in my heart and my spirit that I would never be that person. That I would speak truth, hope, and life, and I would tell him everything that he could do. And maybe I regret that some days because he does some pretty amazing things. He's unstoppable. When people bring up Scotty, I say, yeah, he's superhuman. Like, I don't even know if he's a human, you know?
A
So you two met, what, in high school?
D
Junior high.
A
Junior high. And tell us, Tiffany, how. Because nobody knows you were prophetic back then. And you circled Scottie.
C
I did. I grew up on a farm. And so I was bused in in junior high to the.
A
You're just a country girl.
C
I was just a country girl, yes. Bust into the big junior high school. And, you know, it was hard. You know, people were mean and kids are kind of mean. But there was one boy who was really nice and his name was Scotty. Smile. And so I drew a heart around his picture and I wrote future plans.
A
Oh, wow. In sixth grade.
D
I didn't stand a chance. I didn't stand a chance.
A
That's right. They were sealed.
D
Exactly.
C
But we were just friends.
A
And you both knew the Lord. Yes, at that point.
C
Yes.
A
So, I mean, it's like you both had that foundation underneath you.
C
Yes.
A
But, I mean, y' all wouldn't get together, obviously, in junior high. You would go through high school and actually didn't start dating till it took some work.
D
I think I had to grow a little more hair on my chest, get a little more muscle before she reminded the prophetic decision she had made years prior.
A
Well, so who asked who out or who's talked to who first?
D
I think I asked. And she said no. And she had some crazy excuse. I got made fun of by my family, my siblings. But then.
A
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Sure, Tiffany, what was your excuse? Where was the card at?
C
We were heading into. It was the summer, heading into our senior year. And he called me in the summer to ask me out on a date. And I said, well, I have basketball practice. It was like a Sunday evening.
D
No one has basketball practice at 7pm
C
But I was on the AAU team and we actually did have basketball practice, but he called.
A
Okay, so it was legitimate. It was.
C
Yeah, yeah. I will say he still questions it, but yes. But he stayed persistent. And we ended up going out. I think we went to a movie. And then the rest is history.
A
Rest is history. So how long were you guys married? I mean, you were going to school?
C
Yep.
A
He was in military training, I guess. The Rangers.
D
Yeah, I was at the military. United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, for four years.
A
Okay, so y' all got married at some point. When did that happen?
C
December of 2003. We got married and then he went off to ranger school for two months. And you can recycle in that in ranger school and can take a lot longer. But when he left, I said, you better not. You better get through this program quickly.
A
Quickly.
D
You leave after the honeymoon. Leave after the honeymoon. I said, I hope I see you in 62 days. She goes, hope so. I was like, well, you can recycle.
B
She's like, you never said this.
A
She was like, 62 days. That's it, buddy. And you better be back. And you better be back.
C
So that was the beginning sort of of our military journey together.
A
Yeah. So how long were y' all married when he got through all of that program and actually was stationed in Iraq where this accident happened?
C
Yeah. So we celebrated our one year wedding anniversary with him in Mosul, Iraq, and him calling me at like 11:30 the night of our anniversary to wish me a happy anniversary.
D
And unfortunately, this is the nature of War is 15 minutes later, after I had said, you know, I love you, I had lunch. A man walked into the cafeteria, taking. Blowing himself up, killing my boss and 20 other men and women in the military, injuring, permanently injuring hundreds and just destroying thousands of people's lives. And Tiffany, knowing I just wish her happy anniversary, how much I loved her, told her, I'm going to lunch. She pulls up on Yahoo to Check emails. If I wrote it says lunch bombing, hundreds killed. And that, unfortunately, is the nature of war, is all phones are shut down, all communication shut down.
A
So where were you when that happened?
D
I was walking back from the cafeteria just literally 10 minutes after I had saluted my boss, Captain Bill Jacobson. Yeah.
A
So you were 10 minutes removed from that room where you would have been killed as well.
D
Yep. And so again, it's just God's holy power. At the same time, it's the nature of war and nature of mankind is there's so much evil and the intent of that evil. And again, the credit that the women and married individuals back home had to go through to not understand, just to see, you know, there's just the unexpected of, you know, did my husband just die? Did my spouse pass away? But again, the resiliency of families that really go through the unknown, that's many times where the battle lies.
A
Well, of course, you told us the story, how the terrorist blew himself up. And what about the men that were with you? How were they injured?
D
A gentleman in the back who had one of the platoon machine guns, had shrapnel on his face. I was told he was later returned to duty. My squad leader, who was in the back, he was knocked unconscious, woke up several seconds later. So, you know, with, you know, that is technically a traumatic brain injury, but everyone else was able to return back to duty that same day. Obviously, I received the most severe, you know, ramifications of that bomb.
A
Okay, so, so fast forward to he's now in the hospital, I guess he's still unconscious.
C
Yeah.
A
And, you know, there's damage to his eyes, etc. They call you into a room to do what?
C
Yeah, so I had power of attorney and, you know, Scotty was unconscious. He still couldn't move, you know, this right side of his body. And they pulled me into a room since I had power of attorney and said, you know, sign right here on this line, Mrs. Smiley, and we will medically retire your husband and we'll begin the paperwork. Being a nurse and you, you know, nurses are the strongest advocates you could ever have in your corner. I knew that wasn't the right thing to do. Not only that, you know, I'm in this room, I'm just a small town farm girl from Pasco, Washington, and I'm in this room with all these military officials and VA officials and they're staring down at me and I said, I'm not signing it. I thought it was absolutely wrong. So they pushed the paperwork in front of me and Said, he has no eyes. He will never serve again, so sign right here. And I said, I am not signing it.
A
Wow, wow, wow. So eventually, he came out of the coma.
C
Yes.
A
And what were some of the first things that you said to him? Because here you were just newlyweds and your life's going to be changed forever.
C
Yes.
A
Because now you have a beautiful husband, but he can't see. And that was another miracle that his face wasn't disfigured.
C
Yes. You know, the doctors, when they greeted me at Walter Reed, they said, you know, Mrs. Smiley, we can't explain this, but we've never had an injury like this. Usually when there is a bullet bombing and this type of injury, their faces are mutilated. He said, the shrapnel just went right through both of his eyes. He said, I cannot describe it.
D
I'm still the same handsome man from
C
there, you know, he just said, it just doesn't make sense. It doesn't make sense. But I knew, you know, God really gave me a vision of hope for our future. So I walked in every day and just spoke truth, hope and life. And I told Scotty everything he could be. I said, you're going to be a speaker someday. He's like, I can't. No one's going to listen to me, and said, you're going to write a book and share about this journey. And he said, like. He's like, get out of my room. You know, do you know what my English teacher. You know, what grade my English teacher gave me at West Point? You know, like an F. I can't write a book. And I. You know, I just constantly told him everything he could be. But it was a vision that God gave me to speak that truth, hope and life. And, you know, really, you know, God doesn't always have to show us those things here on earth, but he did. He showed us what, you know, the power of just having that vision and that hope that he gives us.
A
Was there anything else? Is there anybody else that came to visit you during that time that gave you hope?
D
One of the, you know, I just had my Purple Heart and, you know, it was just. That was what. That was difficult. But many men and women would want to come say thank you for your service. Toby Keith, the country singer, he just passed away. Gary Sinise, the actor, he was Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump.
A
Yes, we love Gary Sinise.
C
He's wonderful.
D
And I said, no, I don't want him in my room. I don't want their sympathy. I didn't feel I Deserved it. One of the first things I said to my dad was, some soldier, huh? I just felt like a failure. And I told everyone, no. But Tiffany came in the room, said, hey, Scotty, this little boy wants to come and say hi to you. I said, who is it? And he says, it's Andrew Harris. And what's crazy is Andrew Harris was a boy who I taught Sunday school at West Point in first grade. And at the cadet chapel, they would let you know the military academy is so close, they let the other. The community know who's been injured and who unfortunately has had their lives taken. And he asked his dad, can you drive me down? And to me it's like, how could I tell this boy no? And at that point, God didn't necessarily show me I have a purpose. He showed me he had a purpose. I didn't know what it was, but it had to start there, that if this boy came down, who I knew, he looked up to me as a hero. And lying in the hospital bed, I did not look anything like a hero. I thought to myself, how could I tell him about him?
A
What did he say to you when he came in the room?
D
He just held my hand. And, you know, his dad, who was one of my sponsors up at West Point, you know, said, we're proud of you. Thank you so much. And I probably said, you know, thanks for coming again. I was not in a good spiritual mindset, mental mindset, but it was that that I really understood the essence of forgiveness. You know, when Jesus is on the cross, he says, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And I don't believe it just was the men and individuals who put him on that cross. But it was to all of us, crying out to God like, you know, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And I had to forgive the man who blew himself up.
A
Well, you know, he didn't stay there. Okay, now we're going to leave him here for now, but he's coming out of this. You're going to come out of whatever you're going through, too, but stay right there. We're going to be right back after the break.
B
Imagine facing a storm so vast it threatens to engulf everything you've built. Would you falter or would you find strength you never knew you had?
A
When a hurricane is tearing through your life, Jesus is the peace that steals the waters of your soul.
B
This is a tale of navigating life's fiercest tempests and discovering that sometimes the most profound truths are born in the heart of the Storm. Get your copy now@daystar.com shop.
A
Well, that's my book I was talking about, about through the Storm. I hope you'll pick up a copy of it. Kind of fits in with this story. Today we all have storms. We're all going to go through difficulties. The Bible says, think it not strange, this fiery trial. I mean, you're going to have trials. But you know what? This is the thing. As a believer, if you know Jesus, if you've invited him into your heart, I'm going to tell you something. You're not alone. He'll take you by the hand. He will guide you through, and you will get through this. Okay? You will get through it. Scotty. You got through it, but it wasn't an overnight process. But at some point, there was a turn in your heart and you got back up again. Tell us about that.
D
It was me understanding the importance of forgiveness. And when Jesus asked God to forgive them for they know not what they do, I also, you know, the anger, the animosity I had to the man who took his own life blinded me forever. Traumatic brain injury, changed my wife, my family's life forever. I had to forgive him. You know, and partly I felt I had to forgive myself for the decisions I've made and kind of putting myself there, you know, did I do the right thing? I didn't want to have anger. I didn't want to wake up at night or wake up in the morning saying, you know, why did I do this? And that. I also had to forgive myself. But most importantly, I had to ask God to forgive me. One of my good friends, Edward Graham, you know, said, hey, Scotty, do you want to pray? And I said, I don't. I don't know how to pray. And I don't think I know God. And that's just when Tiffany understood the importance of who.
C
Yeah, I was like, I stopped praying for his eyes. I'm like, I'm just gonna pray for his heart and that God would bring him back. You know, he was known as the Oak at West Point. Cause he was so strong and steadfast in his faith. So it was hard to see him so wavering. But God, just like, just pray for his heart. I'll bring him back tenfold. I'll bring him back more than he was before.
A
So was forgiveness an important part in his story? Yes. Huge. Huge.
C
Yes.
A
So there are people that have stumbled. I mean, you don't even understand why you can't move past it. And yet you've got bitterness and unforgiveness unforgiveness turns into bitterness. It's a root that goes down deep into your soul and you have to forgive. And you can't do that in and of yourself, but you can just lay it out there and God can help you. Is that right, Tiffany?
D
Yes.
A
So did you see the turn when he started saying, okay, God, I forgive you?
D
Yes.
C
And I always say, like Scotty, you know, he is the happiest person on earth. Like, he wakes up every day with the joy of the Lord. And that's only something that the Lord can do through you when you are willing to give that up and surrender and forgive and not harbor any of that anger and pain.
A
Right. Well, I know that of course, you've got the book right here. Hope Unseen, which you need to get a copy of, tells the whole story. But what else have you seen with the Lord's help Scotty accomplish?
C
Well, he went on and became the first blind active duty officer to ever serve our country. Because you didn't sign. Because I didn't sign. I said, there's a better path, which, you know, had never been done before, went on. And, you know, I think most importantly, he would say this too. Became a father of three amazing young boys.
A
And he was a teacher. He was a teacher at West Point.
C
Professor at West Point. Went back to Duke and got his MBA at Duke. Yeah. Worked in rotc, Worked in the ROTC department. You know, mentoring and training our country's future leaders.
A
Yeah. And what an inspiration, right, for these guys to see. This is a guy that got back up again.
C
Absolutely.
A
And he's serving our country now. For you, it's exciting to understand that you have God's opened a supernatural door for you to be involved in something that you never thought you'd be back then.
C
Never, never in a million years.
A
Tell everybody about that because we go into Washington State with this program as well.
C
Yes. So I am currently running for Washington's 4th congressional district. It's a very conservative district. It's a district that loves America and loves God and loves their families. And our family is. You know, we never in a million years thought we'd get into politics, but we're at a turning point in our country. And me and Scotty want to know that we did everything we could to make sure that we are leaving our boys a country worth losing their eyesight for.
A
And you want to take care of veterans and I mean, it's almost like I know my father in law was a veteran and lost one of his eyes with shrapnel and near the last years of his life, he virtually couldn't get the help from the VA that was due him. And we, of course, took care of him. But you think about how many that don't have family that can take care of him. And this is something you want to change?
C
Absolutely. You know, was that WALTER Reed at 23 years old, where it was some of the highest casualties our country was facing? Men and women were coming in every single day, and it was overwhelming. And I broke down on the floor sobbing because I knew I could help Scottie. And God just said, you know, Tiffany, you will help Scottie, and someday you'll come back and make it right for everyone else.
A
Yeah. And you really are concerned about some of the things going on in our schools and some of the ideologies that are taking place in our classrooms. And Washington State is an important, important state to stand up.
C
It is. It absolutely is. You know, we have three young boys, all of them in school. We've seen this firsthand. We need to get back to making sure that we are teaching children the Constitution, the foundation of this country. And I always say, let's focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic, and let's bring God back into this country. Let's make sure that our children know that they have a future. And they have. And, you know, the 4th congressional district in Washington State is. I was saying, you know, we love God, we love this country, love America, and we should be leading from that district for all of Washington state in this country. Everyone in the United States should know about the 4th district in Washington State.
A
Yes. Yes, Dorothy, isn't that amazing? Truly amazing. You know, it's evident that only what we do for Christ will last. And that's why he has ordered your steps and you are moving forward. You've gotten through everything, and he's continuously used you. What an inspiration. So, thank you. We are out of time. And I want you to remember what Paul said in Romans 8:28. He said, we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. And no matter what you've experienced, you were made for a purpose. God has a plan for your life. No pain, trauma or situation can keep him from using you. And yes, you know what? You may have difficulties. You may have gone through something terrible. But I'm telling you, if you will put your trust in God, invite Jesus into your heart today. Just say, jesus, come in today. Forgive me. I'm telling you, he will meet you right where you are. And of course, that's why that number's on the screen. If you're watching. You need healing or restoration in your life or maybe you need a miracle. I don't know. Whatever you need, that's why that number's there. We have amazing prayer partners that are standing by ready to pray with you. I want to thank Scotty and Tiffany for joining us today. Be sure you pick up a copy of Scotty's book Hope Unseen. For more information, you can visit them online@hopeunseen.com as always, be sure to follow us on all social media platforms. You can leave us a comment, let us know how Table Talk is touching your life. Were you inspired by today's show? We love hearing from you. And you want to make sure you subscribe to the Joni Table Talk podcast. It's available right now across all top podcasts. Thank you so much for watching. Thank you, Scotty. Thank you, Tiffany. We're gonna be watching you from Washington state. You go fight, girl. I mean for this country and for our veterans and for those Americans that want to see truth and justice lived out here in this great country. Thank you so much for watching. Thank you, ladies. We'll see you next time. Bye Bye for today. I have a secret that's about to
C
seriously upgrade your downtime. Mistplay is always running these massive sweepstakes. From major cash prizes to top brand bundles to thousands of dollars in gift cards for Amazon, Visa, Target, and more. You just play your favorite mobile games, earn points, and you cash out those points for entries. Mystplay is 100% free. No deposit, no subscription, no hidden fees. Download Misplay today and start winning.
B
Why should you listen to Armstrong and Getty on demand? We're not boring. A lot of news is boring and tedious and depressing and makes you angry. You don't want to live your life like that. Hey, I'm Jack Armstrong. He's Joe Getty. We're Armstrong and Getty. We try to bring you the truth and help you figure out this crazy modern world. How about something about a comedic tone? We have a winner. Yes. Listen to Armstrong, you Getty on Demand on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
JONI TABLE TALK | JULY 5, 2026
Podcast: Real America’s Voice | iHeartPodcasts
This episode of Joni Table Talk delivers an in-depth exploration of America’s spiritual and historical roots, featuring special guest Tim Barton of WallBuilders and, in a second segment, a moving testimony from Army veteran Scotty Smiley and his wife, Tiffany. The discussions center on the importance of historical accuracy, biblical foundations in American government, cultural renewal, and perseverance through adversity. The show emphasizes reclaiming truth in education, inspiring faith-led civic involvement, and the transformative power of hope and forgiveness.
Main Theme: Rediscovering America’s spiritual and historical foundation, and encouraging a return to core biblical values in education and public life.
Opening Reflections on American History (01:00–03:32)
WallBuilders’ Mission & Historical Artifacts (03:34–04:34)
What Would the Founders Say about Modern America? (07:10–08:29)
Biblical Roots of Government Structure (08:29–10:27)
Clarifying the Founders’ Intent (11:52–14:42)
Jefferson’s "Wall of Separation" Letter (14:42–16:18)
Resources for Families (17:01–18:31)
Why Key Facts Are Lost in Schools (18:31–19:15)
Positive Developments in America (19:15–20:20)
Censorship and Religious Freedom (20:20–21:40)
Religious Beliefs of the Founders (21:40–23:15)
Slavery and Racism (22:08–23:15)
Best Presidents (23:25–24:26)
Worst Presidents (24:26–24:36)
Main Theme: Faith, perseverance, and the power of hope in the face of profound adversity.
Combat and Injury in Iraq (33:10–35:05)
Aftermath and Miracles (35:05–36:54)
| Time | Segment | |----------|----------------------------------------------------| | 01:00 | Introduction: Why history matters, patriotism | | 03:32 | Welcome Tim Barton and WallBuilders | | 04:47 | Most meaningful founding document | | 05:54 | ‘The American Story’ series explained | | 07:10 | Founders on modern America; biblical foundations | | 08:39 | How the Bible influenced the Constitution | | 11:49 | Modern vs. original meaning of separation church/state | | 14:42 | Jefferson’s “wall of separation” letter | | 17:01 | Teaching history to children | | 19:20 | Positive cultural/legal changes in America | | 21:54 | Biggest misconceptions about the founders | | 23:25 | Best/worst presidents by constitutional standards | | 24:56 | Spiritual/cultural hope for America | | 33:10 | Scotty Smiley’s life-altering injury in Iraq | | 35:55 | Overcoming limitations: Ironman and more | | 45:18 | Refusal to accept medical retirement | | 51:28 | Scotty's process of forgiveness | | 54:24 | Tiffany’s Congressional run and advocacy | | 56:35 | Final hope, encouragement, and call to action |
This episode is a call to remember, reclaim, and retell the true story of America and an encouragement to trust in God’s redemptive power, whether as a nation or as individuals facing life’s hardest challenges.