The Session: Faith of our Founding Fathers Part 1

The Session: Faith of our Founding Fathers Part 1

The Session: Faith of our Founding Fathers You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you." Psalm 128:2 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20128:2&version=ESV&src=tools] Patrick Henry  * Famous for “ Give me Liberty or give me death” * He was a member of The House of Burgesses  * First Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia * The Commonwealth of Virginia traces its roots back to the church of England, which was predominantly a Christian church * Said, “There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations.” * “An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us.” o   “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians… not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” John Jay * First chief justice of the Supreme Court * President of the American Bible Society, in 1816 * He strongly advocated for our country to have Christians in public office  o   In a 1816 letter, Jay explicitly connected national well-being with Christian leadership:  “Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” o   “The best of all possible worlds depend on the general diffusion of the Bible.” Samuel Adams * Often referred to as the "Father of the American Revolution," he was a staunchly Calvinist, practicing Christian who viewed the revolution as a defense of Christian liberties * Said, “Religion and good morals are the only solid foundations of public liberty and happiness.” * While Gov. of Mass. in 1795, Adams said this in a Thanksgiving proclamation:  “It is therefore recommended… to set apart a day for solemn thanksgiving and praise, that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts… and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations.” Benjamin Rush * A signer of the Declaration of Independence, a physician, and a civic leader. He uniquely blended Enlightenment thinking with traditional faith, even advocating heavily for the use of the Bible in public schools. * An active Presbyterian, Rush wrote, “The only foundation for a useful education in a republic is to be laid in religion. Without this there can be no virtue, and without virtue there can be no liberty.” * He also advocated Bible-centered learning:  “The Bible… should be read in our schools in preference to all other books.” * Also said, “Christianity is the only true and perfect religion… and… it is friendly to liberty and the rights of mankind.” Rev. John Witherspoon * An ordained Presbyterian minister and president of Princeton Univ., who signed the Declaration of Independence. He was the only clergyman to sign the declaration. * In a 1776 sermon, he said, “He is the best friend to American liberty who is most sincere and active in promoting true religion.” George Washington * The Commander of the Continental Army and the first U.S. President maintained a lifelong affiliation with the Anglican (Episcopalian) church. Throughout his writings, he frequently credited "divine Providence" for the nation's survival and success * He was shot four times in the French and Indian war and the bullets went through his coat, but never hit him * Two horses were shot out from under him. * His hat was also struck by enemy fire * He wrote to his brother after the chaotic battle, and said that he only survived because of Divine Providence * He was first to sign The Constitution of the United States of America * Washington said, “It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible.” Thomas Jefferson           Said, “I am a real Christian, that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus.” Benjamin Franklin           Said, “I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence.”   Faith in the Founding of Ohio * Christian faith was a foundational pillar of Ohio’s early settlement, providing structure, community, and moral direction for the pioneers carving communities out of the frontier. * As white pioneers moved into the territory, they faced significant hardships, and the church quickly became the central hub for stabilizing community life.  * Methodism emphasized a personal, practical Christian experience that resonated deeply with frontier farmers and eventually outpaced other Christian groups in the state.  * Manasseh Cutler-Minister, Congregational minister, scientist and political leader, who helped draft the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.  Secured provisions for public education, religious freedom, and a ban on slavery in the territory. * He said, “The Divine counsels… give us just ground to believe that one great end God had in view in the discovery of this American Continent… was that a new Empire should be called into being.” * Also, “It is not possible… that human laws… can be adequate substitutes for religion… Freedom… cannot be enjoyed without virtue, nor can virtue be maintained without religion.” * Rufus Putnam, known as the “Father of Ohio”.  Founded Marietta in 1788, the first permanent American settlement in Ohio.  He helped design and fund a Congregational church in Marietta, and helped form a Bible Society. * Edward Tiffin, Ohio’s first governor, was a Methodist pastor and politician.  He often preached while in office. * He believed in evangelism:  “The situation of the Indians… might be considerably ameliorated by the propagation of Christianity among their various nations… the blessings of Christianity [should] be propagated among the heathen.” * Thomas Worthington, major advocate for Ohio statehood.  US senator, later Ohio governor.  Served as vice president of the American Bible Society.  Helped write Ohio’s constitution, which says it is the right of all people to, “worship Almighty God according to the dictates of conscience” * His family helped establish Methodist worship spaces. Influence on Education and Society * Early Ohioans did not just form congregations; Christian faith heavily influenced early education and community outreach. Many of Ohio's historical colleges and learning institutions were founded by Christian denominations. CNN does not promote the idea that George Washington was an evangelical or traditional Christian in the modern sense. Instead, network coverage and analysis on the topic typically point out that many historians dispute the claim that the US was founded as a Christian nation, and note that Washington's actual religious beliefs were more aligned with 18th-century Deism. They did post how they believe President Trump dissed George Washington A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey! To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: The Impact of Media on America Part 3

The Session: The Impact of Media on America We Set out to Examine What Impacts the World View of Americans Today Matthew 5:14-16  "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. The Impact of National News on Society * Controversy and Media: Some critics, such as those from the Media Research Center, argue mainstream media overlooks or negatively covers "passionate Christian enthusiasm" while focusing on controversies. (SCOTT: IF IT BLEEDS IT LEADS) Disclaimer: This summary is based on search results and reflects a range of studies and perspectives on the impact of Christian-oriented news, media, and ideological views in the United States. * National news in America profoundly shapes public opinion, drives political polarization, and impacts mental health, with over 50% of adults believing it misinforms them. While it highlights national issues, it often triggers anxiety through negative coverage and fosters "us vs. them" mentalities that hinder political.  Key Impacts of National News on America: * Polarization and Distrust: National news often intensifies political divides, with viewers of slanted, partisan media (e.g., Fox News) often having warped perceptions of opposing viewpoints and key issues like inflation or crime. (FROM SCOTT:  REALLY?  JUST FOX NEWS?  ABC, CNN AREN’T SLANTED & POLITICAL?)  Only 23% of Americans believe national news organizations care about their audience's best interests.  (FROM SCOTT:  THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT THE AUDIENCE’S BEST INTEREST.  THEY CARE ABOUT MAKING MONEY FOR STOCKHOLDERS & SERVING THEIR POLITICAL BENT) * Mental Health Consequences: Consistent exposure to negative news, which dominates headlines (especially in politics), can spark "fight or flight" responses, increasing anxiety and depression. A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey! To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: The Impact of Media on America Part 2

The Session:  The Impact of Media on America We Set out to Examine What Impacts the World View of Americans Today Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Does Social Media Help or Hurt America?  From Ron Sellers at  Grey Matter Research [https://greymatterresearch.com/] and Infinity [http://www.infinityconcepts.com/]  1,000 American evangelicals protestants surveyed * Fifty-eight percent of evangelicals believe social media is more harmful than helpful, while 42% say the benefits outweigh downsides.  * The top reason this group cites for distrusting social media is content that is harmful to Christians (34%). This includes material that is unsafe, sexualized, worldly, hateful, and/or negative.  (FROM SCOTT:  HOW ABOUT INFO THAT IS A LIE OR INACCURATE?) * More surprising is how little difference there is between the two groups when it comes to social media habits. Among those saying social media is more harmful than helpful, 94% still use it at least monthly. * 96% use social media. * The most popular social media platforms among evangelicals are Facebook (with 81%visiting at least monthly); YouTube (71%); Instagram (45%); and TikTok (35%).  (FROM SCOTT:  THE TIK TOK ONE SCARES ME. WHY ARE WE USING A PLATFORM OWNED BY CHINA, A NATION THAT HATES US & WANTS TO DESTROY US?) * Evangelicals are more likely than the average American to use Facebook (81% vs. 68%), and slightly less likely to use YouTube, Pinterest, Snapchat, and Reddit. A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey! To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: The Impact of Media on America Part 1

The Session: The Impact of Media on America We Set out to Examine What Impacts the World View of Americans Today Matthew 5:14-16  "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Religious Radio Across America, from the Pew Research Center  The project took place over the last year and analyzed 440,000 hours of radio broadcasts in July 2025 with over 5,000 adults in the survey. Those questioned were asked about their experience listening to Religious content on the radio. Key findings in the Pew study: * 45% of Americans listen to Religious programming on a regular basis * Most religious radio stations describe evangelism as part of their mission * The survey revealed that adults ages 18–29 account for 87% of online religious audio streaming, while also demonstrates the format’s broad appeal across generations. Notably, 65% of adults aged 50–64 also listen to religious content online. * Approximately 37% of religious stations focus primarily on music, 35% emphasize talk programming, and 28% maintain a more balanced mix of the two. * According to the survey of U.S. adults, most listeners do not cite news and politics as a primary reason for tuning into religious audio programming. Only 14% of listeners say keeping up with current events is a major reason they listen, though 40% say it is at least a minor reason. Issues that people listen for, according to the survey: * The economy, crime, and immigration — issues that consistently rank among the most important concerns in national surveys of Americans. * Two social and cultural issues: abortion and LGBTQ rights. * President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden, the Republican Party, and the Democratic Party. * Modern-day Israel and the Palestinian territories, including references to the war in Gaza. * 98% of the U.S. adult population lives within range of at least 1 religious radio station * 18 to 29-year-olds represent 87% of online religious streaming  Summary: * 45% of Americans listen to religious radio that have a evangelism focus * 18 to 29-year-olds represent 87% of online religious streaming. 65% of Americans 50 to 64 listen to religious radio. * Two social and cultural issues discussed on religious radio was abortion an LGBTQ * Presidential differences A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey! To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.

The Session: For a Successful Marriage, Avoid “The 5 R’s”!

The Session: For a Successful Marriage, Avoid “The 5 R’s”!  From Focus on the Family.   Here’s the link to the full article, if you want to read more: For a Successful Marriage, Avoid These 5 Rs - Focus on the Family [https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/for-a-successful-marriage-avoid-these-5-rs/] Romans 12:18  “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” 1.    Rejection Something happens or is said, done, not said, or not done that results in a spouse feeling rejected.   2.    Resentment Resentment is any negative emotional reaction to what you think was said or done, or not said or not done. 3.    Resistance Resistance is putting up walls and cutting off communication and relationship. Resistance is being shut down emotionally and relationally to someone. The solution: Engage. What emotions are you avoiding? Make eye contact, have conversations. Consider getting clear by saying, “The story I’m making up in my head about ________ is _______________.” 4.    Revenge Revenge is the attempt to get even. Revenge is taking advantage of a situation or setting up an opportunity so another can feel the rejection you felt. Examples include. Revenge is the attempt to get even. Revenge is taking advantage of a situation or setting up an opportunity so another can feel the rejection you felt. 5.    Repeat A toxic pattern is to believe that because you are hurt, you have the right to be unkind and hurtful. Then you hurt someone, and they hurt you, and you are offended, and they are offended, and in that offense both parties deeply dive into the 5 Rs. Coaches Feedback If we are intentional in our marriages, we will have less time with or when the five R’s show up. Making your marriage, a priority will also help prevent the five r’s from showing up. Particularly for families with children still at home it is very important to think about what you want your children to think about marriage and what they believe in about marriage based on what they saw their parents do?  What do you want your children say someday at your celebration of life? The powerful part of that is when that day comes there is nothing that you’ll be able to do about it. However, today you can write what you want them to say, based on how you manage your own life and marriage.  A devotional podcast for parents on the go! Encouragement, Scripture, & prayer in just 7 minutes. Join the journey! To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.