The Theology of the Declaration of Independence (ft. Matt Spalding) – Pt. 1

The Theology of the Declaration of Independence (ft. Matt Spalding) – Pt. 1

In this episode of Maryland Family Matters, founder and president of the Maryland Family Institute Jeff Trimbath sits down with Matt Spalding, Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College and author of the new book, The Making of the American Mind [https://www.amazon.com/Making-American-Mind-Declaration-Independence/dp/1641774878]. In honor of America’s semiquincentennial, they discuss the deeper history behind the Declaration of Independence’s self-evident truths, including what makes it an undeniably theological document.

A Battle For the Dictionary (ft. Josue Sierra)

In this episode of Maryland Family Matters, founder and president of the Maryland Family Institute Jeff Trimbath sits down with MFI’s communication consultant, Josue Sierra. They discuss the ways in which our culture wars boil down to a fight over definitions and language, and how Christians should respond. They also talk about Mr. Sierra’s answer to the problem at hand, The Definitive Playbook For Effective Communication: The 6 Steps to Win Hearts And Minds with Impactful Communication [https://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Playbook-Effective-Communication-Impactful-ebook/dp/B0H4DS9KC4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1R5E9JGWPC3QU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xxcY7vUspuBjDUzZGsT9s9_6I1g_dpDBlUijGz_FZaBfFtXoGiK5hbGkX0e_msRswwOI1aoF9ixj2VzclzjoQHqYE-xdaXMVPpV5pGDYO3ieR5f_KZZqYcBcTu9sfYO_M8-JV7XTnIpR_mYuLgAH8TLAiHc_fIaJ4zsDx7R540vSS_sxdJXR1Rouck11TM4SdMZ5_44Tcc6F0Al_PLG304MdJcOLgTpm4oZw-fpGPQU.idvgUh9JQY9BKuxFRqia9Zj974uRN4tv4xL3dWFJtYg&dib_tag=se&keywords=josue+sierra&qid=1781566126&sprefix=josue+sierra%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1].

Why Washington Can’t Save America (ft. Tim Chapman)

In this episode of Maryland Family Matters, founder and president of the Maryland Family Institute Jeff Trimbath sits down with Tim Chapman, the President at Advancing American Freedom [https://advancingamericanfreedom.com/]. They explore AAF’s mission to defend conservative principles without forming rigid allegiances or enemies along party lines. Mr. Chapman also shares the greatest threat to the republic today and where the country’s strongest resistance will ultimately be found.

The Value of Relationship Education (ft. Amy Gilford)

In this episode of Maryland Family Matters, founder and president of the Maryland Family Institute Jeff Trimbath sits down with Amy Gilford, Executive Director of the Marriage and Relationship Education Center [https://mrecenter.org/] in Maryland. Mrs. Gilford discusses how her parents founded the center along with its mission to promote relationship education. They also dive into the importance of marriage in every area from biblical discipleship to society at large.

The Dire State of Civic Education in Maryland (ft. Jenna A. Robinson)

In this episode of Maryland Family Matters, founder and president of the Maryland Family Institute Jeff Trimbath sits down with Jenna A. Robinson, president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal [https://jamesgmartin.center/about/]. They discuss the differences in civic education requirements across American high schools and universities, as discovered in the center’s 50-State Comparison: Civics Education [https://jamesgmartin.center/2025/10/50-state-comparison-civics-education/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17220320770&gbraid=0AAAAADYYxPdG3-n0KWczsK2MWMf_-AO4K&gclid=CjwKCAjw14zPBhAuEiwAP3-Eb-83vszOIJ8_2G5blSoqjMDXnJQQPiW-L1-5G2L0ttAkShs-eGKKYRoCZEcQAvD_BwE]. Dr. Robinson also offers solutions for how to fix the dire state of civic education in Maryland.