Rediscovering God in America

Rediscovering God in America takes readers on a tour through Washington D.C.'s monuments and buildings, highlighting religious symbolism and references throughout the nation's capital. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich authored the text while his wife Callista Gingrich contributed the photography. The book moves location by location through significant D.C. landmarks including the National Archives, Capitol Building, Library of Congress, and Arlington National Cemetery. At each stop, Gingrich examines the religious elements and faith-based messaging incorporated into the architecture, artwork, and inscriptions. The work explores the role of religion in America's founding documents and early history through physical evidence present in the capital's landmarks. This New York Times bestseller presents Gingrich's perspective on the relationship between faith and American governance. The book positions itself within broader discussions about the role of religion in American public life and the intent of the nation's founders regarding church and state separation. Its architectural tour format provides a concrete framework for examining these abstract constitutional and historical questions.

Readers view this book as a religious walking tour of Washington DC's monuments and buildings, highlighting their Christian and religious symbolism. Many reviewers note it serves as both a travel guide and a political statement about religion's role in American government. Positive reviews focus on: - Detailed photos and historical information - Clear organization by location - Research into religious quotes and references - Compact size for actual tours Common criticisms: - Heavy political bias and agenda - Selective use of historical facts - Repetitive content - Limited scope beyond Christianity Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (356 reviews) Goodreads: 3.7/5 (190 ratings) One reader called it "a perfect companion for DC tourism" while another noted it "ignores separation of church and state principles." Multiple reviewers mentioned using it as a reference during visits to DC, though some found the religious emphasis "forced" and "oversimplified."

God and Government by Charles Colson Traces the role of Biblical principles in American law and political institutions through historical analysis and primary sources.

One Nation Under God by Kevin M. Kruse Documents how business leaders and religious figures collaborated to promote the idea of America as a Christian nation during the mid-20th century.

The Soul of America by Jon Meacham Chronicles moments when faith and religion shaped American democracy through presidential decisions and national movements.

Christianity and the Constitution by John Eidsmoe Examines the religious beliefs of the founding fathers and their influence on the Constitution's formation.

The Religious Beliefs of America's Founders by Gregg Frazer Investigates primary source documents to present the theological and philosophical views that influenced early American political thought.

📍 The book's walking tour covers exactly 27 monuments and buildings, making it a comprehensive guide that can be completed in a single day. 🏛️ Many religious symbols featured in the book were added to D.C. landmarks during the 1850s, when there was a resurgence of religious expression in American public architecture. 📸 Callista Gingrich, who provided the photography for the book, later became the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican) from 2017 to 2021. 📜 The Latin phrase "Annuit Coeptis" ("He has favored our undertakings"), which appears on the Great Seal and is discussed in the book, was suggested by Charles Thomson in 1782 as a reference to divine providence. 🗽 The book sparked a renewed interest in architectural tourism in D.C., with several tour companies creating specialized "religious heritage" walking tours based on the book's route.