This book is the result of great effort and determination by many people over several years. As we developed the ideas in this book, we began to realize how much there is to learn about the historical leaders of our country and their devotion to God.
Earlier versions of this work were published by Integrity House Publishing in 2006 and Thomas Nelson Publishing in 2009. The genesis of this project, however, began in 2005 as an appendix to Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, published by Regnery Publishing, Inc. Thanks to Marji Ross, president of Regnery Publishing, and everyone on the Regnery team for giving this work its start. An additional thanks is owed to Marji Ross and Regnery for giving permission to include some material in this edition that first appeared in A Nation Like No Other, published by Regnery in 2011.
We are very grateful to Kate Hartson and the team at Hachette Book Group for their interest and support in getting this beautiful new edition in the hands of readers. They have done a tremendous job.
Our gratitude goes to Kathy Lubbers who, through the Lubbers Agency, managed this project, and to her husband, Paul Lubbers. Thanks as well to Bess Kelly, who helped shepherd this project to completion.
Invaluable writing, editing, and research assistance was provided by Jessica Gavora, Rick Tyler, Vince Haley, Joe DeSantis, Peter Oppenheim, Albert S. Hanser, Daniel P. Johnson, Kevin Goll, Sylvia Garcia, and Ross Worthington. Photographic consultation was provided by Christina Maruna, David Luria, Matthew Fry, and Robbie Gross.
Special thanks goes to Callista, whose photography is featured throughout this edition of Rediscovering God in America. It has been a real joy to work together on this project, as well as on our documentary film and audio book, based on this text.
Finally, we want to acknowledge our grandchildren, Maggie and Robert, and their parents Jackie and Jimmy Cushman. Our grandchildren have been the motivation and inspiration to help preserve the idea that is central to America’s greatness: that we are endowed by our Creator with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
May we all live in an America that understands the role of God in our history, and respects His role in our national life.