Before there was an American Revolution, there was a spiritual revival.
In this fascinating episode of the City of God, Dr. Rob Pacienza welcomes bestselling author and historian Stephen Mansfield to discuss his book George Whitefield: America’s Forgotten Founding Father and the remarkable story of the preacher who helped unite thirteen separate colonies into one nation.
Long before Washington commanded an army or Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, George Whitefield was traveling from Georgia to Maine preaching the gospel to tens of thousands of people. His message sparked the Great Awakening, shaped a shared American identity, and laid the spiritual foundation for the birth of the United States.
Together, Rob and Stephen explore the forgotten role revival played in America’s founding and why Whitefield’s influence extended far beyond the pulpit.
You’ll hear about:
● Why some historians argue there may have been no American Revolution without the Great Awakening
● George Whitefield’s extraordinary friendship with Benjamin Franklin and the Founding Fathers
● How Whitefield’s preaching united thirteen separate colonies before they became one nation
● Why pastors once spoke boldly about current events, liberty, and the future of society
● The legacy of the Black Robe Regiment and the Church’s influence during America’s founding
● What pastors and Christians can learn from Whitefield as America approaches its 250th anniversary
Stephen argues that America’s story cannot be understood apart from the spiritual revival that preceded its political revolution. His challenge to today’s Church is clear: recover the courage, conviction, and biblical vision that once helped shape a nation.