America's Christian History: The Untold Story

Social_studiesGrades 9–12

About This Curriculum

A historical examination presenting evidence for America's Christian foundations, covering colonial charters, state constitutions, founding documents, and the role of Christianity in American institutions from the colonial period through the founding era.

What makes it unique: Presents documented historical evidence arguing that Christianity was foundational to America's establishment, addressing controversies over separation of church and state with primary source documentation

America's Christian History: Supplemental Resource with Religious Perspective

America's Christian History: The Untold Story is a high school social studies supplement by Gary DeMar that presents historical evidence for America's Christian foundations. The curriculum covers colonial charters, state constitutions, founding documents, and Christianity's role in American institutions from the colonial period through the founding era.

Best for

Homeschool families or educators seeking a Christian perspective on American history as a supplement to broader social studies curriculum, particularly those interested in religious influences on American founding

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 1 concern · 2 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Primary SourcesStrength

The curriculum demonstrates strong use of primary source documents including colonial charters, state constitutions, and founding documents. The author's extensive use of quotes and footnotes suggests substantial primary source integration.

Review specifically mentions 'colonial charters, state constitutions, founding documents' and notes 'numerous quotes and footnotes'

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum appears to provide direct instruction through presentation of historical evidence and clear argumentation. The author's approach seems to facilitate explicit teaching of specific historical interpretations.

Review describes DeMar as addressing 'arguments clearly and persuasively' with structured presentation of evidence

Geographic KnowledgeConcern

Geographic and civic knowledge appears limited, with some attention to state-level information but unclear coverage of broader geographic concepts. Civic knowledge seems focused on religious aspects of government rather than comprehensive civics instruction.

Review mentions investigation of 'Christian foundations of a number of the states' but no broader geographic or civic content described

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

The curriculum appears to define key terms related to its thesis. However, vocabulary instruction seems focused on specific religious and historical terminology rather than comprehensive social studies vocabulary development.

Review notes that 'DeMar's long-time involvement in studying the issue enables him to define his terms'

Chronological KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum appears to follow a chronological approach from colonial founding through the founding era. However, the scope seems limited to specific historical periods rather than comprehensive chronological coverage.

Review mentions tracing evidence 'from the founding of the first colonies' through various historical periods, but focus appears narrow

Teacher TrainingInsufficient Evidence

No teacher training or professional development materials are mentioned. The curriculum appears to be designed as a standalone resource rather than a comprehensive instructional program.

Review makes no mention of teacher guides, training materials, or pedagogical support

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review is mentioned in the available review. The curriculum appears to be primarily a resource text rather than an instructional program with built-in practice.

Review describes it as 'an excellent resource for researching topics' but mentions no practice activities or review components

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com