In this provocative study, David W. Hall argues that Calvinism had a greater influence on America's founders than contemporary scholars, and perhaps even the founders themselves, have understood. Calvinism's insistence that human rulers tend to err played a significant role in the founders' prescription of limited government and fed the distinctly American philosophy in which political freedom for citizens is held as the highest value. Hall's timely work countervails many scholars' doubt in the intellectual efficacy of religion by showing that religious teachings have led to such progressive ideals as American democracy and freedom.

"His book makes a serious contribution. It is based on wide reading and is packed with informative detail." - Themelios

"This volume needs to be in the possession of history and political science students, as well as all who are interested in the theological foundations that formed America." - Chalcedon