Faith and Freedom Speaker Series: Christianity and the Spirit of 1776

FAIN: RJ-310269-25

Colorado Christian University (Lakewood, CO 80226-2824)
Gregory Schaller (Project Director: August 2025 to present)

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University proposes a speaker series entitled “Faith and Freedom Speaker Series: Christianity and the Spirit of 1776.” This initiative will feature four high-profile lectures during the 2026 calendar year, exploring the religious roots of America’s founding and the profound influence of Christianity and the Bible on the nation’s move toward independence and self-government.

Media Coverage

No DEI in This Year’s NEH: Trump Is Funding Religious Projects Instead (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Kristen Fiore
Publication: Westword
Date: 2/23/2026
Abstract: Overview of the Centennial Institute receiving the NEH grant
URL: https://www.westword.com/arts-culture/colorado-christian-university-awarded-2026-neh-grant-money-40846387/

Associated Products

Faith and Freedom Speaker Series: Christianity and the Spirit of 1776 (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Faith and Freedom Speaker Series: Christianity and the Spirit of 1776
Abstract: There’s no more controversial historical topic today than the role of faith in the American founding. Most of the myths about religion and the Founding are a result of polemical views of the Founding, which create selective history. The reality is that religion played an extremely important role in the Founding, but not because the Founding Fathers were all in accord in their personal beliefs about Jesus and salvation. Dr. Thomas Kidd will examine how, in the American founding, many evangelical Christians and small numbers of influential skeptics (and a range of believers in between) united around religious principles that keyed the success of the Revolution, and helped create America.
Author: Dr. Thomas Kidd
Date: 2/9/2026
Location: Colorado Christian University
Primary URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jit6wLCJ6IM
Primary URL Description: YouTube livestream of the evening lecture
Secondary URL: https://centennial.ccu.edu/event/faith-and-freedom-speaker-series-thomas-kidd/
Secondary URL Description: Event webpage on the Centennial Institute website

---