Ep 78 | ‘The Making of the American Mind’ –– Matthew Spalding

Dr. Tod Worner

June 30, 2026

Responding to an inquiry about writing the Declaration of Independence, an aging Thomas Jefferson answered, “Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind.” When the founders signed the Declaration, what were the historical, philosophical, and religious influences that brought it into being? Join Dr. Matthew Spalding and me as we discuss The Making of the American Mind, his captivating book on the origins, meaning, and writing of the Declaration of Independence on The Evangelization & Culture Podcast.


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