From the full library of texts we have studied at American Scripture Project, we chose these four as ideal conversation starters in preparation for America’s 250th. By no means do we pretend that they cover every core narrative about our country, as no mere four texts could encompass that complexity. But they do include a wide range of America’s big ideas, represent varied groups within our national community, and span key moments of our shared history. Below we summarize major themes that may be emphasized in your gatherings, and we encourage your group to take the conversation in directions we did not anticipate. The texts are listed in our recommended order, although that too is open for your innovation. BEFORE you dive into the texts, we strongly recommend you take a look at our guidance for clergy conversations and congregational gatherings.
The Handout for Clergy Meetings is designed for the four clergy-only meetings and includes ideas for activities, questions, etc to incorporate into your cluster gatherings. The Cluster Gathering Read-Ahead Agenda includes a summary of the upcoming cluster gathering, an agenda, and questions to think about in advance, and is designed to be emailed out in advance of each cluster gathering. The Handout for Cluster Gatherings is designed to be used the night of your cluster gathering and features our Covenant for Conversation on the back.
When Emma Lazarus was asked to write a poem to help raise funds for the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, the original intent of this massive civic symbol was to celebrate the triumph of liberty in the American Civil War. Lazarus, a Sephardic Jew, who worked with immigrants streaming through New York’s Ellis Island and who opposed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, subverted that purpose with merely 14 lines of text. Thus her words turned one of the nation’s most recognized monuments, in the harbor of our largest city, into a symbol of worldwide welcome.
Themes: Belonging, Citizen Power, Narrative Formation, Exceptionalism
No words capture the American imagination as powerfully as Jefferson’s assertions in the opening paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence. The document is a revolution not only against the powers of King George in England, but also against old ideas that stratified humans in a social hierarchy. The idea of a nation founded upon radical equality and dignity, rooted in the absolute power of the Creator, was a message to all of humanity. Yet, Jefferson’s own participation and benefits from the brutal American system of chattel slavery, and his own words later in the Declaration (referring to Native Americans as “savages” while calling Britons, “brethren”) reflect his limitations and faults. Thus the Declaration simultaneously asks us to explore who we intend to be, and the resistance to achieving those aims.
Themes: Freedom, Equality, Dignity, Incomplete Aspiration, Disappointment
Katharine Lee Bates’ anthem emerged out of her travels across the country, and the inspirational music of religious composer Samuel A. Ward. Her repeated prayer that God “Crown Thy good with brotherhood” asks us to consider the role of unity, fellowship, solidarity, community, and other forms of social cohesion in our understanding of the national good. In addition, while the first and fourth verses are widely known and sung, the second and third verses raise harder and richer questions about what we consider beautiful. Especially in the context of clergy conversation and congregational gatherings, spiritual ideas about atonement resonate with Bates’ words about “mend thine every flaw.”
Themes: Brotherhood, Atonement, Natural Beauty
On July 5, 1852, when Frederick Douglass approached the podium of Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York, the audience likely expected his denunciation of slavery, the Compromise of 1850, and the recently enacted Fugitive Slave Act. Douglass did not disappoint. He also, however, expanded his remit to address Independence Day itself. To Douglas, our national rituals that are untrue to their intended meaning corrode the country’s shared identity. They mock who we want to be. In contrast to a celebration of freedom in the midst of slavery, Douglas praises the Constitution as a “GLORIOUS LIBERTY DOCUMENT.” Instead of turning away from America, Douglas sets the pattern of demanding that America live up to its purpose. As we prepare for our nation’s 250th celebration in July 2026, his words serve as a reminder of our integrity and ask us to consider what these days mean in our souls.
Singing “America the Beautiful” always brings to mind a wonderful promise: “And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, Webster’s Bible Translation). Appreciate the four texts you chose.