Logan Beirne on Micah 4:4 – “George Washington's Commitment to Religious Freedom”

Show Notes

Mark’s good friend, Logan Beirne, joins him for today’s episode. In addition to being Mark’s partner in, and CEO of, Matterhorn Transactions, a company that provides data analytics to law firms across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Logan is also a professor at Yale Law School and the author the critically acclaimed book, Blood of Tyrants: George Washington and the Forging of the Presidency. The passage he has chosen to discuss today is Micah 4:4.

Logan begins by sharing his summary of the passage, the significance it holds for him, and George Washington’s perspective on the Book of Micah, particularly this passage. He then proceeds to recount Washington’s views on different religions and his commitment to protect them, his historic letter to the Hebrew congregation of Newport, his powerful faith, and his feelings about Mount Vernon. Logan and Mark also discuss the belief that the ‘American Experiment’ was derived from God, and Logan draws the episode to a close by sharing the lessons he has learned about mankind. Logan’s extensive knowledge of George Washington and the inspiration he found in the Book of Micah illuminates for us today the profound influence the Bible played in laying the foundation of this great nation and its noble and righteous commitment to religious freedom that we all treasure so deeply.

Episode Highlights:

Logan’s summary of the passage and its significance to him
George Washington’s perspective on the Book of Micah
Washington’s views on different religions
His letter to the Hebrew congregations of Newport
Washington’s powerful faith
Mt. Vernon as his sanctuary
Washington’s commitment to protect the various religious faiths
The ‘American Experiment’ as being derived from God
The lessons Logan has learned about mankind

Quotes:

“Washington referenced this part, Micah 4:4 in particular, about fifty times in his writings, more than any other passage.”

“He saw the United States creating this new land in which there was religious liberty, and each person’s religion was celebrated.”

“This was radical.”

“Because he was a religious man, he embraced other religions, because Micah told him to.”

“He sort of saw God in everyone.”

“For him it was really important to protect the various religious faiths.”

“We see so many parallels between the foundation of the American state with the Jewish people in the promised land.”

“Once you have a voice…there’s no place for violence.”

“Persistence and grit is really the key to creating a better world.”

“Never stop learning. Never stop questioning.”

Micah 4:4 But every man shall sit Under his grapevine or fig tree With no one to disturb him. For it was the LORD of Hosts who spoke. https://www.sefaria.org/Micah.4.4?lang=bi

Links:

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