Hall teaches at George Fox University, where he is the Herbert Hoover Distinguished Professor of Politics and Faculty Fellow in the William Penn Honors Program. He has written or co-edited 12 books, including Did America Have A Christian Founding? He has also written more than 100 pieces, such as journal articles, book chapters, reviews and essays.

“People like William Penn, Roger Williams, Elisha Williams and John Leland made impassioned Biblical arguments for religious liberty,” Hall says.

One example: the Bible’s Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” was used to encourage legislators to protect religious freedom for all Americans—including non-Christians.

“Many early Americans were Protestants who believed everyone needed to be able to read and interpret the Bible for themselves,” Hall says.  “By the late eighteenth century, this principle led many civic and religious leaders to conclude that governments should not tell people what to believe or how to worship.”

In his recent book, Hall gives many more examples of America’s Founders making biblical and theological arguments in support of what many called “the sacred rights of conscience.” Hall joins a distinguished scholarly team – top historians, religious experts and legal scholars from different religions and countries – who have shaped the narrative experience while ensuring full historical accuracy. 

“We welcome Dr. Hall’s insight on how our nation’s founders argued that religious liberty should be protected,” said the Center’s Executive Director Patrick Murdock. “That aligns perfectly with our goal: to spark some thought-provoking questions with visitors, but, ultimately, encourage the visitors to determine their own answers.”