David Barton (author)

For the United States Senator from Missouri, see David Barton (Missouri politician).

David Barton (born 1954) is an author and historian, He is the author of several books criticizing the current interpretation of separation of church and state in the United States, and an important figure of the religious right. In addition to appearing on numerous Christian radio and Christian television programs, Barton has been a guest on shows such as Hannity & Colmes, ABC Nightline, Fox News, National Public Radio.

Barton is the founder and president of the Aledo, Texas-based group WallBuilders, an organization which presents "America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on the moral, religious, and constitutional foundation on which America was built".[1] WallBuilders publishes and sells most of Barton's books and videos, which include Barton's view that the modern view of separation of church and state is not consistent with the views of the Founders.

Barton's biography states that he has carried out "exhaustive research (from original writings) on the Founding Era [that] has rendered him an expert in this field." Critics, such as Rob Boston of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, have written that quotes Barton claims are from James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and from U.S. Supreme Court decisions were apparently fabricated.[2] Barton has admitted he has not located primary sources for a few of his quotes but maintains that this is not important to his central thesis because they are consistent with the views of the Founders.[3]

Barton received a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious education from Oral Roberts University and an honorary Doctor of Letters from Pensacola Christian College, but has no academic qualifications in history. [4] [5]

Barton taught math and science for eight years at a Christian school that grew out of a church started by his parents. [6]

Barton is widely respected among the Religious Right, with Sen. Sam Brownback praising Barton’s work for providing "the philosophical underpinning for a lot of the Republican effort in the country today -- bringing God back into the public square.” [7]

Barton has been given two Angel Awards from the group "Excellence in Media." In 2005, he was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the top 25 Evangelical Leaders in America. [8] He has addressed numerous state legislatures, consulted with both state and federal legislators on various bills and education initiatives, and has written amicus briefs in cases at the Supreme Court.

Barton is married and has three grown children, including a daughter who does minority outreach for the Texas Republican Party. [9]

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Critics: