The American Revolution took place against a backdrop of long religious conflict in both Europe and the colonies. Yet despite their personal flaws and their varied faith views, the Founders embraced the radical principle of freedom of conscience and religious expression, instilling it not only in our Constitution, but in the fabric of our society. What is the story behind this extraordinary development? And what does this legacy of religious pluralism mean for Christians in the much more complex America of 2026?

As we celebrate America’s founding in this 250th anniversary year, we’ll discuss this story and what it means for us today with Trinity Forum Senior Fellow David French. As a longtime religious freedom litigator before becoming a New York Times columnist, he’ll guide us in considering the discussions during the founding, and their implications for today.

As background for the conversation, check out our recent Trinity Forum Reading: George Washington and the First Freedom, featuring the first President’s powerful statements on freedom of conscience.

This episode was recorded as a Trinity Forum Online Conversation in 2026. You can view the transcript and other resources here.

Special thanks to Interfaith America for supporting this episode.

What does it mean to truly see? In a world that rewards speed, certainty, and quick judgment, the patient work of attention can feel almost countercultural. Yet learning to see clearly—to notice beauty, to attend to the people before us, and to look beyond our assumptions—may be essential to learning how to love well.

The Victorian artist and missionary Lilias Trotter devoted her life to just this kind of attention. Though a gifted painter said she could become one of the greatest artists of her generation, Trotter instead chose a quieter and more hidden path.

Author and artist Jennifer Trafton’s latest book, “If We Could Only See,” traces the remarkable life and legacy of Lillias Trotter. She joined Cherie for a conversation about what Lillias can teach us about seeing the world—and one another—with greater patience, humility, imagination, and love.

This episode was also recorded in-person and the video will be available on our Youtube here!

How do we live a life of meaning, in a time when so many competing voices tell us who to be, what to want, and how to live? Told to construct meaning for ourselves, we find anxiety instead of wisdom, and exhaustion instead of clarity. For the decisions we face each day, we need insight.

In this episode we’re joined by Alan Noble. “Practical Wisdom for Moving Through Chaotic Times” is the subtitle of his new book, To Live Well. Alan will help us locate answers for our lives today – and for those we love – by exploring seven virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and love.

This episode was recorded as a Trinity Forum Online Conversation in 2026. You can view the transcript and other resources here

Go deeper into the issues discussed in this Podcast with these Trinity Forum Readings:
Why Work Dorothy L. Sayers
How Much Land Does a Man Need? Leo Tolstoy
Brave New World Aldous Huxley
Two Old Men Leo Tolstoy