Below these opening comments I have posted an erudite historical article authored by David Barton, containing information in response to a call-in heckler on WHO radio today. If you are interested in the veracity of my public claims that Christians during both the Revolutionary and Civil War periods of history had far more reason to “give-up” on America than we do today, you may find this information very interesting.  In my opinion, every American, especially modern pastors,  should take a very thorough look at the history of the Black-Robed Regiment.

While the article may yet prove unsatisfactory to perfectly describe the scenario to which I extemporaneously referred while on the show, suffice it to say the exhaustive documentation below does provide tales of equal and greater horrors for one’s consideration. One caller brought-up that history tells us of a English soldier called “Bloody Banastre Tarleton” who was known to refuse “quarter” to captured “rebels.” (This meant anyone believed to be a rebel was killed regardless of surrender.) In August of 2010, Glen Beck mentioned the burning of many churches during the revolutionary period and also suggested that there was an occasion where people were killed in those flames. This was mentioned during a largely televised event.

Specifically, Bloody Banastre Tarleton was nothing short of a butcher during the revolution. From what I understand he was known to burn barns, homes and churches alike. This was a more common act than some would like to admit. One source records a “six day period the British set the towns of New Haven, Fairfield, Westport and Norwalk ablaze. At least five (5) churches, two hundred ninety-five (295) houses, one hundred fifty-three (153) barns and a significant number of stores, shops, mills and vessels were torched by British troops.” Obviously, to burn down a home or barn or other structure, particularly if Red-Coat troops believed rebels to be inside them, made sense in the heat of battle. With that said, while it is very likely that Tarleton personally burned churches, the question of whether or not he personally burned  a church with people inside, remains in dispute. I digress.

For those who do not have time to read the entire historical context of Pastor-led revolutionary battle, I would like to highlight one particular statement from within the article (a short version) most germane to this discussion. As you will see carefully documented, there was hostility (yet still untold) against American pastors and their churches. Pastors were DEFINITELY KILLED and their churches were DEFINITELY BURNED! The brief excerpt reads as follows: “…No wonder the British dubbed the patriotic American clergy the “Black Regiment.” But because of their strong leadership, ministers were often targeted by the British. Read entire article…