Skip to main content

Religious Freedom: Patrick Henry

Persistent Issue:
What should society do to promote fairness and justice for people who live within its jurisdiction?
Central Question:
What is the proper relationship between government and religion?
Topic:
Religious Freedom
Course:
U.S. History
Strategy:
Empathetic Role Play
Grade Level:
7
Lessons in this unit:
  1. Religious Freedom: Patrick Henry
  2. Virginia Religious Freedom: 20th Century Cases
  3. Virginia Religious Freedom: Billboard Activity

You are unauthorized to view this page.

Click here to download a chart detailing the standards addressed in this lesson as identified by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the National History Standards, and the Alabama Course of Study.

Lesson Video

1.
Clip 1: Patrick Henry Presents His Case

The teacher introduces Patrick Henry to the class. Patrick Henry proceeds to present his position on the need to establish a state-sponsored religion.
Lesson Video

2.
Clip 2: Patrick Henry Presents His Case (Continued)

Patrick Henry continues to argue for the establishment of a state-sponsored religion due to the decaying virtue and morals of society.
Lesson Video

3.
Clip 3: Patrick Henry Presents His Case (Conclusion)

Patrick Henry concludes his presentation regarding the need for a state-sponsored religion by discussing the loss of Episcopal ministers in ths state. He then entertains questions from students.
Lesson Video

4.
Clip 4: Students Question Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry answers questions from students related to a tax to establish a state religion.
Lesson Video

5.
Clip 5: Students Question Patrick Henry (Continued)

Patrick Henry answers questions from students related to issues with establishing a state religion.
Lesson Video

6.
Clip 6: Students Question Patrick Henry (Conclusion)

Patrick Henry answers several more questions from students related to a tax to establish a state religion and concludes by summarizing his position.

Dr. John Saye

Dr. John Saye currently serves as program director for Secondary Social Science Education at Auburn University in Auburn, AL, and teaches undergraduate and graduate social science education courses.

John has taught at Auburn University since 1994. Prior to that time, he taught high school history and social studies for 12 years in Georgia. He received his Ed.D. in social science education from the University of Georgia in 1994.

Opelika Middle School

Opelika Middle School in Opelika, Alabama serves approximately 1100 students in grades 6-8. Classes meet on a 50 minute rotating schedule.