How we handle Scripture and history
We want everything we publish to hold up when you check it. Here’s how we work.
Scripture comes first
We believe the Bible is God’s Word, and we let it set the agenda. We start with what a passage meant to its first readers, read it in context, and only then ask what it means for citizens today. If a point can’t be made from the text, we won’t make it.
We check the original languages
The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Before we publish a point about a passage, we check that it holds up in the original text, not just in an English translation.
- New Testament: we work from The Greek New Testament, Produced at Tyndale House, Cambridge.
- Old Testament: we work from the standard critical edition of the Hebrew and Aramaic text (Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia).
- When we mention a Hebrew or Greek word, we show it, transliterate it simply, and explain why it matters.
Translations we quote
Our primary translation is the New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB 1995), known for staying close to the original wording. On key passages we also show the New King James Version (NKJV) alongside it, so you can compare two careful translations. Both capitalize pronouns that refer to God, and so do we in our own writing.
We quote every verse exactly as the translation prints it and check each quotation word for word before publishing. Short formats like social posts use the NASB 1995 only.
History, sourced and verified
We go to primary sources whenever we can: founding documents, journals of Congress, letters, sermons, and speeches. Every quotation is checked against a reliable source and cited. Plenty of famous quotes floating around online were never said by the people they’re pinned on. If a quote’s origin is doubtful, we label it “often attributed to,” or we leave it out.
We also try to tell the whole story. American history holds real goodness and real failures, and we won’t pretend otherwise.
Nonpartisan, on purpose
The Civic Pew does not endorse candidates or political parties. We’ll talk about issues, principles, and history, and we’ll be honest about where Scripture speaks clearly and where faithful people disagree. We aim to treat people across the political spectrum with respect.
Who we write for
We write for Bible-believing Christians who want to engage public life with conviction and love. If you’re simply curious about how the Bible speaks to citizenship, you’re welcome here too.
When we get it wrong
We’ll make mistakes. When we do, we’ll fix them and say so. If you spot an error, please email info@thecivicpew.com.