The United States of America turns 236 on Wednesday, July 4! To honor this occasion, we’ve marked down some of our bestselling resources dealing with the intersection of American history and Christian faith.

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”—John Adams in a letter to his wife, Abigail

It was Mr. Adams’ original conviction that American independence would be forever celebrated on July 2—the day that Congress, in a closed-door session, approved the resolution of independence. As it turns out, Adams was off by a couple of days. Americans celebrate the day that the Declaration was formally adopted and a copy of the manuscript officially printed.

Independence Day was already being celebrated one year later. On July 4, 1777, the city of Philadelphia held an elaborate celebration which included a public display of fireworks, forever tying pyrotechnics to American independence festivities.

Here’s what the Virginia Gazette had to say about the event:

“The glorious fourth of July was reiterated three times accompanied with triple discharges of cannon and small arms, and loud huzzas that resounded from street to street through the city. Towards evening several troops of horse, a corps of artillery, and a brigade of North Carolina forces, which was in town on its way to join the grand army, were drawn up in Second street and reviewed by Congress and the General Officers.

The evening was closed with the ringing of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.

Every thing was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal. Thus may the 4th of July, that glorious and ever memorable day, be celebrated through America, by the sons of freedom, from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen, and amen.”

For the Founding Fathers, American independence was explicitly tied to spirituality and religious liberty. Freedom was a right bestowed by an almighty Creator. So, convinced that God supported their cry of freedom, America’s forefathers placed “a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence” as they pledged their lives, belongings, and honor in support of this ideal.

Come celebrate America’s independence and religious heritage with Logos. Save on titles like:

• Dictionary of Christianity in America
• The Works of Jonathan Edwards (2 vols.)
• American History Collection
• American Religious Traditions: The Shaping of Religion in the United States
• And many, many more!

Visit Logos.com/FourthofJuly and pick up incredible works on American history, faith, and theology. Hurry—the sale ends at midnight (PST), July 6!