Disclaimer:
I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW
CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a
positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
History, some like it, some don't. I must say, growing up that history was one of my least favorite subjects. As I've gotten older it has become more interesting and important to me. Our newest book review is The Hidden Message of the Great Seal (How Foundational Truth from The Dawn of Liberty May Rescue a Republic in Peril) by Michael Kanis from The Hidden Message, LLC. I received a free copy of this 256-page softcover book. It has a nice glossy front and back cover and heavy duty semi gloss interior pages. It is a fairly heavy book! It's approximately 9" x 12" and printed in landscape format.
Because of its size and orientation, it is a little awkward holding it to read. The author clearly states that this is NOT a history book, but boy is it loaded with wonderful historical facts that supplement any historical study. What a great supplement to any studies covering our founding fathers, the Declaration of Independence, or other histories from that time period (1774-1783).
1782 version of seal (it went through many revisions over the years) |
Wow, can I just say "Wow?" Sometimes I am easily impressed and I must say that I was not disappointed with the wonderful "nuggets" found in this book. Our Great Seal. From its creation, the seal had great meaning. Just like the Declaration of Independence, our Founding Fathers had a great fear of God and their intent for all purposes was for us to be a nation founded on the principles of our God. I LOVE how the author, Michael Kanis, has woven scripture throughout the entire book showing the connection to Godly principles.
Sample page |
There are 24 chapters that carefully walk you through the history of the seal including important characters such as Charles Thomson and Francis Hopkinson (very well known for his allegorical stories and strongly extroverted personality). Michael explains how the idea was birthed and who was involved in its creation. He explains how much of the symbolism has been misinterpreted and corrupted over the years. The Bible says there is "nothing new under the sun," and that is never more true than in the explanations of how many of the meanings about the symbols in the seal have been twisted to mean something else, something to do with the occult or contradictory to God's word.
Satan has always used diversion and confusion as a tactic in distorting true meanings. As I read what Michael had researched I remembered hearing about many of the "meanings" he said we are used to hearing. About what the seal stands for and means. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams were tasked with creating the seal and before it was finalized it was turned over to Charles Thomson who completed it in two weeks. Learning more about the history of Charles Thomson (the seal's final creator) was very insightful and interesting.
Partial timeline that is included in the book |
The Seal is an allegory. Symbols with deep meanings and stories behind those meanings. With its creation over 236 years ago, why are we just now hearing about or learning more about the meaning behind the seal? Over time, explanations have been given that seemed complete at the time so generally, no one questioned it anymore. I also believe that God moves in many ways and situations for "such a time as this." We are in one of those times for sure and I believe that God tasked Michael Kanis with the job of digging back into what the Founding Fathers intended when the seal was created. The deep meanings are timely for what we are experiencing these days and the historical and biblical connections are not just "coincidences." There is a lot to learn from this text.
Michael spent thousands of hours on the research for this book and it is evident by the plethora of information that it contains. He weaves into the story how everything was connected historically and it helps to understand what he has found and definitely broadens your horizons with the knowledge that comes from his research.
I am so glad that I decided to review The Hidden Message of the Great Seal (How Foundational Truth from The Dawn of Liberty May Rescue a Republic in Peril) from The Hidden Message, LLC and I highly recommend it. There is so much more than just the history of the Great Seal. Be sure to click on the graphic link below to read what my fellow Crew members have to say about this book. Be sure to use the 50% discount code (HOMESCHOOL) before May 30, 2020 if you decide to get this book. The coupon code is only valid on his website, https://www.TheHiddenMessage.org.