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In God We Don't Trust  /  Chapter 27: The Myth of the Valley Forge Prayer  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
Weems claims Washington was a constant church attender who never let guests keep him from worship, but Bercot says Washington’s diary shows the opposite; how should Christians think about truth-telling when a false story seems to produce “good” results (patriotism, morality, reverence), and what might God’s character demand of us here?
Another way to ask: If a false story seems to lead to “good” things like patriotism or morality, is it still wrong to spread it? What does God’s character say about truth-telling in that situation?

Direct Answer The transcript implies Christians must value truth over usefulness: even if a story encourages patriotism or morality, repeating what is false is wrong, and God’s character requires honesty rather than “pious” fiction.

Support from Transcript:

  • Weems asserts Washington was the most “constant attendant at church,” that “no company ever withheld him from church,” and that guests were invited along.
  • Bercot says Washington’s diary shows “just the opposite”: between the Revolution and presidency he attended church “only occasionally.”
  • He adds that when Washington had guests on Sunday, he “spent the entire morning with them.”
  • Even as president, the diary shows he “still missed church frequently.”
  • Bercot repeatedly highlights credibility: Weems “isn’t a credible source whatsoever,” did not know Washington, was not an eyewitness, and wrote after Washington died.
  • Bercot calls the Valley Forge prayer story “a pious figment,” grouping it with the cherry-tree myth.
Discussion Follow-ups Do we excuse falsehood when it supports a cause we like? How does insisting on truth protect the church from manipulation and propaganda?

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