On this episode of Exploring History, we talk about the U.S. Supreme Court: what the Constitution says about it, the meaning of judicial review, and the debate between originalism and the idea of a living Constitution that changes meaning over time. We also talk about the importance of every American understanding what the Constitution actually says and what it doesn't say.

Alexis de Tocqueville commented that, in the United States, there is hardly a political question which does not, sooner or later, turn into an issue that winds up in the courts. When we examine issues that have come before the Supreme Court, we see that this has indeed been the case. Join Ray Notgrass as we look at the Supreme Court and how we can best understand its significance in American life.

Find more resources about the Supreme Court at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=GENERALUSSC

Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/

Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/

Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

It was the day the world turned upside down. Why did the leaders of God’s people spit on the Son of God? What was the Son of God doing standing bound, being lied about by religious leaders, and facing interrogation by a pagan governor? Why was the Son of God hanging on a cross?

What happened that day had to happen. It had to happen because God in His power and mercy was making right all the things that had gone wrong. He was dealing with sin. He was reconciling man to Himself. He was demonstrating the power of a life submitted to the will of God when the world had rejected God. That is why the Christian world calls the day when the awful crucifixion of Christ took place Good Friday. It was terrible for Him, but it was good for us.

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Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

Explorers made this heroic journey over a century ago, but only recently has it found closure. Learn about the Antarctic voyage of the Endurance and its captain, Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Ernest Shackleton did not accomplish his original goal, but in dealing with the difficulties that occurred during his attempt, he showed remarkable skill, bravery, and leadership. Those are lessons we can still learn today.

Find more resources about Ernest Shackleton at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/1647880427478x896868707794419700

Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/

Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/

Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

The world is watching a war take place in the Eastern European country of Ukraine. It is the largest invasion of a country in Europe since World War II. The roots of this conflict go back hundreds of years, and the immediate sources of conflict span the 20th century. Let’s unravel this complex and heart-wrenching scenario.

Find more resources at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/1646687330463x465809778803474400

Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/

Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/

Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

In the Gospel of Luke, when Jesus sent the seventy out to the cities to which He would be going, part of his instructions to them were, "Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house'" (Luke 10:5).

What a wonderful prayer this is for the homes in our world today: "Peace be to this house." That prayer strikes a deep chord in the hearts of every family, especially those who live with the burdens of strife and busyness within their walls. It’s what every family wants and needs: peace in their house. Many parents, and a lot of children, whisper some form of this request in their own prayers.

The world needs authentic Christians, not people who are charming churchgoers in public and at each other’s throats in private. The best place to develop authentic Christianity is in the home, where we are challenged to be like Jesus every day with the people we are closest to. It’s important to be absolutely honest about ourselves, and freely forgiving toward others.

After offering words of encouragement to families, host Ray Notgrass uses this opportunity to pay tribute to his big brother, Alan, who is celebrating his 75th birthday.

Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/

Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/

Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

He was the real-life inspiration for the title character in the most influential novel in 19th-century America, but his story is largely unknown. On today's episode we’ll learn more about this amazing, faithful, once-enslaved man.

Exploring America by Ray Notgrass is a one-year history, English, and Bible curriculum for high school students.

Find resources about Josiah Henson at Homeschool History:

https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=Josiah%20Henson

Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/

Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/

Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

How does Congress make laws? On today’s Exploring History we’ll investigate the official process but also some of what goes on behind the scenes in how Congress makes laws that affect you and me and our families.

Notgrass History publishes curriculum about government for middle school students (Uncle Sam and You) and high school students (Exploring Government).

Find resources related to Congress at Homeschool History:

https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP220125

Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/

Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/

Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

He made America a better place–and he gave his life for doing so. On today's podcast, we'll look at the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how that legacy can help heal America today.

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Ray mentions the Exploring America curriculum. High school students gain a rich understanding of our nation's past by reading the history narrative and primary source documents, reading classic American literature, completing writing assignments and hands-on projects, and studying what the Bible says about issues and ideas in history.

Homeschool History is a searchable database that helps families find high-quality videos, books, websites, games, and field trip destinations. Find resources related to Martin Luther King Jr.:

https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP220111

Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/

Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/

Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

Notgrass History is starting a new podcast in January, and we want you to be a part of it. Join host Ray Notgrass for a journey into the news of the day, inspiring stories from history, and encouragement about homeschooling, family life, and your walk with God. Join us for our first episode on Tuesday, January 11th.

The Exploring History Podcast is brought to you by Notgrass History and Homeschool History.

https://notgrasshistory.com/

Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/

Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/

Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/