A WILO “Party Line” discussion this week is launching a multi-part series on the origins of the United States ahead of Independence Day, with a focus on history, faith, and the concept of liberty.
WILO Talk Show Host Shan Sheridan introduced the series during Thursday’s broadcast, noting it will explore “where did America come from” as the Fourth of July approaches. The program will feature recurring guest Joseph Bookwalter, a military special forces veteran, as a co-host for several upcoming segments.
Exploring America’s Origins
Sheridan said the goal of the series is to examine the philosophical and historical foundations of the nation, including the role of faith and early political thought.
“We’re going to be talking all things America… leading up to the Fourth of July,” Sheridan said. “We’re going to try to do our best to just present the facts and talk about it.”
The program framed the discussion around competing interpretations of the nation’s founding, particularly whether the United States was rooted in Judeo-Christian principles. Sheridan acknowledged differing viewpoints, saying, “Some say, ‘I don’t believe it.’ … We’re going to talk about it and go from there.”
Veteran Perspective on Service
Bookwalter, who joined the program in studio, shared details of his path into military service following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. He said he enlisted at age 29 after already establishing a civilian career.
“I just had this really insatiable desire to serve my country,” Bookwalter said. “It led me to pursue not just going into the Army, but going into Special Forces… and looking for the opportunity to actually serve in combat.”
Reflecting on his experience, Bookwalter said motivations in combat differ from public perception. “When you’re in the moment, it really is about survival,” he said. “Surviving and protecting the guys to the left and the right of you… that is what it’s all about.”
He added that while broader ideals such as defending freedom are important, those reflections often come after returning home.
Defining Liberty
A central theme of the discussion was the meaning of liberty, both historically and in modern life. Sheridan connected the topic to the nation’s founding documents, referencing the Declaration of Independence and its phrase “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” He suggested early debates may have reflected differing views on the role of faith in public life.
Bookwalter said his understanding of liberty has evolved over time.
“Ten years ago I might have said your individual right to choose what you want to do,” he said. “But… liberty… is choosing to live a life free of sin through the pursuit of Jesus. That’s what sets you free.”
He also emphasized that freedom does not equate to unlimited personal choice, adding, “Liberty is not being able to do whatever you want to do.”
Debate Over Founding Principles
The conversation also addressed ongoing debate about whether the United States should be considered a Christian nation. Sheridan argued that many of the nation’s founders were influenced by faith, while acknowledging disagreement on the issue.
Bookwalter said even non-religious founders were influenced by biblical principles in shaping government structures. “If you don’t like the statement that we were formed as a Christian nation, okay fine,” he said. “But you can’t deny the fact that many of them were Christian, that the concepts and principles were indeed biblical.”
He cited ideas such as separation of powers as examples of those influences, while also stressing that the founders did not intend to establish a church-run government.
Continuing the Conversation
The segment concluded with plans to continue the series in the coming weeks, including discussions on early American history and the lead-up to the Revolutionary War.
Sheridan said the goal is to encourage reflection on the nation’s founding and its future.
“Benjamin Franklin said… (We have given you) “A republic if you can keep it’” Sheridan said.
“That’s still the question for us today.”
The WILO Radio “Party Line” talk-show program airs regularly on WILO and is also available live and world-wide and archived via Hoosierland TV.
Publishers Note: Enjoy the “American Treasures” tab on Clinton, Carroll and Boone County Daily News. Just use the pull-down tab on the Masthead to explore some of the pillars of our Nation.
