About Gary Scott Smith

Dr. Gary Scott Smith is a Professor of History Emeritus at Grove City College and is a fellow for faith and politics with the Institute for Faith and Freedom. He is the author of "Strength for the Fight: The Life and Faith of Jackie Robinson" (2022), "Duty and Destiny: The Life and Faith of Winston Churchill” (January 2021), "A History of Christianity in Pittsburgh" (2019), "Suffer the Children" (2017), "Religion in the Oval Office" (Oxford University Press, 2015), “Faith and the Presidency From George Washington to George W. Bush” (Oxford University Press, 2009), "Religion in the Oval Office" and “Heaven in the American Imagination” (Oxford University Press, 2011).

What Did Cause the Civil War?

Nikki Haley recently provoked a firestorm of controversy for failing to name slavery when asked by journalists what caused the Civil War. A chorus of critics, including President Joe Biden, censured her response. Biden declared, “Let me be clear for … Continue reading

Remembering the Boston Tea Party

In recent years, Americans have protested racism, police brutality, environmental devastation, gun control laws, abortion, and many other issues. Millions have fought to expand the rights of women, LGBTQIA individuals, blacks, and other minorities. Today many are remonstrating against antisemitism … Continue reading

Jackie Robinson: An American Hero

To celebrate Black History Month this February, we could highlight the significant contributions of dozens of African American physicians, lawyers, scientists, intellectuals, and entertainers who have attacked racial discrimination, substantially improved the world, and helped elevate the reputation of their … Continue reading

Remembering Jackie Robinson

Fifty years ago today, one of the greatest icons in American sports history died. Jackie Robinson, a phenomenal athlete who lettered in four sports at UCLA, was only 53. After numerous health problems including heart disease, diabetes, failing eyesight and … Continue reading

Tunch Ilkin: A Tribute

As the regular NFL season ends, the Pittsburgh Steelers need a minor miracle to make the playoffs, and Ben Roethlisberger’s storied career comes to an end, it is fitting to recognize another Steeler great who died of ALS in September … Continue reading

Revisiting the Atlantic Charter

When he became prime minister in May 1940, Winston Churchill was convinced that Britain could not defeat the Axis Powers without the active participation of the United States. He worked long and hard to persuade President Franklin Roosevelt to join … Continue reading

I Like Ike

As other statues and monuments are being removed or criticized throughout our nation, a new $150 million memorial located near the U.S. Capitol will be dedicated Thursday honoring the general who helped defeat the Axis Powers in World War II … Continue reading