Join us as we sit down with Dr. Robert Tracy McKenzie as he helps separate fact from fiction on Pilgrims, the Mayflower and Thanksgiving. Dr. McKenzie is the author of “The First Thanksgiving What the Real Story Tells Us About Loving God and Learning from History” (IVP Academic 2013), and we ask him:
1. Any notable people in that band, or did they leave anything behind as far as books or dogma that we moderns might have caught wind of?
2. Why do we love the drama of finding out history is embellished and uncovering misconceptions…? Like, realizing the Pilgrims didn’t actually have little buckles on their somber black shoes?
3. Who were these people, where did they come from and why?
4. Where does our historical info for the pilgrims come?
5. If there wasn’t a holiday after these guys what would be compelling about them?
6. Is it anathema to put up Christmas decorations prior to Thanksgiving?
7. What can we keep in our minds about these pilgrims and how can we benefit beyond a couple deviled eggs and a Macys Day Parade?
