Description
Book SynopsisShould the wall of separation between church and state be permeable or inviolable? This question has been hotly contested since the nation''s founding and contentious debates persist today. With a collection of the most significant documents and an introduction by Clarke E. Cochran that provides the historical context of the debate, prominent scholars Mary Segers and Ted Jelen debate the impact of organized religion on the democratic process, examine its influence on political discourse, and discuss its significance for the creation of public policy. The authors illuminate the constitutional implications of using religion to cultivate public morality and discuss the complexities of creating a civic-minded citizenry in a pluralistic society.
Trade ReviewJelen, Segers and Cochrane provide cogent arguments about the appropriate role of religion in American public life. A Wall of Separation? is a bridge to understanding. -- John Green, University of Akron
This is a fascinating book dealing with one of the most important controversies in contemporary American politics. . . . I admire the way in which both authors advance their perspectives. . . . It promises to stimulate lively debate in a wide variety of classes. -- James M. Penning, Calvin College
Carefully and clearly argued, this thoughtful, exhaustive, and provocative consideration of church-state and religion-politics in our liberal democracy is a model of civic discourse. * CHOICE *
A well-written and provocative introduction to the debate over the public role of religion in the United States. . . . a rich source of information and thoughtful discussion. * Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review *
“The strength of the book lies in the clarity and straightforwardness of the prose...” -- Winnifred Fallers Sullivan * H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Part 2 Part I. Debating the Public Role of Religion Chapter 3 In Defense of Religious Minimalism Chapter 4 In Defense of Religious Freedom Chapter 5 Selected Bibliography Part 6 Part II. Readings Chapter 7 Thomas Jefferson, Reply to the Danbury Baptist Association, January 1, 1802 Chapter 8 Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virginia, 1781-1782 Chapter 9 Thomas Jefferson, Virginia Statute of Religious Liberty, 1786 Chapter 10 James Madison, A Memorial and Remonstrance on the Religious Rights of Man, 1784 Chapter 11 U.S. Constitution, First Amendment, 1791 Chapter 12 U.S. Constitution, Article VI, 1787 Chapter 13 John F. Kennedy, Remarks on Church and State, Address Delivered to the Greater Houston Ministeria Chapter 14 Mario M. Cuomo, Religious Belief and Public Morality: A Catholic Governor's Perspective, Addres Chapter 15 Selected Supreme Court Cases: Everson v. Board of Education of Ewing Township, 330 U.S. 1 (1947) Chapter 16 Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971) Chapter 17 Employment Division, Department of Human Resources of Oregon v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872 (1990) Chapter 18 Index Chapter 19 About the Authors
