Description
Book SynopsisThe free exercise of conscience is under attack in the United States. Already the conservative bloc of the Supreme Court is reversing the progress of religious liberty that had been steadily advancing. And this danger will only increase if more conservative judges are nominated to the court. This is the impassioned argument of Religion on Trial.
Trade ReviewReligion on Trial is a remarkable, readable, and commendable achievement. * Journal of Church and State *
Hammond, Machacek, and Mazur have produced a powerful and engaging work which documents a clear and present danger to religious freedom emanating from the Supreme Court itself. This book, accessible and engaging, should be of interest to any American open to the idea that separation of church and state is a cornerstone of real democracy and genuine moral choice. The work is infused with solid historical scholarship, thoughtful core studies, and compelling arguments for keeping a decent distance between religious institutions and government. -- Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State
The book is scholarly, yet written for a general adult reading audience. It is unique in its thesis and makes a contribution to the literature on freedom of conscience. It is highly controversial, but once one readers agree with the book's premise, its conclusion logically follows. . . . It is a splendid book. -- Robert W. Langran, Villanova University * Perspectives on Political Science *
Well written and of quite manageable length. Recommendeddddd * CHOICE *
Religion on Trial is a book that many, including some justices of the Supreme Court, will hate. Because they assert that the regressive justices of the Court are unfaithful to the Constitution, the authors raise alarm about the present state and future of separation of church and state and its corollary, religious freedom. Thoroughly grounded in history, their argument is a paean to freedom of conscience and a cautionary tale about the current Court and allowing any more regressive justices to be appointed to the court. Those who cherish religious freedom and civil rights generally will find much to ponder, and be dismayed about, in this informative, provocative, and readable book. -- Ronald Flowers, Texas Christian University
A superb and readily accessible account of the story of Freedom of Conscience under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution—Religion on Trial is a powerful indictment of the 'regressive' justices of the current U.S. Supreme Court. Everyone for whom freedom of conscience is important, that is every American, should take heed. -- Barbara A. McGraw, author of Rediscovering America's Sacred Ground: Public Religion and the Pursuit of Good in a Pluralistic America
Well written and of quite manageable length. Recommended * CHOICE *
Solidly argued. * Library Journal *
Religion on Trial makes the historical debates about religion clauses accessible to a broad audience. In addition, it properly links issues of free exercise of religion to issues about fundamental rights in a manner that is usually missed by legal scholars and political scientists. Consequently, this book would be a good addition to undergraduate, graduate, and law school courses on the religion clause or on law and religion. * Law and Politics Book Review *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Powers, Rights, and Freedoms Chapter 2 Religious Liberty and the Freedom of Conscience Chapter 3 The Nineteenth Century Supreme Court and "Republican Protestantism" Chapter 4 E Unum Pluribus Chapter 5 Separation of Church and State Expands Chapter 6 Three Case Studies Chapter 7 Greater Separation is Challenged
