Description
Book SynopsisLegal scholars expect to resolve religious dilemmas according to principles of equality, neutrality, or separation of church and state. But such abstractions fail to do justice to the clashing values in today's pluralistic society. Marc DeGirolami explains why conflicts implicating religious liberty are so emotionally fraught and deeply contested.
Trade ReviewOne of the best recent books on constitutional law. -- Adam J. White * Weekly Standard *
DeGirolami’s
Tragedy is perhaps the single best exposition of ‘Burkean constitutionalism’ in decades… It is the most nuanced, thoughtful, and effective explanation of ‘Burkean’ jurisprudence in a generation, and it deserves the widest possible audience. -- Adam J. White * Commentary *
DeGirolami’s is a thoughtful and sophisticated meditation on the protean relationship between law and faith in a society committed to religious freedom. His intellectual and cultural influences are broad and rewarding; his style is rich and accessible; and his critique of both theoretical foundationalism and skepticism is profound and compelling.
The Tragedy of Religious Freedom is an important book that will undoubtedly influence and enrich this discussion for years to come. -- Ian Bartrum * Journal of Church and State *
DeGirolami sharply criticizes the current state of legal theory regarding religious freedom in the U.S. and offers a solution he claims will cure many present ills. -- M. D. Brewer * Choice *
A sophisticated and thoughtful book, which offers fresh insights on a central question of religious liberty. -- Philip Hamburger, author of
Separation of Church and StateThe Tragedy of Religious Freedom is a first-rate contribution to the law-and-religion conversation. This conversation—how to think about, and how to effectively protect in law, religious freedom in a constitutional democracy—is a lively and timely one, and DeGirolami is an impressive participant. -- Richard W. Garnett, Notre Dame Law School
