About the Book
Should prayer be allowed in public schools? Should biology be taught according to Darwin or to the book of Genesis? Why is polygamy against the law? These are just a few of the questions that touch our lives directly and emerge out of the separation of church and state. In this volume, one of the most distinguished scholars of American religious history traces the complicated relationship of church and state from the early colonial period, through the unique
American experiment in religious liberty after the Revolution, to the ongoing debate over religious issues in our schools and communities. Edwin Gaustad relates entertaining and edifying accounts of
headline-grabbing court trials involving polygamy, witchcraft, and church taxation. He quotes moving passages from the speeches and writings of American Presidents and Supreme Court justices to prove that, to paraphrase Michelangelo, 'religious liberty is made up of a series of trifles, but religious liberty is no trifle'.General Editors: Jon Butler and Harry S. Stout, both at Yale UniversityReligion in American
Life explores the evolution, character, and dynamics of religion in America from 1500 to the present day. Written by distinguished religious historians, these books weave together the varying stories that compose the religious fabric of the
United States, from Puritanism to alternative religious practices. Primary source material coupled with handsome illustrations and lucid text make these books essential in any exploration of Americas diverse nature. Each book includes a chronology, suggestions for further reading, and index.
Review :
"In a balanced account, Gaustad... treats the (often contentious) role of religion in Colonial America and examines the significant Supreme Court cases that have helped define the place of religion with regard to the state.... Serious treatment of the subject at hand in a way that makes [it] attractive for popular reading by combining text, photographs and original documents."--Library Journal
"Some of the stickiest, most hotly argued questions in American politics get full coverage in this historical account... While using colorful, evocative language to describe the conflicts, [Gaustad] succeeds admirably in maintaining a fair, objective viewpoint. He presents the issues clearly, without distracting details, in a lively style that is thoroughly consistent with the topic. The book's design includes plenty of white space for readability, and the
numerous black-and-white photos have informative captions."--School Library Journal
"Every public school library in America needs this book. No church or synagogue library can be considered complete without it. It should be on law school curricula... Every pastor who gives a hoot... should read it, recommend it. Every teacher who is unwilling to be left at the mercy of 'dumbed down'...textbooks can assert a little independence by reading it."--Report from the Capitol
"Ought to be required reading for those on both sides of the First Amendment divide.... Virtually all the important church-state cases are covered in this volume."--The Wall Street Journal
"Essential reading in light of modern debates over subjects like prayer in public schools, teaching the Genesis story, and other more complicated issues related to religion and state....Gaustad deftly uses stroeis, speeches, anecdotes, and historic documents to prove that, as Michelangelo once said, "religious liberty is made up of a series of trifles, but religious liberty is no trifle."--Reformation & Revival
"Should be required reading for all Americans before attempting any intelligent discussion of church-state issues....Though written by a distinguished historian/scholar, the reading style is very straightforward. Very organized and intentionally directed, Gaustad provides just enough detail without being too weighty." -- Baptists Today
"The writing is well-suited for undergraduates and advanced high school students, with a straightforward chronological format and clear explanations of all but the most basic terms. Gaustad's special attention to issues of religion in the schools makes the book even more suitable for classroom use, as does his inclusion of primary texts." -- Catholic Library World
"In a balanced account, Gaustad... treats the (often contentious) role of religion in Colonial America and examines the significant Supreme Court cases that have helped define the place of religion with regard to the state.... Serious treatment of the subject at hand in a way that makes [it] attractive for popular reading by combining text, photographs and original documents."--Library Journal
"Some of the stickiest, most hotly argued questions in American politics get full coverage in this historical account... While using colorful, evocative language to describe the conflicts, [Gaustad] succeeds admirably in maintaining a fair, objective viewpoint. He presents the issues clearly, without distracting details, in a lively style that is thoroughly consistent with the topic. The book's design includes plenty of white space for readability, and the
numerous black-and-white photos have informative captions."--School Library Journal
"Every public school library in America needs this book. No church or synagogue library can be considered complete without it. It should be on law school curricula... Every pastor who gives a hoot... should read it, recommend it. Every teacher who is unwilling to be left at the mercy of 'dumbed down'...textbooks can assert a little independence by reading it."--Report from the Capitol
"Ought to be required reading for those on both sides of the First Amendment divide.... Virtually all the important church-state cases are covered in this volume."--The Wall Street Journal
"Essential reading in light of modern debates over subjects like prayer in public schools, teaching the Genesis story, and other more complicated issues related to religion and state....Gaustad deftly uses stroeis, speeches, anecdotes, and historic documents to prove that, as Michelangelo once said, "religious liberty is made up of a series of trifles, but religious liberty is no trifle."--Reformation & Revival
"Objective and thoughtful."--The Horn Book Guide
"Admirably lucid and well-organized... Gaustad has produced an unexpectedly fascinating, well-written account of what he demonstrates to be a pivotal issue."--VOYA
"Provocative and illuminating book... Gaustad, a professor emeritus at UC Riverside, deftly surveys the history of religious freedom in America in 150 richly illustrated pages... The long line of freedom of religion cases [is] so effectively summarized by Gaustad.."--Los Angeles Times
"A lucid primer for understanding today's debates on religious freedom."--The Christian Science Monitor
"[A] cause for special celebration. At long last, we have a lively and scholarly account of religious liberty in American history written primarily for young adult readers....Gaustad has done a splendid job of explaining the relationship of church and state in America in ways that will appeal to readers in high school through college. Every public school library needs to order this book--and all of the other volumes in this extraordinary series."--Journal
of Church and State
"Written by some of the nation's leading scholars, the series is a major breakthrough in the effort to take religion seriously in the curriculum of public schools."--Journal of Church and State
"Gaustad could have proselytized on this issue or lambasted the justices over what he saw as bad decisions, but he did neither. What he does do is provide a deeper understanding of the important role religion plays in America and why many remain skeptical when religion is forced upon them." Columbus Dispatch
