The Challenge of Pluralism: Church and State in Five Democracies

by Stephen V. Monsma

This study compares and evaluates the nature of church-state relations in the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, and England. The authors conclude that the American conception of church-state separation, with its traditional emphasis on avoiding government establishment of religion, actually discriminates against religious groups by denying religious organizations, particularly schools, access to government services provided by other organizations. The authors persuasively argue that the United States can learn a great deal from these other nations in promoting religious neutrality and the free exercise of religion.

Genres: Politics, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Stephen V. Monsma (PhD, Michigan State University) is a senior research fellow at the Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and professor emeritus of political science at Pepperdine University. He is also a fellow at the Center for Public Justice. He served in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate from 1974–1982, after which he worked with the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and the Michigan Department of Social Services.