A Wall of Separation?: Debating the Public Role of Religion

by Clarke E. Cochran (Introduction), Ted G. Jelen, Clarke E. Cochran

Should 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.

Genres: Politics

212 pages, Paperback

First published August 27, 1998

Reviews

[Tchadensis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allow me to preface this by saying I cannot speak as an expert on the subject of the complexities that exist within the relationship of religion and United States government so I feel that my review of this book may not be as academic as some would like. A Wall of Separation concerns the pros and cons of religion being involved this two sides are debated by Mary Segers and Ted Jelen. Overall this is a great book as both sides provide compelling arguments. It is worth reading for those with interest in the subject matter.