Overview

In a time when the question of American religious identity underlies much political conversation that fills the public square, Dennis Goldford directs his readers to consider the First Amendment. The founding fathers' words, """"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,"""" are the constitutional means of ensuring, however imperfectly, the American freedom to stand for something sacred. In his analysis, Goldford ably demonstrates that the very nature of these religion clauses establishes protection not for religion but for religious freedom. The Constitution of Religious Freedom argues that religious identity inheres not in the nation, but in the individual citizen.

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9781602584198

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<p> In this tightly reasoned but accessible volume, Goldford exposes the mistaken assumption that the American government espouses a religious mission rather than champions a commitment to religious freedom. The Constitution of Religious Freedom should be required reading for the policymakers and policy activists who shape the role of religion in American political life. --Richard A. Brisbin, Jr., Professor of Political Science, West Virginia University

Goldford's robust defense of the Religion Clauses as protecting religious freedom--and not religion itself--is a welcome antidote to conservative scholars and advocates. --Aram Schvey, Policy Council at the center for Reproductive Rights, Conscience (2013,34:1) The Constitution of Religious Freedom takes a unique approach to interpreting the appropriate place and role of religious freedom in the United States. Goldford argues, in a clear and accessible manner, that the First Amendment's religion clauses protect religious freedom rather than religion writ large. Scholars and students alike will learn from the argument presented in this important new book. --Laura R. Olson, Professor of Political Science, Clemson University The Constitution of Religious Freedom is an important book. In a time where political figures from Barack Obama to Mitt Romney to Nikki Haley have been openly attacked for their supposedly non-Christian religious beliefs, Goldford's timing is excellent. --Evan Gerstmann, Professor of Political Science and Law, Loyola Marymount University In this tightly reasoned but accessible volume, Goldford exposes the mistaken assumption that the American government espouses a religious mission rather than champions a commitment to religious freedom. The Constitution of Religious Freedom should be required reading for the policymakers and policy activists who shape the role of religion in American political life. --Richard A. Brisbin, Jr., Professor of Political Science, West Virginia University Goldford's book is logically and compellingly argued. He fearlessly and thoughtfully examines one of the most controversial--often blithely assumed and curiously dismissed--propositions in American politics today--that the United States is a Christian nation. Indeed, Goldford's refutation of this idea is devastating, yet always respectful and erudite. --Jessie Hill, Professor of Law, Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Author Information

Dennis J. Goldford is Professor of Politics at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. The author of The American Constitution and the Debate Over Originalism , Goldford has contributed election cycle political analysis to more than eighty major newspapers, magazines, or wire services in the United States, Canada, Japan, and many European and Eastern European countries. He lives in Clive, Iowa.

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