Overview

A conservative perspective on vital questions about religious liberty In this timely book, historian John D. Wilsey addresses urgent questions about religious freedom in America. How have conservatives historically understood the meaning of religious freedom? How do Americans who identify as conservative now think about religious freedom in this era? What are the differences between the historical and contemporary views, and how do those differences shape fights about religious freedom today? Writing for fellow Americans concerned about threats to religious liberty, Wilsey draws on US history to explain why rather than weaponizing religious freedom in the context of the culture wars, today's conservatives need to rally around religious freedom to promote peace between church and state. With wisdom and acuity, Wilsey charts a path forward for thinking about and maintaining a uniquely American tradition: the harmony between liberty and religion that each generation has received as an inheritance from the generations preceding theirs. Southwestern Journal of Theology Book of the Year (2025)

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9780802881908

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Reviews

""At a time when American politics is roiled by illiberal impulses on the left and the right, John D. Wilsey boldly champions an alternative path: a reinvigorated, prudent, aspirational conservatism committed to the traditional American harmonization (not rejection) of 'the spirit of liberty' and 'the spirit of religion.' His is in many ways a Tocquevillian message, beckoning America to rely upon its historic, vital center. Conservatives eager to defend America's heritage should read and ponder this perceptive volume."" --George H. Nash, Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal ""Far too many scholars and popular writers contend that American conservativism poses an existential threat to America's constitutional order, especially our nation's commitment to protecting religious liberty. To the contrary, John Wilsey argues in this timely book, American conservatives are in the best position to articulate and defend these important values. He recognizes, as he must, that America has flaws, but he demonstrates that improvement must be predicated upon building upon the best of the nation's constitutional and religious traditions."" --Mark David Hall, Regent University ""John Wilsey has written an invaluable book for readers who long to think critically and Christianly about conservatism, nationalism, religion, and the future of America. Wilsey's analysis is both passionate and deeply learned, written with an eye to the present but grounded in wisdom from across the centuries. His analysis of Christian nationalism and what passes for conservatism in the contemporary United States is timely and trenchant, thoughtful and thought-provoking."" --Robert Tracy McKenzie, Wheaton College ""Tocqueville observes that the 'spirit of freedom' and the 'spirit of religion' have long cooperated for the benefit of democracy in America. However, such cooperation is not guaranteed and must be continually fostered across the generations. Wilsey makes a compelling case that 'aspirational conservatives' are specially qualified by disposition and beliefs to steward this tradition in the early twenty-first century."" --Sara Henary Holifield, Missouri State University ""A considerable portion of both the left and the right has lost faith in America's traditions, including that of religious freedom. John Wilsey seeks to restore our faith by helping us understand who we have been."" --Gary L. Gregg II, University of Louisville ""In Religious Freedom, John Wilsey issues both a chronicle and a challenge. Taking his cue from Alexis de Tocqueville, he traces the history of religion as a buoy to American democracy, readily canvassing Augustine, Thomas Sowell, and Ronald Reagan alongside Mark Twain, Will Rogers, and Erma Bombeck. Writing with flair and eloquence, Wilsey makes a compelling case for defending American freedom of religion, along with foundational civic values, against incursions from both the left and the right. This singular volume is essential reading insofar as it illuminates the perils of today's polarized times and prescribes 'aspirational conservatism' as a promising solution."" --Lisa Darrow Bradford, Pacific University ""John Wilsey provides an insightful guide to the central American freedom: the free exercise of religion. Rather than framing religious freedom as liberal, as so many of its defenders and detractors do, Wilsey sees religious freedom as inherently conservative, because it permits and even, in the American circumstance, promotes the practice of religion. Against the abstract conception of religious liberty advanced by a decadent liberalism and decried by an insurgent authoritarianism, Wilsey posits a humane conservatism. Like Burke, Wilsey understands that prudent statesmen and citizens pay attention to historical circumstance. Rather than cast religious liberty as license and then condemn or praise it, he looks to the American experience with religious liberty and the role it played in preserving humane democratic society. Wilsey, like Tocqueville, sees that the practice of religion is essential to a humane democracy because it directs the eyes of citizens toward the transcendent. As did Russell Kirk and Peter Viereck, Wilsey understands that American liberty is not license, an ability to break free of tradition, but an inheritance, a tradition of freely chosen moral practice. It is the American means to a life well lived. More broadly speaking, Wilsey has written a guide to mature intellectual conservatism, a real tour de force through the conservative mind."" --Luke C. Sheahan, Duquesne University

Author Information

John D. Wilsey is professor of church history and chair of the Department of Church History and Historical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a research fellow with the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy. His publications include American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion: Reassessing the History of an Idea and God's Cold Warrior: The Life and Faith of John Foster Dulles.

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