Religion and the Constitution: Establishment and Fairness

Book Details:

• Author: Kent Greenawalt

• Brand: Princeton University Press

• Binding: Paperback

• ISBN: 9780691141145

• Pages: 555

• Release Date: 26-07-2009

• Package Dimensions: 9.0 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches

• Languages: English

About The Book:

Religion and the Constitution explores the complex relationship between religious freedom and the framework of liberal democracy in the United States. Kent Greenawalt delves into the difficult challenge of balancing respect for religious convictions with the core values of fairness and liberty that underpin the Constitution. Through a detailed examination of the Constitution’s Establishment Clause, Greenawalt addresses controversies like school prayer, religious symbols in public spaces, and the Pledge of Allegiance. He provides a comprehensive history of the clause, its fundamental principles, and key Supreme Court decisions on the topic.

Greenawalt argues that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for addressing religious matters in the public sphere, advocating for a contextual approach to understanding how government should treat religion. The book calls for a nuanced understanding of how religious beliefs shape individuals' lives and aims to find ways to maximize religious expression while ensuring fairness and the welfare of the public. This volume is essential for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of religion, law, and the Constitution in the United States.