Booklist Review
Vanessa Bush
“An ordained minister now heading an organization aimed at protecting the separation between church and state, Lynn brings passion and a broad perspective to the national debate swirling around this issue. Providing a historical overview, Lynn points out that in the nation’s early history, separation of church and state was supported by both religious leaders and politicians as a means of protecting institutions of faith from government intrusion. Lynn examines school prayer, gay rights, the teaching of intelligent design, and faith-based initiatives as leading issues in the current turmoil between concerns about American morality and secular government. Christian conservatives, including Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, show no respect for history and law — or diversity of faith — when they push for a government that reflects their particular brand of religion, Lynn maintains. Only by separating religion and government can the nation truly guarantee religious and intellectual freedom. Whatever readers’ religious or political beliefs, they will appreciate Lynn’s well-considered examination of this contentious issue.”
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