A Wall of Separation: Debating the Public Role of Religion

(Paperback)

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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. Visit our website for sample chapters!

Reviews

Jelen, Segers and Cochrane provide cogent arguments about the appropriate role of religion in American public life. A Wall of Separation is a bridge to understanding. -- John Green, University of Akron
This is a fascinating book dealing with one of the most important controversies in contemporary American politics. . . . I admire the way in which both authors advance their perspectives. . . . It promises to stimulate lively debate in a wide variety of classes. -- James M. Penning, Calvin College
Carefully and clearly argued, this thoughtful, exhaustive, and provocative consideration of church-state and religion-politics in our liberal democracy is a model of civic discourse. * Choice Reviews *
A well-written and provocative introduction to the debate over the public role of religion in the United States. . . . a rich source of information and thoughtful discussion. * Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review *
The strength of the book lies in the clarity and straightforwardness of the prose... -- Winnifred Fallers Sullivan * H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online *

Author Bio

Mary Segers is professor of political science at Rutgers University.

Ted G. Jelen is chair of the political science department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Clarke E. Cochran is professor of political science at Texas Tech University.