The culture wars have distorted the dramatic story of how Americans came to worship freely. Many activists on the right maintain that the United States was founded as a “Christian nation.†Many on the left contend that the First Amendment was designed to boldly separate church and state. Neither of these claims is true; argues Beliefnet.com editor in chief Steven Waldman. With refreshing objectivity; Waldman narrates the real story of how our nation’s Founders forged a new approach to religious liberty.Founding Faith vividly describes the religious development of five Founders. Benjamin Franklin melded the Puritan theology of his youth and the Enlightenment philosophy of his adulthood. John Adams’s pungent views on religion stoked his revolutionary fervor and shaped his political strategy. George Washington came to view religious tolerance as a military necessity. Thomas Jefferson pursued a dramatic quest to “rescue†Jesus; in part by editing the Bible. Finally; it was James Madison who crafted an integrated vision of how to prevent tyranny while encouraging religious vibrancy.The spiritual custody battle over the Founding Fathers and the role of religion in America continues today. Waldman at last sets the record straight; revealing the real history of religious freedom to be dramatic; unexpected; paradoxical; and inspiring.
#4951796 in Books Open Court Pub Co 1993-05Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 6.25 x 1.50l; #File Name: 0812692160400 pages
Review
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Where is the truth?By Stephen WallerI understand that Prof Lewis is alleged to be an expert in middle eastern studies; and is the "go to guy" when leaders want to know details so they can make decisions regarding the region. I am not a leader. I am an educated 59 y/o physician who wanted to improve my understanding of the religion and people of the middle east. I gave this book my utmost attention and actually read it twice. I researched Dr Lewis; his life and myriad of accolades and awards.I gave him every benefit of the doubt that he was indeed an expert in the field? However; after every effort on my behalf and giving my best attention I now know nothing more of the "people" of the Islamic faith; how and why they feel as they do toward the west than I did before I started. After enduring many lectures over my years of study Dr Lewis impresses me as a professor who enjoys hearing himself talk though knows little of the indepth material of which he speaks. When was the last time and for that matter how much time did Dr Lewis actually spend with the very people of the region for which he is so knowledgeable.My only conclusion is that the audiance for which this particular book was written is a far more enlightened and educated group than which I am included. My personal advice to those are considering the purchase of this book is to save your money unless you too are a member of his exclusive club of intellectual middle east experts.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy John KirkpatrickAccurate and perceptive analysis1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Articulation of the Fine PointsBy Terry TuckerBernard Lewis is considered the foremost authority on the Middle East and has written many highly acclaimed works.This book has 32 essays that focus on very specific topics. Each essay is presented objectively and his technical expertise and depth of knowledge is masterly.My personal favorites in this collection are the essays on Muslim History and Historians; History and Revolution; New Idea's and lastly; the section on New Events.Essays are designed to stand alone; however; when read consecutively as part of a section; also add further clarity as part of the larger topic.
