Here is a concise overview of the historical development and judicial interpretation of the First Amendment religion clauses. It begins with a survey of the history of American religious liberty, goes on to present the views of the Founding Fathers, and then considers the core value of religious liberty and the constitutional purposes that implement that value.

the book ends on a practical note by applying these principles to questions of equal access, religious symbolism in public life, and the task of defining religion for constitutional purposes. As the authors note in their introduction, "the historical principles that animate the religion clauses are more than an abstract intellectual exercise. . . . They provide an essential context for guiding the resolution of modern religious liberty issues."

Here is a concise overview of the historical development and judicial interpretation of the First Amendment religion clauses. It begins with a survey of the history of American religious liberty, goes on to present the views of the Founding Fathers, and then considers the core value of religious liberty and the constitutional purposes that implement that value.

the book ends on a practical note by applying these principles to questions of equal access, religious symbolism in public life, and the task of defining religion for constitutional purposes. As the authors note in their introduction, "the historical principles that animate the religion clauses are more than an abstract intellectual exercise. . . . They provide an essential context for guiding the resolution of modern religious liberty issues."

Foreword by Warren E. Burger
Acknowledgments

Introduction
Chapter One. The Historical Roots of American Religious Liberty
Chapter Two. The Founders on Religious Liberty
Chapter Three. The Supreme Court and Religious Liberty
Chapter Four. The Animating Principles of the Religion Clauses
Chapter Five. Religious Liberty in Contemporary America
Conclusion

Appendices
One. Historical Documents on American Religious Liberty
Two. Early Declarations sand Constitutional Previsions on Religion
Three. Leading Supreme Court Decisions on Religious Liberty

Notes
Bibliography
Index