MARC Record from harvard_bibliographic_metadata

LEADER: 02712cam a22003138a 4500
001 013190790-5
005 20130701104615.0
008 120227s2012 mau b 001 0 eng
010 $a 2012008382
020 $a9780674066465 (alk. paper)
035 0 $aocn820526644
035 0 $aocn778828824
040 $aDLC$cDLC
043 $an-us---
050 00 $aKF4865$b.K67 2012
082 00 $a342.7308/52$223
100 1 $aKoppelman, Andrew.
245 10 $aDefending American religious neutrality /$cAndrew Koppelman.
260 $aCambridge, Mass. :$bHarvard University Press,$c2012.
300 $a243 p. ;$c25 cm.
504 $aIncludes bibliographical references and index.
505 0 $aThe American specification of neutrality -- Corruption of religion and the Establishment Clause -- Religion clause doctrine explained -- Why single out religion? -- A secular state?
520 $a"Although it is often charged with hostility toward religion, First Amendment doctrine in fact treats religion as a distinctive human good. It insists, however, that this good be understood abstractly, without the state taking sides on any theological question. Here, a leading scholar of constitutional law explains the logic of this uniquely American form of neutrality--more religion-centered than liberal theorists propose, and less overtly theistic than conservatives advocate. The First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of religion is under threat. Growing numbers of critics, including a near-majority of the Supreme Court, seem ready to cast aside the ideal of American religious neutrality. Andrew Koppelman defends that ideal and explains why protecting religion from political manipulation is imperative in an America of growing religious diversity. Understanding American religious neutrality, Koppelman shows, can explain some familiar puzzles. How can Bible reading in public schools be impermissible while legislative sessions begin with prayers, Christmas is an official holiday, and the words "under God" appear in the Pledge of Allegiance? Are faith-based social services, public financing of religious schools, or the teaching of intelligent design constitutional? Combining legal, historical, and philosophical analysis, Koppelman shows how law coherently navigates these conundrums. He explains why laws must have a secular legislative purpose, why old, but not new, ceremonial acknowledgments of religion are permitted, and why it is fair to give religion special treatment."--Publisher's website.
650 0 $aChurch and state$zUnited States.
650 0 $aFreedom of religion$zUnited States.
650 0 $aEcclesiastical law$zUnited States.
899 $a245_444955
988 $a20120521
906 $0DLC