Governor Smith's American Catholicism

By Charles C. Marshall

"Governor Smith's American Catholicism" is a seminal work of political and religious critique that examines the intersection of Roman Catholic dogma and American constitutional principles. Written during the pivotal era of the 1928 presidential campaign of Alfred E. Smith, the first Catholic to be nominated for the presidency by a major party, this book articulates the concerns of many contemporaries regarding the compatibility of papal authority with the secular demands of the United States presidency.

Author Charles C. Marshall presents a rigorous legal and theological argument, questioning how a Catholic executive might navigate potential conflicts between the dictates of the Church and his oath to the Constitution. The work is structured as a series of inquiries into the sovereignty of the state versus the authority of the Church, particularly concerning education, marriage, and political allegiance. As a significant historical document, "Governor Smith's American Catholicism" captures a defining moment in American religious history and the long-standing debate over the separation of church and state. It remains an essential read for those interested in the evolution of American political thought, the history of religious pluralism, and the specific challenges faced by Catholic public figures in the early 20th century.

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025687175
• ISBN13: 9781025687179
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 104 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.1" x 9.2"