In God We Trust: How the Supreme Court's First Amendment Decisions Affect Organized Religion

By Kathryn Page Camp

Book Overview

Throughout American history, the First Amendment has been a lightning rod for the debate over religious freedom and its limitations within a free society. Intense legal battles have been fought over prayer in school, religious symbols on public property, and the right to speak out when religious beliefs conflict with popular opinion. These battles will continue as society struggles with the degree of tolerance to give organized religion.Does the First Amendment create a wall of separation between church and state? How important was that concept to the men who created the Constitution and the Bill of Rights? Has the Supreme Court been true to the founders' intent, or has it distorted the First Amendment religion clauses beyond recognition?In God We Trust does not attempt to answer these questions. Instead, it provides a neutral summary of the First Amendment's historical background and the cases interpreting it. This knowledge arms readers with the tools they need to reach their own conclusions.This book is written in plain English with reader-friendly vignettes, making it easy for laypeople to understand. It is an important resource for religious leaders, students of the Constitution, and others interested in the First Amendment religion clauses.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0989250407
• ISBN13: 9780989250405
• Release Date: September 2015
• Publisher: Kp/Pk Publishing
• Length: 276 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Grade Range: All grades

Customer Reviews

For Anyone Interested in First Amendment History and Decisions

A logical, organized, and dispassionate look at a wide variety of First Amendment cases that have reached the Supreme Court. Camp lays out clear explanations of what was being contested in each case and provides objective background and analysis. Her brief questions at the end of each chapter are good for thoughtful review by the individual reader, as well as for class or small group discussions. This would be a good reference for many church libraries.

Written by a lawyer, easy to read for the rest of us

What makes this book invaluable is that it's easily accessable to all readers who want to understand what is normally written in "lawyer speak". It's not dumbed down--not in the least--but Ms. Page Camp has a gift for giving wonderful examples void of confusion. Her writing is fresh and interesting, which is often hard to find in books written by lawyers, LOL. She knows her audience and understands concerns without resorting to bias. A definite must-read.

An Essential Resource

I found this book to be both informative and without bias, something which is hard to find in today's world where there are so few sources for information which is fair and balanced. Anyone interested in First Amendment issues as they relate to the separation of church and state or in the religious rights we as Americans enjoy will benefit from this book. It is filled with case studies from a wide range of First Amendment issues we face today including prayer in school and religious displays on public properties. This book has a wealth of information in one easy to use volume, perfect for those of us who do not have the time or resources to purchase a personal law library. It is about time there was a book like this. Brilliant!