State Shelters for Religion: An Analysis and Sourcebook (005)

By Dean M. Kelley

This book examines a variety of state shelters for religion, ranging from laws against sacrilege to delegation of civil powers to small religious conclaves. Some of these shelters that protect religious exercise from governmental regulation are constitutionally justifiable; others that confer governmental endorsement or authority to religious entities are not. Tax exemption of churches has been a particular zone of controversy, and two theories of exemption are analyzed. The phenomenon of pseudo-churches seeking to qualify for laws protecting religion is discussed, along with the broader question of how religion or church should be defined by law. In addition, the Supreme Court's sharply divided opinions on creches and crosses are examined and critiqued.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031327875X
• ISBN13: 9780313278754
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Greenwood Pub Group
• Weight: 1.74 lbs.