The Establishment Clause

The Establishment Clause
Author: Leonard W. Levy
Publisher: UNC Press Books
Total Pages: 222
Release: 2017-03-01
Genre: Law
ISBN: 146962043X

Leonard Levy's classic work examines the circumstances that led to the writing of the establishment clause of the First Amendment: 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. . . .' He argues that, contrary to popular belief, the framers of the Constitution intended to prohibit government aid to religion even on an impartial basis. He thus refutes the view of 'nonpreferentialists,' who interpret the clause as allowing such aid provided that the assistance is not restricted to a preferred church. For this new edition, Levy has added to his original arguments and incorporated much new material, including an analysis of Jefferson's ideas on the relationship between church and state and a discussion of the establishment clause cases brought before the Supreme Court since the book was originally published in 1986.

The Federalist Papers

The Federalist Papers
Author: Alexander Hamilton
Publisher: Read Books Ltd
Total Pages: 420
Release: 2018-08-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1528785878

Classic Books Library presents this brand new edition of “The Federalist Papers”, a collection of separate essays and articles compiled in 1788 by Alexander Hamilton. Following the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776, the governing doctrines and policies of the States lacked cohesion. “The Federalist”, as it was previously known, was constructed by American statesman Alexander Hamilton, and was intended to catalyse the ratification of the United States Constitution. Hamilton recruited fellow statesmen James Madison Jr., and John Jay to write papers for the compendium, and the three are known as some of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Alexander Hamilton (c. 1755–1804) was an American lawyer, journalist and highly influential government official. He also served as a Senior Officer in the Army between 1799-1800 and founded the Federalist Party, the system that governed the nation’s finances. His contributions to the Constitution and leadership made a significant and lasting impact on the early development of the nation of the United States.

Keeping Faith with the Constitution

Keeping Faith with the Constitution
Author: Goodwin Liu
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 274
Release: 2010-08-05
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0199752834

Chief Justice John Marshall argued that a constitution "requires that only its great outlines should be marked [and] its important objects designated." Ours is "intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs." In recent years, Marshall's great truths have been challenged by proponents of originalism and strict construction. Such legal thinkers as Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia argue that the Constitution must be construed and applied as it was when the Framers wrote it. In Keeping Faith with the Constitution, three legal authorities make the case for Marshall's vision. They describe their approach as "constitutional fidelity"--not to how the Framers would have applied the Constitution, but to the text and principles of the Constitution itself. The original understanding of the text is one source of interpretation, but not the only one; to preserve the meaning and authority of the document, to keep it vital, applications of the Constitution must be shaped by precedent, historical experience, practical consequence, and societal change. The authors range across the history of constitutional interpretation to show how this approach has been the source of our greatest advances, from Brown v. Board of Education to the New Deal, from the Miranda decision to the expansion of women's rights. They delve into the complexities of voting rights, the malapportionment of legislative districts, speech freedoms, civil liberties and the War on Terror, and the evolution of checks and balances. The Constitution's framers could never have imagined DNA, global warming, or even women's equality. Yet these and many more realities shape our lives and outlook. Our Constitution will remain vital into our changing future, the authors write, if judges remain true to this rich tradition of adaptation and fidelity.

The Faiths of the Founding Fathers

The Faiths of the Founding Fathers
Author: David L. Holmes
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2006-05-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 0199740968

It is not uncommon to hear Christians argue that America was founded as a Christian nation. But how true is this claim? In this compact book, David L. Holmes offers a clear, concise and illuminating look at the spiritual beliefs of our founding fathers. He begins with an informative account of the religious culture of the late colonial era, surveying the religious groups in each colony. In particular, he sheds light on the various forms of Deism that flourished in America, highlighting the profound influence this intellectual movement had on the founding generation. Holmes then examines the individual beliefs of a variety of men and women who loom large in our national history. He finds that some, like Martha Washington, Samuel Adams, John Jay, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson's daughters, held orthodox Christian views. But many of the most influential figures, including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, Jefferson, James and Dolley Madison, and James Monroe, were believers of a different stripe. Respectful of Christianity, they admired the ethics of Jesus, and believed that religion could play a beneficial role in society. But they tended to deny the divinity of Christ, and a few seem to have been agnostic about the very existence of God. Although the founding fathers were religious men, Holmes shows that it was a faith quite unlike the Christianity of today's evangelicals. Holmes concludes by examining the role of religion in the lives of the presidents since World War II and by reflecting on the evangelical resurgence that helped fuel the reelection of George W. Bush. An intriguing look at a neglected aspect of our history, the book will appeal to American history buffs as well as to anyone concerned about the role of religion in American culture.

Constitution is Born, A

Constitution is Born, A
Author: Swanson, Norma
Publisher: Aspect Books
Total Pages: 269
Release: 2016-09-22
Genre: History
ISBN: 1479606464

Now, as never before, basic knowledge of our governmental heritage is essential if we want to be empowered to keep elected officials accountable and defeat the forces that would destroy our freedoms. The truths of the Constitution must be embedded in our hearts—(not blocked out by social media or minds captured by electronic devices) as it is the only way to a guarantee of freedom. Since the celebration of the 200th anniversary of our Constitution, all three departments of government have, to a large degree, ignored the Constitution. Neglect of the principles contained in our Constitution has been responsible for the loss of many of the freedoms it guaranteed. A Constitution is Born was written to be a clarion call, loud and clear, for renewed patriotism, a love for country and above all a realization that our direction comes from God, not from man, and we are responsible to Him, our Maker. This brief history of the U.S. Constitution with relevant information is to be a sword of the Lord, piercing the heart and soul, invoking action to carry out His plan as He makes it known to us. Our continuing prayer is that this book will find a special place in the hearts of Americans and that they will read it to their children to provide insight and understanding as to what it means to be a free, courageous American with increased faith in our God who has brought us this far. "The importance of educating our youth about the principles set forth in our Constitution has always been high on my list of priorities. I am pleased and excited to recommend the work of Barbara Aud and Norma Swanson through A Constitution is Born. The book provides a brief history of the Constitution and what it means in layman's terms"—Ronald M. Mann, Former Director and Deputy Director of the Commission of the Bi-Centennial of the Constitution, Special Advisor to President Ronald Reagan "Norma Swanson and Barbara Aud’s new book, A Constitution is Born is a must-read for every American citizen. In this fascinating book, they trace the invisable hand of God in formulating the foundational guiding document for our nation. This book is essential reading for everyone who wants to know the truth of the founding of our country."—Dr. Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas and Fox News Contributor. "Our children must understand the freedoms that the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution guarantees for all Americans if our republic is to survive. A Constitution is Born is a vital tool available to all parents, teachers, and all who love liberty. Read this book, teach it to your children, share it with your students, tell your neighbors about it. This is something you can do to light freedom’s way for generations to come."—Dr. Robert Sweet, Jr., Professional Staff Member, Committee on Education and the Workforce, United States House of Representatives "As you become aware of today's political and social climate and the attack on our freedoms, you can't help but think A Constitution is Born could not have been published in a timelier manner. Citizens both young and old, now more than ever, need to understand the sacrifice and principles that were so thoughtfully crafted in the Constitution by its designers. Every household, school and church should have this book and integrate the principles and truths into their lives."—Rose Gamblen, Ph.D, Educational Specialist and Published Author, Professor, Penn State, Producer and Co-Host of My Home School Companion, radio network "I APPLAUD Barbara Aud and Norma Swanson for their many hours of research and labor in producing this very timely book, A Constitution is Born. Never before have we needed to provide for our youth a basic understanding of how they received the freedom by which they live, and how the hand of God moved in the forming of the nation as we know it today. As an educator, I highly recommend that every home and parent make this book a 'must' in the education of their children."—Dr. Arthur Nazigian, Board Chairman Emeritus, Association of Christian Schools International, Published Author, Charter member ACSI Board.

Constitutional Faith

Constitutional Faith
Author: Sanford Levinson
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2011-09-11
Genre: History
ISBN: 0691152403

"The book is intended to make clearer the ambiguities of "constitutional faith," i.e. wholehearted attachment to the Constitution as the center of one's (and ultimately the nation's) political life."--The introduction.

Rituals in Early Christianity

Rituals in Early Christianity
Author:
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 375
Release: 2020-10-12
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9004441727

Informed by the paradigmatic shift in ritual and liturgical studies, this volume offers analyses of key ritual traditions in early Christianity. The case studies focus on the dynamic formation and transformation of rituals in the context of Greco-Roman religion, Judaism, and Islam.