Whether America was founded as a Christian nation or as a secular republic is one of the most fiercely debated questions in American history. Historians Matthew Harris and Thomas Kidd offer an authoritative examination of the essential documents needed to understand this debate. The texts included in this volume - writings and speeches from both well-known and obscure early American thinkers - show that religion played a prominent yet fractious role in the era of the American Revolution. In their personal beliefs; the Founders ranged from profound skeptics like Thomas Paine to traditional Christians like Patrick Henry. Nevertheless; most of the Founding Fathers rallied around certain crucial religious principles; including the idea that people were "created" equal; the belief that religious freedom required the disestablishment of state-backed denominations; the necessity of virtue in a republic; and the role of Providence in guiding the affairs of nations. Harris and Kidd show that through the struggles of war and the framing of the Constitution; Americans sought to reconcile their dedication to religious vitality with their commitment to religious freedom.
#4087253 in Books Jeffrey G Snodgrass 2006-08-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.10 x .60 x 9.10l; .79 #File Name: 0195307755256 pagesCasting Kings Bards and Indian Modernity
Review
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating readBy J. Vyvial-larsonThis book is an incredible analysis of the Bhat culture. Smart; interesting and sensitive; Casting Kings is a must for those learning about identity in modern India.
