This book uses the discourse of religious liberty; often expressed as one favoring a separation between church and state; to explore racial differences during an era of American empire building (1750–1900). Discussions of religious liberty in America during this time often revolved around the fitness of certain ethnic or racial groups to properly exercise their freedom of conscience. Significant fear existed that groups outside the Anglo-Protestant mainstream might somehow undermine the American experiment in ordered republican liberty. Hence; repeated calls could be heard for varying forms of assimilation to normative Protestant ideals about religious expression. Though Americans pride themselves on their secular society; it is worth interrogating the exclusive and even violent genealogy of such secular values. When doing so; it is important to understand the racial limitations of the discourse of religious freedom for various aspects of American political culture. The following account of the history of religious liberty seeks to destabilize the widespread assumption that the dominant American culture inevitably trends toward greater freedom in the realm of personal expression.
#1216351 in Books Barnes n Noble 2004-07-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.11 x 5.43 x .0l; .0 #File Name: 0760759200752 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Be right in the thick of itBy maverickExcellent recall by the General but the maps were poor without which it is difficult to follow as his detail gets lost without them. Those supplied in the book are poor but having access by another means would greatly improve the read and understanding. If you really want see what went on; this book tells it and why.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Another Good Deal...By Cat in the HatAnyone interested in Civil War history must get this book. We heard about it on a history program; and; of course; I checked first. I have never bought a used book; but I took a chance on this one because the price was so much better than the new one. rated it as "used in good condition;" and it was even better than that. I'm not sure the previous owner even read the book. We are delighted with the inside and the outside of this book. We have never been disappointed with an purchase.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. T.M.V.I. (Too Much Vague Information)By Annie Van AukenIn the past 30 years I've read many books related to the Civil War; both by modern authors and former partipants or eyewitness observers. By far; James Longstreet's FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX has been the most difficult.Perhaps the content of other editions is different; but my 1992 hardcover copy (reproducing original plates) is lacking in one critical necessity: there are no detailed maps. Trying to follow Longstreet's battle and maneuver descriptions without these is impossible. Also; as an author; the former Confederate general is at best an adequate report writer.To illustrate the boggle that is most of this very long book; here's a paragraph chosen at random:"On the 27th; General Johnston received information that General McDowell's corps was at Fredericksburg; and on the march to reinforce McClellan's right at Mechanicsville. He prepared to attack McClellan before McDowell could reach him."Well that's pretty clear. But then we have..."To this end he withdrew Smith's division from the Williamsburg road; relieving it by the division of D.H. Hill; withdrew Longstreet's division from its position; and A.P. Hill's from Ashland. The fighting column was to be under General G.W. Smith; his next in rank; and General Whiting was assigned command of Smith's division;---the column to consist of A.P. Hill's; Whiting's; and D.R. Jones's divisions. The latter was posted between the Mechanicsville pike and Meadow Bridge road. A.P. Hill was to march direct against McClellan's outpost at Mechanicsville; Whiting to cross the river at Meadow Bridge; and D.R. Jones at Mechanicsville; thus completing the column of attack on the east side."And then Longstreet describes what's happening to the west.By the way; can you get a clear mental picture of any of the above paragraph? Of greater importance: is any of this trivia really necessary?Alas; for every fascinating little nugget to be found here; like Longstreet calling R.E. Lee's battle report on Gettysburg "disingenuous;" there's dozens of pages filled with "this colonel's regiment was here; that captain's battery was there; so-and-so's cavalry were placed yonder." Longstreet is a deadly dull read. It's not that he can't see the forest for the trees; General L. is hung up on the positions of individual leaves.I cannot in good conscience recommend FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX to any but the most devoted; minutiae-minded Civil War scholar. Shelby Foote this ain't.
