Monsma's analysis of patterns in the relationship between religiously based nonprofit groups and government funding agencies and his proposal of a new standard for evaluating this interaction will likely circulate where such books as Stephen L. Carter's
Culture of Disbelief (1993) are popular. Monsma, a Pepperdine University political science professor, surveyed more than 1,600 nonprofits (766 responded); the groups work in international relief, child and family services, and postsecondary education. Like secular groups, religiously based nonprofits receive substantial government funding; so far, they have not had problems, but Monsma sees "warning signs . . . indicating their religious autonomy is in an unsafe, precarious position." Monsma argues for replacing the "wall of separation" argument the Supreme Court still uses to limit federal aid to religiously based elementary and secondary education with "positive neutrality," which would allow funding for programs as long as the religiously based nonprofit does not teach intolerance and agrees to comply with nonintrusive accountability standards.
Mary Carroll
Review
Highly recommended for academics, lawyers, and political leaders. (
Choice )
This is the book on the next hot subject: plans to draw on faith-based groups for our social reconstruction. It contains evidence, provides analysis--and judgment. One of the best. (Etzioni, Amitai )
Provides useful information, careful analysis, and powerful recommendations on this important problem. (Reichley, A James )
Stephen Monsma provides powerful historical, legal, constitutional, and practical support for the idea that religious institutions should be more involved in the delivery of needed public services to all Americans. I hope the Supreme Court is reading. (Michael W. McConnell )
Stephen V. Monsma's well-researched study develops an enhanced conceptual framework for the expanded role of religious-based nonprofits in implementing public policies. (Rev. Sullivan, Kevin )
Those who advocate a high wall separating church and state- wanted to find out about and cut public funding for religious no-profits, they would do well to read Stephen V. Monsma's 'When Sacred and Secular Mix' (
Philanthropy )
