To “set the historical record straight” about Christianity’s role in building America’s foundation, Professor Hall narrates a more complete picture of this nation’s beginnings than those who have minimized the role of religion. He also summarizes today’s church-state issues, questioning unsupported assertions, drawing supportable conclusions, suggesting further reading, and amply footnoting sources (pp. 161-210). Those who want to own just one book on this subject should consider buying this one because of its range of topics and hints about further research options.
Hall offers revealing insights, including one about Thomas Jefferson’s famous metaphor. Some argue that the First Amendment was intended to wall off religion from the public square by relying upon Jefferson’s 1802 Danbury Baptist letter as authoritative interpretation of the country’s first freedom. But because Jefferson was in France from 1785 until late 1789, there’s a timeline problem. When other founders drafted the Bill of Rights, he wasn’t even there, so how could Jefferson fully understand or accurately convey what other founders struggled to enact? After he returned, ratification continued, but “there are no records of him participating in any of these debates or attempting to influence them.”
Though this book is “intended for the reading public,” I wouldn’t be surprised if after finishing it, some readers will want to know more on this timely, controversial subject and continue their own research.
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