Religion Returns to the Public Square: Faith and Policy in America

Religion Returns to the Public Square Faith and Policy in America Despite talk of a naked public square religion has never really lost its place in American public life As the twenty first century opened it was re emerging in unexpected and paradoxical ways Religi

Despite talk of a naked public square, religion has never really lost its place in American public life As the twenty first century opened, it was re emerging in unexpected and paradoxical ways Religious institutions were considered for expanded roles in welfare and education, at the same time that the limits of religious pluralism as, for example, in the relation ofDespite talk of a naked public square, religion has never really lost its place in American public life As the twenty first century opened, it was re emerging in unexpected and paradoxical ways Religious institutions were considered for expanded roles in welfare and education, at the same time that the limits of religious pluralism as, for example, in the relation of Islam to American values became a question of urgent public concern.Religion Returns to the Public Square Faith and Policy in America explores how and why religion has to be mixed up with American politics Uncovering philosophical, historical, legal, and social roots of this relationship, these essays go beyond hot button issues to reflect on the current interactions and future possibilities of religion and politics in America.Table of ContentsPart I The Big Picture1 An Introduction to Religion and Public Policy Hugh Heclo2 Two Concepts of Secularism Wilfred M McClay3 The Religious Conscience and the State in American Constitutional Law, 1789 2000 Charles J Reid, Jr.4 What is a Public Religion Jose CasanovaPart II Religion in Political Action5 Faith and Morals Religion in American Democracy Wilson Carey McWilliams6 Faith in Politics A James Reichley7 Mainstream Protestantism, Conservative Religion, and Civil Society D G HartPart III Policy Applications8 American Catholicism, Catholic Charities U.S.A and Welfare Reform John A Coleman, S.J.9 Chari