The United States is home to some 2000 different religious denominations, a fact which makes remarkable the relative calm that has marked the nation's spiritual life. The authors discuss the political and social contexts within which American religious congregations manage to get along so well.

This new book by best-selling author Rev. Dr. Marvin McMickle (now president of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School) is a rich and provocative exploration of the Baptist distinctive of separation of church and state and its historic expression in the social justice traditions of the African American church. Featuring historical examples as well as personal experiences, Dr. McMickle argues for the vital role of the preacher, not only in prophetic preaching and teaching on social issues but also in serving the community and challenging the government, whether from within or without.