Thirteen essays written by leading scholars explore the impact of a rich variety of religious traditions on the political thought of America's founders.

A balanced and lively look at the role of religion between colonization and the 1840s.

Even before the founders were dead and buried, the American public had developed an extraordinary curiosity about their faith commitments (or lack thereof) and the influence of religion on the constitutional republic they established. This volume offers essays on a variety of religious views and beliefs that shaped late-eighteenth-century public life, such as the contribution of evangelical denominations to advancing religious liberty.

A collection of America's historians, philosophers and theologians examines the role of religion in the founding of the United States. These essays, originally delivered at the Library of Congress, presents scholarship on a topic that still generates considerable controversy. Readers interested in colonial history, religion and politics, and the relationship between church and state should find the book helpful. Contributors include Daniel L. Driesbach, John Witte Jr, Thomas E. Buckley, Mark A. Knoll, Catherine A. Brekus, Michael Novak and James Hutson.