BEYOND BELIEF, BEYOND CONSCIENCE

Historical review of America’s concept of freedom of religion.

In the latest entry in the publisher’s Inalienable Rights series, Pulitzer Prize winner Rakove uses a historical rather than legal approach, providing a balanced and intriguing look at the origins of religious freedom. The author discusses the conflicts, theories, and personalities that led to the creation of the religion clauses of the First Amendment, and then he tracks how that amendment was tested throughout American history, both judicially and culturally. He begins, necessarily, with the experience in mainland Europe and England, demonstrating how many of the rights we take for granted have roots in strife and inequality. The irony of living in a society that promotes religious freedom is that “one no longer needs to know what religious toleration originally meant.” Indeed, this is Rakove’s most significant contribution: causing readers to look past the legal story and realize the social, cultural, and philosophical elements involved in the modern idea of freedom of religion. After exploring the writings of John Locke and the experience of Puritans and early Colonial dissenters, the author discusses the vital roles of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in translating theories of tolerance into codified law and practice. Looking at the 19th century, Rakove shows how growing numbers of Catholic immigrants and the advent of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strained the concept of religious freedom in a Protestant-centered America. The 20th century brought further tension, especially where religious conviction ran up against government and civil activity. In the end, Rakove echoes Madison by concluding that greater disestablishment leads to a healthier, freer practice of religion. Though academic in tone, the book will be accessible to diligent readers.

A worthwhile look at a freedom too often taken for granted.